U.S. patent application number 11/728709 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-04 for climbing treestand.
Invention is credited to Raymond L. Bedell.
Application Number | 20070227818 11/728709 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38557188 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070227818 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bedell; Raymond L. |
October 4, 2007 |
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.
Inventors: |
Bedell; Raymond L.;
(Providence, UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STEVEN L. NICHOLS;RADER, FISHMAN & GRAVER PLLC
10653 S. RIVER FRONT PARKWAY, SUITE 150
SOUTH JORDAN
UT
84095
US
|
Family ID: |
38557188 |
Appl. No.: |
11/728709 |
Filed: |
March 27, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60787098 |
Mar 28, 2006 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
182/136 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01M 31/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
182/136 |
International
Class: |
A63B 27/00 20060101
A63B027/00 |
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.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 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
[0002] 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.
[0003] 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."
[0004] 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
[0005] 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.
[0006] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary top piece of a
climbing tree stand, according to principles described herein.
[0007] FIG. 2 is an illustration of an exemplary bottom piece of a
climbing tree strand, according to principles described herein.
[0008] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a view of an exemplary bottom
piece of a climbing tree stand, according to principles described
herein.
[0009] FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary ratchet mechanism,
according to principles described herein.
[0010] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a portion of an exemplary
ratchet mechanism and an exemplary toothed belt, according to
principles described herein.
[0011] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a user carrying an exemplary
climbing tree stand, according to principles described herein.
[0012] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a user pulling an exemplary
climbing tree stand behind him, according to principles described
herein.
[0013] FIG. 8 is an illustration of an exemplary climbing tree
stand in the process of ascending a tree, according to principles
described herein.
[0014] FIG. 9 is an illustration of an exemplary climbing tree
stand in the process of ascending a tree, according to principles
described herein.
[0015] FIG. 10 is an illustration of an exemplary climbing tree
stand in the process of ascending a tree, according to principles
described herein.
[0016] FIG. 11 is an illustration of an exemplary climbing tree
stand in the process of ascending a tree, according to principles
described herein.
[0017] FIG. 12 is an illustration of an exemplary climbing tree
stand in the process of ascending a tree, according to principles
described herein.
[0018] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of
ascending a tree, according to principles described herein.
[0019] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of
ascending a tree, according to principles described herein.
[0020] Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers
designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] 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.
[0025] The principles disclosed herein will now be discussed with
respect to exemplary climbing treestand apparatus and systems for
climbing trees.
Exemplary Apparatus
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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).
[0030] 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).
[0031] 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).
[0032] 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).
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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).
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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).
[0038] 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).
[0039] 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).
[0040] 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).
[0041] 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).
[0042] 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).
[0043] 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
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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).
[0047] 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.
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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).
[0050] 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).
[0051] 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).
[0052] 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
[0053] 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.
[0054] 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.
[0055] 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.
* * * * *