U.S. patent application number 12/199641 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-25 for foothold for climbing tree stands.
Invention is credited to Scott ECHOLS, Keith WILSON, Ronald R. WOLLER.
Application Number | 20080314684 12/199641 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34827462 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080314684 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WOLLER; Ronald R. ; et
al. |
December 25, 2008 |
FOOTHOLD FOR CLIMBING TREE STANDS
Abstract
A climbing tree stand includes a platform, a pair of support
arms attached to the platform, and a pair of stirrup-like devices
attached to the platform or the support arms and extending
generally over the platform. The pair of stirrup-like devices are
substantially rigid, and each comprises a molded plastic body. In
one embodiment, the substantially rigid stirrup-like devices are
attached to the support arms of the climbing tree stand and
generally are curved downwardly towards the platform.
Inventors: |
WOLLER; Ronald R.; (Decatur,
AL) ; WILSON; Keith; (Hartselle, AL) ; ECHOLS;
Scott; (Eva, AL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GARDNER GROFF GREENWALD & VILLANUEVA. PC
2018 POWERS FERRY ROAD, SUITE 800
ATLANTA
GA
30339
US
|
Family ID: |
34827462 |
Appl. No.: |
12/199641 |
Filed: |
August 27, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10776845 |
Feb 11, 2004 |
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12199641 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
182/187 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 27/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
182/187 |
International
Class: |
A63B 27/00 20060101
A63B027/00 |
Claims
1. A foot engaging member for use with a climbing tree stand
assembly including a platform and a support member attached to the
platform, comprising: a mounting portion for attachment to the
climbing tree stand assembly; and a rigid tail portion having a
curved elongate body and extending away from the mounting
portion.
2. The foot engaging member of claim 1, wherein the mounting
portion is configured to be attached to the support member of the
climbing tree stand assembly.
3. The foot engaging member of claim 2, wherein the tail portion is
configured to extend generally downwardly toward the platform of
the tree stand assembly.
4. The foot engaging member of claim 1, wherein the foot engaging
member comprises substantially rigid molded plastic.
5. The foot engaging member of claim 1, wherein the mounting
portion is configured to secure the foot engaging member to either
the support member or to the platform.
6. The foot engaging member of claim 5, wherein the mounting
portion is secured to the support member with a fastener.
7. A climbing tree stand assembly comprising: a platform; a pair of
support arms attached to the platform; and a pair of rigid
footholds attached to the platform or the support arms and
extending generally over the platform.
8. The climbing tree stand assembly of claim 7, wherein the pair of
footholds each comprise a curved elongate body portion and a
clamping portion for attaching to either the platform or the
support arms.
9. The climbing tree stand assembly of claim 8, wherein the curved
elongate body portions extend generally over the platform.
10. The climbing tree stand assembly of claim 9, wherein the
footholds each comprise a molded plastic body.
11. In a climbing tree stand including a platform and a pair of
support arms attached to the platform, the climbing tree stand for
use by a user, the improvement therein comprising: a pair of rigid
foothold devices attached to the platform or the support arms.
12. The improvement of claim 11 wherein the rigid foothold devices
extend generally between the support arms and the platform.
13. The improvement of claim 11 wherein the rigid foothold devices
comprise a curved elongate body portion and an attachment portion
for attaching to either the platform or the support arms.
14. The improvement of claim 13 wherein the rigid foothold devices
comprise a molded plastic body.
15. The improvement of claim 13 wherein the attachment portion of
the rigid foothold devices comprises a yoke for fastening to one of
the support arms.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a continuation of co-pending
application Ser. No. 10/776,845, filed Feb. 11, 2004, for a
FOOTHOLD FOR CLIMBING TREESTANDS, which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety for all purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to climbing tree
stands and in particular relates to a foothold or stirrup-like
device for use with such tree stands.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] For some years now, climbing tree stands have incorporated
some form of flexible webbing attached to the outboard edges and
the centerline of the standing platform, thus forming two loops
under which the user would position his/her feet. The use of straps
or webbing has become the dominant method of securing one's feet to
climbing tree stand platforms. Originally, the loop size was fixed
and required an elastic cord to be positioned behind the ankles to
assure that the straps would not slip off the feet of the user.
Later, an adjustable webbing system was designed to provide more
versatility by accommodating different shoe sizes. The major
problem with webbing-based systems is the requirement that the user
be physically able to bend over and lift the strap to insert one's
feet. Considering that this is being accomplished at an elevated
position prior to descending from a hunt, there are certain obvious
inherent risks in this task that could result in a fall.
[0004] One device attempted to overcome these shortcomings by
utilizing a straight bar or tube that spanned from one side frame
to the opposite side frame. However, this device does not allow any
lateral pressure to be applied to aid in control of the tree stand
platform.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Briefly described, in an illustrative form the present
invention comprises a climbing tree stand assembly including a
platform and a pair of support arms attached to the platform. The
climbing tree stand assembly also includes a pair of stirrup-like
devices attached to the platform or the support arms and extending
generally over the platform. Preferably, the stirrup-like devices
each comprise a curved elongate body portion and a clamping portion
for attaching to either the platform or the support arms. In one
form of the invention, the clamping portions are attached to the
support arms. Preferably, the stirrup-like devices are
substantially rigid. In one form, the stirrup-like devices can be
molded of plastic.
[0006] Defined another way, the present invention can comprise a
substantially rigid foot engaging member for use with a climbing
tree stand of the type including a platform and a support member
attached to the platform. Preferably, the foot engaging member
includes a first portion for attachment to the climbing tree stand
and another portion having a curved elongate body and extending
away from the first portion. The first portion can include a
clamping or mounting part for attachment to the tree stand.
Preferably, the first portion is adjustably mounted on the tree
stand so that different sized feet/shoes (or boots) can be
accommodated therein. Preferably, the foot engaging member and the
tree stand cooperate to form a stirrup-like structure into which
the user can place a foot or shoe or boot. In one form, the foot
engaging member is molded from plastic and is arcuate. Other
materials can be employed, as well as other shapes.
[0007] Generally speaking, the present invention forms somewhat of
a "stirrup" that the user can slide his or her foot under and apply
both lateral control and upward force to securely manipulate the
climbing tree stand platform and perform the necessary actions
required to ascend and descend the tree. Optionally, the device is
adjustable for different shoe sizes by simply sliding the stirrup
up or down the side frame. The downward extension of the stirrup
allows the user to apply lateral force against the stirrup, further
increasing the control of the tree stand platform as it is
manipulated up and down the tree. In summary, this invention is a
"hands-free" device that is a significant improvement over the
conventional webbing design, primarily in the important categories
of speed, ease-of-use and safety.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a foothold according to an
illustrative form of the present invention shown attached to a
climbing tree stand.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the foothold of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a side sectional view taken along the lines A-A of
FIG. 2.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a front sectional view taken along the lines B-B
of FIG. 2.
[0012] FIGS. 5A-5D are detailed views of the foothold of FIG. 1,
shown apart from the climbing tree stand.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0013] Referring now in detail to the drawing figures, wherein like
reference numerals depict like parts throughout the several views,
FIG. 1 illustrates one form of the present invention, in particular
a climbing tree stand assembly 10. The climbing tree stand assembly
10 preferably includes a rigid climbing tree stand 15. In the
illustrative embodiment depicted in the figures, the climbing tree
stand 15 is shown as a cable-style tree stand. Those skilled in the
art will recognize that the present invention is not limited to
this particular style of climbing tree stand and that many
different styles and designs of tree stands can be employed in or
with the present invention. The climbing tree stand assembly 10
also includes a pair of rigid footholds or stirrups 100, 101. The
footholds or stirrups 100, 101 are identical to one another, only
their orientation on the climbing tree stand 10 differs. The
immediately following section describes a cable-style climbing tree
stand 15 that can be used in the present invention. After
describing the stand, the description will continue with a
description of the footholds or stirrups 100, 101.
The Stand
[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the climbing tree stand 15 includes a
rigid platform structure indicated at 11 and a cable attachment
indicated at 12. The rigid platform structure 11 includes a
platform assembly indicated at 13. The platform assembly 13
includes a peripheral frame assembly 14 and a series of slats, such
as slats 16-19. The peripheral frame assembly 14 also includes side
frame members 27 and 28, as well as a generally U-shaped platform
frame 31. The side frames 27 and 28 are welded to the U-shaped
platform frame 31 in the vicinity of regions 29 and 30.
[0015] The U-shaped platform frame 31 includes three portions which
lie in the plane of the platform assembly 13, namely portions 32,
33, and 34. Moreover, the U-shaped platform frame 31 also includes
two upwardly angled portions 36 and 37 for supporting the platform
assembly adjacent a tree and for attachment to the cable attachment
12. Upwardly angled portions 36 and 37 have side surfaces 51, 52
and 53, 54, respectively. As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 1, the angled
portions 36, 37 are oriented at an acute angle with respect to the
remainder of the platform assembly 13. Preferably, the angle
.alpha. is between about 10.degree. and 40.degree. and most
preferably is about 26.degree. or so and form crotches 21 and 22.
While 26.degree. has been found to work very well, other angles
will work also. At the ends of the upwardly angled portions 36 and
37, cable retention cleats 38 and 39 are formed. The cable
retention cleats 38, 39 can also be described as slotted clasps or
sockets.
[0016] A U-shaped vertical frame 41 extends between the side frames
27 and 28 and the cable retention cleats 38 and 39 of the upwardly
angled portions 36 and 37 of the U-shaped platform frame 31. A
generally V-shaped yoke 42 is positioned beneath the U-shaped
vertical frame 41, is welded thereto, and faces away from the
platform assembly 13. The yoke 42 is adapted for at least partly
straddling the tree and will be described in more detail below.
[0017] The frame components just described are made from 18 gauge
steel tubing, 13/16 inches square. The individual pieces thereof
are welded together and then powder coated (painted) to avoid
corrosion.
[0018] Referring again to the generally V-shaped yoke 42 of FIG. 2,
the yoke includes tubular sections 46 and 47. Preferably, the
inside faces 43 and 44 of the tubular sections 46, 47 are provided
with a scalloped sill to help grip the tree and to avoid slippage
in use.
[0019] Having now described the basic structure of the platform
itself, attention is directed to the cable attachment 12. For
clarity of illustration, FIG. 1 depicts one end of the cable
retained by cleat 38 and the other end of the cable retained by
cleat 39. The cable attachment 12 includes a cable 50 adapted to be
looped about a tree and may further include a series of cylindrical
nuts (collars) formed on the cable at the ends thereof. The nuts
(or sleeves) can be in the form of cylindrical ferrules that have
been swaged onto the cable 50. Of course, those skilled in the art
will recognize that other shapes for the nuts can be employed as
well. For example, the nuts could be spherical or box-shaped. The
cylindrically-shaped nuts provide good strength at a reasonable
cost.
[0020] Referring now again to FIG. 2, some other aspects of the
platform and frame assembly will be considered. As shown in FIG. 2,
the V-shaped yoke 42 includes first and second tubular sections 46
and 47, each of which is oriented at an angle .beta. of 56.degree.
with respect to the U-shaped vertical frame 41. As a result, the
included angle between the tubular sections 46 and 47 is
68.degree.. It has been found that this angle is particularly
effective for engaging a tree and results in the yoke at least
partly straddling the tree over a wide range of diameters,
including trees having diameters between about 8'' and slightly
more than 20''. Applicants have also found that an included angle
of 72.degree. works very well too.
The Stirrups/Footholds
[0021] As depicted in FIG. 1, the climbing tree stand assembly 10
also includes a pair of rigid footholds or stirrups 100, 101. FIGS.
5A-5D detail the structure of the foothold 100. It should be noted
that the structure of the foothold 101 is identical to that of the
foothold 100, only the mounted orientation on the climbing tree
stand 10 differs.
[0022] The foothold 100 has a proximal end 102 and a distal end
103. Near the proximal end 102 is a head portion 104, and near the
distal end 103 is a tail portion 105. Preferably, the head portion
104 and the tail portion 105 form a single continuous component.
The head portion 104 and the tail portion 105 are constructed of a
substantially rigid material. In one embodiment, the head portion
102 and the tail portion 104 comprise a molded plastic body. Of
course, those skilled in the art will recognize that other
materials for the footholds 100, 101 can be employed as well. For
example, the footholds 100, 101 could be constructed of another
durable material, such as a metal.
[0023] The head portion 104 includes a generally U-shaped clamping
member 106 that can be mated with the upwardly angled portion 36.
The U-shaped clamping member 106 has three portions, namely flanges
108, 110 and surface 112. Flange 108 has a bore 114 for receiving
the bolt 118 and a fastener opening 115 therethrough. Flange 110
has a hexagonal nut retention socket 116 and a fastener opening 117
therethrough. The bolt 118 is secured to the head portion 104 with
a locknut 120.
[0024] The tail portion 105 comprises a curved elongate body
portion 122 that is curved generally downwardly toward the distal
end 103. Preferably, with the foothold 100 attached to the angled
portion 36, the tail portion 105 is configured to the engage a foot
of the user of the tree stand 15. Those skilled in the art will
recognize that the footholds 100, 101 can include other shapes that
are configured to engage the feet of the user.
[0025] In one embodiment of the climbing tree stand assembly 10,
the clamping members 106 of the footholds 100, 101 are secured to
the angled portions 36, 37 at preselected locations. The
preselected locations are determined by the size of the user's feet
such that the distance between point A, located at the distal end
103 of the foothold 100, and point B, located at crotch 21, is wide
enough to accommodate the user's right foot. It should be noted the
footholds 100, 101 can be positioned at any location along the
angled portions 36, 37. For example, if the user has a relatively
small foot, then the distance between points A and B can be
decreased by moving the head portion 104 of the foothold 100 along
angled portion 36 towards the platform 11. If the user has a
relatively large foot, then the distance between points A and B can
be increased by moving the head portion 104 of the foothold 100
along angled portion 36 toward the cleat 38.
[0026] In one embodiment, the flanges 108, 110 of the foothold 100
engage the side surfaces 51, 52 of the angled portion 36. Once the
foothold 100 is positioned at the preselected location, the bolt
118 is inserted through opening 115, over angled portion 36, and
then through opening 117 of flange 110. The locknut 120 is threaded
onto the bolt 118 in the retention socket 116, and when tightened,
the locknut 120 secures the bolt 118, and consequently the foothold
100, to the climbing tree stand 15. In this embodiment, when the
clamping member 106 is attached to the angled portion 36, the
elongate body portion 122 of the foothold 100 extends generally
toward and over the platform 11.
[0027] While the invention has been shown and described in
preferred forms, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art
that many modifications, additions, and deletions can be made
therein. For example, the footholds can be secured to the platform
of the tree stand assembly. These and other changes can be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set
forth in the following claims.
* * * * *