Patent Application
20190281812
The present invention relates to elevated platforms, and more particularly to a cross grip securement system for a ladder stand.
There are a variety of elevated platforms that are used to elevate a wildlife observer and/or a hunter to a vantage point above the ground. These platforms are frequently attached to trees, and generally are referred to as tree stands. Tree stands come in a variety of configurations. A popular and rather stable tree stand is the ladder stand. This stand includes a ladder having multiple steps. Attached at the top of the ladder is a platform and a seat. The user can install the seat against a tree, climb the ladder and sit atop the platform and in the seat.
While ladder stands are popular, they suffer several shortcomings. For example, ladder stands are relatively heavy and bulky. Accordingly, they are difficult to transport to a tree stand site and difficult to set up. To set up a ladder stand, a user, typically aided by another helper, will lift the platform and seat upward, tilting the ladder toward the tree trunk while the base of the ladder stays in place. This lifting the ladder stand continues until the upper part of the stand engages the tree trunk at the elevated location.
With a tree stand so positioned, it must be secured so that it will not fall away from the tree trunk. This, however, presents its own issues. Some users, against manufacturer's explicit warnings, will simply climb the ladder stand to the top of the ladder and stand on the platform without prior securement of the stand. While in this position, the user will secure a primary strap horizontally around the trunk and to the back of the seat and/or the platform. Thus, against the warning of the manufacturer, the user climbs the ladder stand while it is unsecured, in which case it could lose contact with a tree and fall.
Some ladder stands are offered with the above noted primary strap, located at the platform and/or seat, as well as secondary straps that are wrapped around the tree well below the platform and seat, more than half way down the height of the ladder or more, and then back toward the bottom of the ladder almost at ground level. These secondary straps extend directly from contact with the tree to the location where they are directly tied to the bottom of the ladder, usually at a lower rung on the ladder. Thus, such secondary straps are tightened to the degree that a user can manually pull on the straps and simultaneously tie them to the ladder. These straps also contact the low on the tree, and over a rather large vertical area on the trunk, which contributes to very low holding forces of these secondary straps. A combination of these factors results in an insignificant force, sometimes less than about 25 pounds, exerted on the tree by those secondary straps, to supplement the force exerted by the primary strap. Accordingly, such secondary straps offer little additional securement to the tree.
Some manufacturers provide an aftermarket ladder stand securement claw which can clamp a portion of a ladder to the tree trunk at an elevated location, thereby providing some level of securement of the ladder to the tree trunk. This securement claw, however, adds weight to the upper extremities of the ladder, and makes the ladder heavier and bulkier, and more difficult to install against the tree. Further, the securement claw typically is removed after the ladder stand is in place. Thus, this device must be carried away from the stand site as well, adding one more item to keep track of and transport by the user.
Accordingly, there remains room for improvement in the field of elevated platforms, and in particular, the securement of ladder stands to trees for hunting or observation activities.
A ladder stand including a ladder, an optional platform, an optional seat, a tree engagement bracket, one or more straps and strap diverter guides is provided.
In one embodiment, the strap diverter guides are placed high on the ladder so that straps, placed around the rear of the tree and over the strap diverter guides, can be placed under sufficient tension to operate as a force multiplier so that the parts of the straps around the tree exert a force significant enough to secure the stand to the tree without the user having to climb the ladder and while the user manipulates the straps on the ground.
In another embodiment, the diverter guides are placed high on the ladder, in the upper part of the length of the ladder, optionally in the upper ½ or ⅓ of the ladder height, so that the straps crisscross one another on the rear of the tree at acute opposite angles so as to distribute a significantly increased force over a small predetermined area and to thereby enhance securement of the ladder stand to the tree via the straps.
In yet another embodiment, the straps can be crisscrossed around a rear surface of a tree and can extend forwardly to respective strap diverter guides. From the diverter guides, the straps can extend downward, optionally substantially parallel to the ladder. A tensioner can provide tension in the straps to exert a significant force on the tree. This in turn, pulls the tree engagement bracket into the tree with a complimentary force to provide safe and stable securement of the ladder stand to the tree. The strap tensioning can be accomplished by a user on the ground, without the user ever having to climb the ladder or secure any additional straps to the tree until after the ladder stand is secured in place with the straps.
In another embodiment, the strap diverter guides can be constructed to include an opening and/or a recess that captures one or more straps. For example, a strap diverter guide can include an upwardly projecting arm or prong that extends along an outer rail of the ladder. The arm or prong can be configured in a U- or V-shape, or generally opening upward in a concave or bowed manner. The opening can be sized to capture the strap when the strap is dropped or flung into it.
In still another embodiment, the ladder can include a length. The length can be divided into thirds. The strap diverter guide can be located in the upper third of the length so that the straps can be tensioned in that upper third of the length to strongly secure the tree engagement bracket against the tree without potentially bending the ladder.
In even another embodiment, the straps can be oriented relative to the ladder in different orientations. For example, a strap can include an upper portion that wraps partially around the tree, traverses a longitudinal axis of the ladder, and then extends back toward a strap diverter guide. Between the tree and the ladder, the strap can be disposed at an acute angle relative to the ladder. The strap can extend over the diverter guide and transition to a lower portion of the strap. The lower portion of the strap can be substantially parallel to the ladder extending downward from the strap diverter guide.
In a further embodiment, the lower portion of the strap can be at a generally obtuse and/or right angle relative to the upper portion of the strap between the tree and the ladder. The particular angle can be selected depending on the force desired to be applied to the tree to pull the tree engagement bracket and the ladder stand against the tree for stability and securement.
In yet another embodiment, the straps can be constructed from single or multiple components. For example, the entire strap can be constructed from a single material, or an upper portion of a strap can be constructed from one material and the lower portion can be constructed from another material. As a further example, the upper portion can be constructed from a metal and/or composite material, such as a twisted steel cable constructed from metal strands. This cable can directly engage the tree, for example the rear surface of the tree to provide bite and grip on that surface. The cable can transition to and can be joined with a web, cord, rope, chain or other elongate member that extends to the lower portion and optionally extends over the diverter guide. This web can ride and/or slide over the strap diverter guide without wearing out the web or the diverter guide by creating extra friction or abrasion against that guide.
In a further embodiment, the tensioner can be in the form of a ratchet joined with or included in a strap. The ratchet can include a spool rotatably joined with a base and a lever that selectively engages the spool to rotate the spool about an axis of rotation. When the spool is rotated, and associated portion of the strap, for example a web, can be wound onto the spool to produce a tension within the strap that is translated to the force exerted by the strap on the tree to secure the ladder stand to the tree. Optionally, the ratchet can be attached to a hook or another portion of a strap that includes a hook. That hook can be joined with a portion of the ladder stand below the strap diverter guide, generally closer to ground level.
In still a further embodiment, a method of installing a stand relative to a structure such as a tree is provided. The method can include engaging the tree engagement bracket against the tree above ground level and extending one or more straps from adjacent the tree engagement bracket around the tree and toward respective strap diverter guides. The straps can be installed over the diverter guides such that an upper portion of a strap is disposed at an angle relative to the ladder above the diverter guide. A lower portion of the strap can be disposed substantially parallel to the ladder below the respective strap diverter guide. A tension can be exerted in the first and/or second strap by a user, optionally by actuating the tensioner. The user can exert this tension before the user traverses up the ladder, but after the ladder has been placed against the tree for a first time upon installation. By exerting the tension within the strap, the upper portions of the strap exert a force against the tree, which in turn pulls the engagement bracket into the tree with a corresponding force. In some instances, where first and second straps are utilized, they can cooperatively exert a force against the rear surface of the tree, of optionally at least 50 pounds (which term is used interchangeably with pounds-force herein), further optionally at least 75 pounds, yet further optionally at least 100 pounds, even further optionally at least 150 pounds, further optionally at least 200 pounds, yet further optionally at least 250 pounds, still further optionally at least 300 pounds, further optionally at least 350 pounds, yet further optionally at least 400 pounds, still further optionally at least 450 pounds, even further optionally at least 500 pounds or in some cases more. As a result, the tree engagement bracket is pulled into forced engagement under a corresponding and substantially equal force to the values above with the tree to thereby secure the ladder in position against the tree, ready for use by the user. Thus, the user does not have to climb the ladder to secure any additional strap or structure or attachment around the tree before the force to secure the ladder is presented and generated.
In still yet a further embodiment, the method can include extending straps forward and in front of the ladder a preselected distance, for example, at least two feet or more. The straps can be manually raised above the respective strap guide and lowered into a bowed recess or hook portion of the diverter guide.
In even a further embodiment, the method can include moving a lower portion of a strap rearward, toward the ladder so that the lower portion extends between the strap diverter guide and a lower end of the ladder. Optionally, with this movement, the strap can attain an angled configuration such that the upper portion of the strap is angled at an obtuse angle relative to the lower portion of the strap under the strap diverter guide. The lower portion of the strap under the diverter guide can extend substantially parallel to the ladder.
In yet a further embodiment, the method can include applying tension to one or more of the straps with a tensioner. This can produce different force vectors that extend in different directions within different portions of the straps relative to one another. The tension can be exerted via a user manipulating the tensioner while the user is standing at ground level, before the user ever traverses up the ladder to the platform.
In still yet a further embodiment, the method can include actuating a tensioner, such as a ratchet joined with a lower portion of the strap under the strap diverter, to exert tension in the strap, again while the user is standing at ground level. The ratchet can include lever and a spool. The lever can be moved by the user to rotate the spool, thereby winding the strap onto the spool and producing the tension in the strap, which is connected at the other end to the upper portion of the ladder stand. In turn, this tension force in the strap pulls the engagement bracket against the tree under a corresponding force.
In yet a further embodiment, the straps can be placed under tension and thus the straps can pull the engagement bracket into and toward the tree with a corresponding force. The tension in one strap plus the tension one or more other optional straps (referred to as the strap force herein) can be compared to the force with which those straps pull the engagement bracket into and/or toward the tree (referred to as the bracket force). For example, the bracket force can be greater than or equal to the strap force. In some cases, the bracket force can be compared to the strap force via a ratio, bracket force: strap force, where both forces are measured in pounds, also used interchangeably herein with the units of pounds force. That ratio can be optionally at least 0.75:1; further optionally at least 0.9:1, yet further optionally at least 1:1, further optionally at least 1.2:1, yet further optionally at least 1.3:1, even further optionally 1.4:1, still further optionally at least 1.5:1, even further optionally at least 1.75:1, and still further optionally at least 2:1.
The current embodiments of the ladder stand related method of use provide benefits in elevated platforms that previously have been unachievable. For example, previously, to install a ladder stand, a user had to climb the ladder and install a single strap above the platform of the ladder around the tree to firmly secure the ladder in place against a tree. Thus, the user had to work with extreme caution while securing the stand in a stable configuration at an elevation above the ground level. With the present ladder stand, a user can apply a significant force against the tree to securely lock and engage the tree engagement bracket in place and against the tree, all while operating at ground level. Thus, while on the ground a user can fully install the ladder stand so that it is sturdy, stable and unlikely to tip or shift.
These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reference to the description of the current embodiment and the drawings.
Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of operation or to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be implemented in various other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed herein. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may be used in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed as limiting the invention to any specific order or number of components. Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from the scope of the invention any additional steps or components that might be combined with or into the enumerated steps or components.
A current embodiment of the ladder stand and its method of use is illustrated in
The current embodiment is described in connection with a ladder stand, which generally includes a ladder, platform, and a seat. The current embodiment, however, can be utilized with other types of observation and/or hunting platforms that are elevated, regardless of whether they include a seat or a platform. The current embodiment also can be utilized in connection with one or more ladder sections that are secured to a tree, with a portable platform attached adjacent and/or above the top of the ladder. As used herein, the term tree can refer to a live, relatively tall natural plant, as well as a dead plant, a telephone pole, some other type of pole or upright beam, or any other type of similar, tall support structure that has a generally fixed and stationary base and extends upwardly into the air from the ground level. Further, as used herein, the term strap can include a web, a cord, a wire, a rope, as well as a chain, a cable, a wire, combinations of the foregoing, or any other type of elongate flexible members.
Turning now to the components of the ladder stand 10, reference is made to
The ladder 20 and the one or more ladder rails 20R can extend upward to a platform 30 and a frame 33. The platform can be a flat platform constructed from metal mesh, a polymeric sheet, a wooden sheet, a cast aluminum frame or some other structure capable of being stood upon by a user when occupying the tree stand 10. The platform and/or the frame can be joined with an optional seat 40 that includes a seat bottom 41 and an optional seatback 42. In some cases, the seat 40 can be eliminated from the construction, so that the user stands only on the platform 30. In other cases, the platform 30 can be eliminated and the seat 40 can be joined with the ladder so that a user sits upon the seat and places their feet on one of the rungs 20S.
The ladder stand 10 can include a tree engagement bracket 50. This tree engagement bracket can be attached to or otherwise form a portion of the frame 33, the seat 40, the platform 30 and/or the ladder 20. The tree engagement bracket 50 can include a V- or U-shaped member 50V configured to directly engage the tree T. This member 50V can include one or more teeth that are adapted to bite into and engage the bark or other surface of the tree, providing an extra grip of the bracket to the tree. Although shown as including only a single bracket 50, the ladder stand 10 can include one or more additional brackets of similar shape and construction disposed above and/or below the bracket 50. In some cases, the platform 30 can be integrally joined with another tree engagement bracket to complement the bracket shown.
The ladder stand can include the straps 60 which are described in further detail below. The straps can extend over the strap diverter guides 70. The strap diverter guides 70 can include a first diverter guide 71 and a second diverter guide 72. The strap diverter 70 can be attached and joined with the ladder 20, in particular the side rails 20R1 and 20R2 that are disposed on a first side S1 and a second side S2 of the longitudinal axis LA, which extends along the ladder 20 dividing it into left and right portions. The strap diverter guides 71, 72 can be identical but mirror images of one another, so only one will be described here. As shown in
With reference to
Optionally, the one or more rails 20R1 and 20R2 can include and define multiple fastener holes along the length thereof. Thus, the strap diverter guides can be moved upward or downward, adjustably along and then attached to the rails to provide different forces and or otherwise reorient the straps and their connections to the tree.
With reference to
Optionally, where the straps engage the rear surface of the tree, the system can include a plate or other element with teeth, spikes or other protrusions. These protrusions can assist in making the straps bite into the tree surface, thereby enhancing the securement of the straps to the tree, and to provide a surface where the forces of the straps can be focused.
Further optionally, the straps 61 and 62 can be configured so that the strap upper portions 61U and 62U are disposed and crisscrossed relative to one another on the rear surface TR of the tree as shown in
As shown in
As mentioned above and shown in
Optionally, the straps 60 can be constructed from different materials along their lengths. As an example, the upper portion 61U of the first strap 61 can be constructed from a metal cable including multiple twisted metal strands. This metal cable can be joined with a polymeric, elongated web that extends downwardly, over the first diverter guide 71 into the tensioner 80. The cable and the polymeric web can be joined via a crimp, a clamp, a fastener or some other connector to hold them together along the length of the strap. The cable in the upper portion adjacent the tree can engage the tree and bite into its surface or bark, thereby providing a better hold. The polymeric web extending over the strap diverter guide 70 can provide low abrasion and minimal destruction to the diverter guide and itself over time, sliding smoothly over the surfaces of the guide. The web in the lower portion also can interface well with the tensioner 80, optionally winding easily on a spool thereof without permanently deforming the web.
Referring to
The ratchet or tensioner 80 can be operated by moving the lever 63 to rotate the spool so as to exert a tension T1 in the strap, for example the first strap 61. Optionally, there can be first and second tensioners 81 and 82 associated with the respective straps 61 and 62. When the tensioners are actuated, they can exert a first tension in the first strap and a second tension in the second strap respectively. These tensions can cooperatively pull on the respective first and second straps 61 and 62 to cooperatively exert a force F1 against the rear surface TR of the tree T which is engaged by the upper portions 60U of the straps 60. This force F1 produces a corresponding substantially equal force F5 to move or pull the engagement bracket into and/or toward the tree with that corresponding force F5. The force F1, as well as the force F5, that is, the bracket force, can be optionally at least 50 pounds (which term is used interchangeably with pounds-force herein), further optionally at least 75 pounds, yet further optionally at least 100 pounds, even further optionally at least 150 pounds, further optionally at least 200 pounds, yet further optionally at least 250 pounds, still further optionally at least 300 pounds, further optionally at least 350 pounds, yet further optionally at least 400 pounds, still further optionally at least 450 pounds, even further optionally at least 500 pounds or in some cases more. Again, as a result of the force F1 applied by the straps against the tree, the corresponding force F5 is exerted to pull and/or move the tree engagement bracket 50 into and/or toward forced engagement with the tree T to thereby secure the ladder in position against the tree, ready for use by the user.
Applicant has discovered that the force F1 exerted against the tree by the straps 60, and thus the corresponding force F5 by which the engagement bracket is forced toward or against the tree, utilizing the current embodiment of the ladder stand 10, can be multiplied to surprising and unexpected levels. To illustrate these surprising and unexpected results, testing and/or analysis was performed on three ladder stand systems in the following three non-limiting examples.
In a first example, a ladder stand 410 set up as shown in
Thus, the bracket force in this first example was much less than the strap force. This bracket force was compared to the strap force via a ratio, bracket force: strap force, where both forces are measured in pounds force. (which again is used interchangeably with pounds herein) The ratio was 0.6:1. This provided very little holding force to secure the engagement bracket against the tree. Accordingly, this set up provided insufficient force to permanently hold the ladder stand against the tree.
In a second example, another ladder stand 510 set up as shown in
Thus, the bracket force in this second example also was less than the strap force. This bracket force was compared to the strap force via a ratio, bracket force: strap force, where both forces are measured in pounds force. The ratio also was 0.6:1. This provided very little holding force to secure the engagement bracket against the tree. Accordingly, this set up provided insufficient force to permanently hold the ladder stand against the tree. In addition, it was noted that when the straps 560 were tightened more than about 50 pounds force each, or 100 pounds strap force, the straps started to pull the engagement bracket 550 downward along the tree front surface TF. In some cases, due to their routing, the tensioners in the straps may exert too much downward vertical force on the engagement bracket 550, thus causing the bracket and the platform 530 to move down the tree, which in turn can bend the ladder 520 if too much force is exerted.
In a third example, the ladder stand 10 of
Thus, the bracket force in this third example was equal to or greater than the strap force. This bracket force was compared to the strap force via a ratio, bracket force: strap force, where both forces are measured in pounds force. The ratio also was 1.3:1. This provided substantial holding force to secure the engagement bracket against the tree. Accordingly, this set up provided sufficient force to permanently hold the ladder stand against the tree. It is believed that with the diverter guides, the straps when tensioned exert the appropriate amount of horizontal force to adequately pull the engagement bracket toward and into the tree so that the ladder stand is adequately secured to the tree. Further, even with the rather large tension in the straps, due to the diverter guides, the straps did not pull the bracket down the tree.
Comparing the above examples, surprising and unexpected results with the current embodiment of the ladder stand 10 were appreciated. For example, the ladder stand 10 exhibited a bracket force or holding force of the bracket against the tree of 423 pounds force, as compared to the second example ladder stand 310 with no diverter guides of only 92 pounds force. This was an improvement of 360%. As a further example, the ladder stand 10 exhibited a bracket force or holding force of the bracket against the tree of 423 pounds force, as compared to the first example ladder stand 210 with no diverter guides of only 37 pounds force. This was an improvement of 1043%. As a result, it was appreciated that the ladder stand 10 of the current embodiment, can be utilized to entirely and fully install the ladder stand against a tree T, without the addition of a secondary strap or other substantial structure. It was also discovered, as further described below, that this ladder stand 10 and its straps can be installed entirely with the user remaining at ground level, without ever climbing the ladder off the ground.
The installation and use of the ladder stand 10 of the current embodiment will now be described in connection with
The user can attach an upper end 61E of the first strap 61 to the tree engagement bracket 50 on the first lateral side S1 of the longitudinal axis LA. The user can attach the upper end 62E of the second strap 62 to the tree engagement bracket 50 on the second lateral side S2 of longitudinal axis LA of the ladder.
The user can tilt the ladder stand 10 upward, so it rotates about the location adjacent the base on the ground. The ladder is tilted upward until the tree engagement bracket 50 engages the front surface TF of the tree. The tree engagement bracket 50 can engage the tree T optionally at least 5 feet, further optionally at least 10 feet, yet further optionally at least 12 feet, even further optionally at least 15 feet, yet further optionally at least 18 feet above the ground level GL. Optionally, a stabilizer bar 26B can be installed and secured to the tree T to provide a minor amount of support to the ladder stand 10. The user can install the stabilizer bar 26B while still standing on the ground surface GS at ground level GL.
While the ladder stand 10 is propped against the tree T, the respective first and second straps can dangle downward to the ground surface GS from the tree engagement bracket 50. While on the ground surface GS at ground level GL, the user you can grab the lower portion 61L of the first strap 61 and wrap it around the rear surface TR of the tree T so that the first strap originates on the first side S1 and traverses to the second side S2 across the longitudinal axis LA. The user can do the opposite for the second strap 62. The user can then take the first strap 61 and place it over the first strap diverter guide 71 on the second lateral side S2. To do so, the user can extend the lower portion of the straps, for example 61L and 62L beyond the ladder 20, optionally forward and in front of the ladder 20, at least optionally two feet, further optionally at least four feet, yet further optionally at least six feet.
The user can then manually raise each of the first strap and second strap upward, above the respective first and second diverter guides as shown in
With the respective straps disposed in and guided by in the respective diverter guides, the user can move the ends of the straps, for example the ends of the lower portions, also referred to as second portions, of the straps back toward the ladder. When this occurs, the lower portions 61L and 62L of the straps can be attached via the attachment elements 29 to the lower end 20L of the ladder 20. Again these attachment elements can be in the forms of hooks, and these hooks can be attached to the rungs 20S of the ladder 20. When this occurs, the lower portion 61L and 62L of the respective straps can be disposed substantially parallel to the ladder. The upper portions 60U of the respective straps 60 between the ladder and the tree can be disposed at an acute angle A1 relative to the ladder 20, which angle A1 optionally can be an acute angle. The upper 60U and lower 60L portions of the respective straps also can be disposed at an angle A2, relative to one another, which angle A2 optionally can be an obtuse angle.
Again, the straps can be installed as described above while the user U stands on the ground surface GS at ground level GL throughout the entire process before the user ever climbs the stand 10, after the stand is initially installed. With the straps 60 installed by the user, those straps can be tensioned to apply the force F1 to the tree T and thereby secure the ladder stand with that force. To do so, the user U can engage the tensioners 80, which can be associated with each of the respective straps. Optionally, both straps alternatively can be connected to a single tensioner which can operate and exert tension in both of the straps. There, where the tensioners are ratchets, the user can engage each ratchet respectively, moving the respective levers to rotate the respective spools to wind the straps onto the spools, thereby exerting tensions in the respective straps.
As a result of the tension exerted by the straps, the different portions of the strap can attain and include different force vectors pointing in different directions. For example, the upper portion of the strap 60U between the tree T in the strap diverter guide 70 can experience a first force vector TV1, while a second force vector TV2 is experienced along the lower portion 60L of the strap. The second force vector TV2 can be substantially parallel to the ladder 20. The first force vector TV1 can be disposed at an acute angle A1 relative to the ladder 20, between the strap diverter guide and the tree T. The straps can include two or more force vectors in different orientations in front of the front tree surface TF and otherwise along a portion of the ladder stand 10.
As a result of tensioning the straps, those straps cooperatively can exert a tension therein, a strap force, so that the portions of the straps that engage the tree, for example, the rear surface TR of the tree, exert the forces mentioned herein against that surface. That force F1 pulls the tree engagement bracket into the front surface TF of the tree under a force F5, that is, the bracket force, which corresponds to the force F1. In turn, this secures the ladder stand 10 in position against the tree, ready for use by the user. The user can perform the tensioning and placement of the straps and generally the positioning of the tree stand against the tree, without ever having to climb the ladder to add or secure any additional strap or other structure around the tree before the forces F1 and/or F5 are applied to the tree to secure the stand.
Analysis of the ladder stand 10 and the strap system also identified certain ratios of the tension in the straps, that is, the strap force, relative to the resulting bracket force against the tree exerted by those straps. In some cases, a suitable ratio was where the bracket force was equal to or greater than the strap force. In more particular examples, the bracket force was compared to the strap force via a ratio, bracket force: strap force, where both forces are measured in pounds force or pounds. These ratios can be optionally at least 0.75:1; further optionally at least 0.9:1, yet further optionally at least 1:1, further optionally at least 1.2:1, yet further optionally at least 1.3:1, even further optionally 1.4:1, still further optionally at least 1.5:1, even further optionally at least 1.75:1, still further optionally at least 2:1, and yet further optionally between 0.75:1 to 2:1, inclusive. Accordingly, ladder stands set up with these ratios provide sufficient force to permanently hold the ladder stand against the tree. It is believed that with the optional diverter guides, the straps when tensioned exert the appropriate amount of horizontal force to adequately pull the engagement bracket toward and into the tree so that the ladder stand is adequately secured to the tree.
A first alternative embodiment of the ladder stand is shown in
Optionally, to impair the stabilizer bar 126B from becoming disengaged with the tree T, the stabilizer bar 126B can be disposed at an angle A5 relative to a horizontal plane HP. The angle A5 can be an acute angle, for example optionally at least 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 30° or more, depending on the application. Accordingly, the force F2 can have a slight horizontal component or vector to it, to project forces toward the tree T as well as upward. The precise vectors can vary depending on the orientation of the stabilizer bar relative to the horizontal plane HP.
The lower portion of the straps 160L can be joined with the stabilizer bar 126B at any portion along the length of the stabilizer bar 126B between the first end 126B1 and a second end 126B2. Optionally, the bracket 126V of the stabilizer bar 126B can include a system of teeth, spikes or other sharp protrusions that can bite into the front tree surface TF or the tree T in general, thereby preventing it from slipping up the tree and becoming disengaged from the tree when significant tension is placed in the straps 160.
In the embodiment illustrated, the straps 160 can be in a particular orientation. For example, the upper portion 160U and lower portion 160L of the straps can be disposed at an angle A4, caused by a redirection of the straps at the diverter 170. This angle A4 between the upper portion 160U and the lower portion 160L of the straps can be a right angle, and obtuse angle, or an acute angle depending on the position of the attachment element relative to the stabilizer bar 126B and the general location of the connector 1260 along that stabilizer bar between the first end 126B1 and the second end 126B2.
Also shown in
A second alternative embodiment of the ladder stand is shown in
A third alternative embodiment of a ladder is shown in
Directional terms, such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “inwardly,” “outer” and “outwardly,” are used to assist in describing the invention based on the orientation of the embodiments shown in the illustrations. The use of directional terms should not be interpreted to limit the invention to any specific orientation(s).
The above description is that of current embodiments of the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. For example, and without limitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention may be replaced by alternative elements that provide substantially similar functionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This includes, for example, presently known alternative elements, such as those that might be currently known to one skilled in the art, and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, such as those that one skilled in the art might, upon development, recognize as an alternative. Further, the disclosed embodiments include a plurality of features that are described in concert and that might cooperatively provide a collection of benefits. The present invention is not limited to only those embodiments that include all of these features or that provide all of the stated benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in the issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the” or “said,” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular. Any reference to claim elements as “at least one of X, Y and Z” is meant to include any one of X, Y or Z individually, and any combination of X, Y and Z, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; and Y, Z.
