1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a tree climbing device for use by hunters and climbers. More particularly, though not exclusively, the present invention relates to a tree climbing device which improves safety while also improving ease of transportation and installation of the device.
2. Problems in the Art
Hunters and climbers use tree climbing equipment to ascend or climb a tree to a suitable elevation where typically a tree stand or other observation post is placed. There are a wide variety of climbing apparatus currently available. However, most are either difficult to install or require bands, ropes or other apparatus be placed and moved around the tree. Such systems can be cumbersome, heavy and difficult to use. It is therefore desirable to provide hunters and climbers with a simple, effective and easy to use apparatus for safely climbing trees.
Examples of prior attempts to solve these problems leave much to be desired. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,449,612 discusses a tree step. While this tree step is simple in its construction, it presents problems in installation and does not provide a closed handle or a way for hunters and climbers to secure their harness. Essentially, it is a step and nothing more. It is desirable to have a single device which can include a tree step, a handle to grasp, and an apparatus to which the hunter or climber can secure their safety or climbing harness.
Features of the Invention
A general feature of the present invention is a tree climbing apparatus which overcomes the problems found in the prior art.
A further feature of the present invention is the provision of a tree climbing apparatus which is easy to install.
A still further feature of the present invention is the provision of a tree climbing apparatus which incorporates a handle to grasp.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision of a tree climbing apparatus which is safe to use.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision of a tree climbing apparatus which is easy to transport.
A further feature of the present invention is the provision of a tree climbing apparatus which may be used to secure a harness.
A still further feature of the present invention is the provision of a tree climbing apparatus which is economical.
A further feature of the present invention is the provision of a tree climbing apparatus which is quietly transported.
These, as well as other features and advantages of the present invention, will become apparent from the following specification and claims.
The present invention generally comprises a tree climbing apparatus including a handle portion having a first end portion, a second end portion and a ring portion between the first end portion and the second end portion, a threaded support member connected to the first end portion of the handle portion and a step member connected to the second end portion of the handle portion.
In the preferred embodiment, the ring portion is made from a continuous wall and forms an open interior portion which is preferably generally rectangular shaped with a top member, a bottom member and two side members. Preferably, the top member and bottom members are parallel to one another and the two side members are also parallel to one another. The tree climbing apparatus is preferably constructed of metal, though any other suitably strong material can be used.
The tree climbing apparatus may be transported in a number of different ways. However, it is preferred that the tree climbing apparatus be transported in a carrier which attaches to the belt of a user. The carrier may be honeycomb shaped to allow for multiple tree climbing apparatus to be held in a plurality of holes. Alternatively, the carrier may use a bolt or support rod extending generally horizontally from a user's belt through a compressible carrier body. The user can slide the tree climbing apparatus ring portion over the carrier body and secure the apparatus with a pressure fit, snap fit or other securement device.
The present invention will be described as it applies to its preferred embodiment. It is not intended that the present invention be limited to the described embodiment. It is intended that the invention cover all modifications and alternatives which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Now, referring to the drawings,
The handle preferably includes a ring portion 13 formed from several sides, including a top member 20, a bottom member 22, a first side member 24 and a second side member 26. The second side member 26 becomes the handle. The ring portion 13 is what forms the open interior portion 18. While preferably sized to accommodate a human hand, the ring portion 13 may also be sized to accommodate a rope, harness clip or other climbing apparatus.
The tree climbing apparatus 10 is secured into a tree by a threaded support member 28. The threaded support member 28 may be secured anywhere along one side of the apparatus 10, but is preferably connected or secured to the apparatus 10 near or at the first end portion 14. The step member 30 is generally secured to the side of the apparatus 10 opposite of the side of the apparatus 10 on which the threaded support member 28 is located.
The tree climbing apparatus 10 is preferably constructed of a single piece of ⅜ inch of a thick strong metal. Molding using poured metal is the preferred method of construction as it eliminates the possibility of broken welds or weak joints. The threaded support member 28 is preferably 2½ inch long and includes tapered, coarse threads. The threads are complimented by the very sharp carbide tip 34 which will generally penetrate the densest of trees.
The step member 30 is preferably substantially longer than the threaded support member 28. Preferably, the step member 30 is 5 inches long and knurled for foot placement. The step member 30 preferably includes an end portion 31 which is angled, preferably around 45 degrees, relative to a body portion 33 to prevent the foot from slipping off of the step member 30. The entire tree climbing apparatus 10 is preferably painted in a black matte finish or camouflage to maximize the hunter's or climber's concealment if desired.
As shown in
Preferably, the carrier body 51 is 1 and 3/16 inches wide by 4 and 15/16 inches long and 3 inches tall. The shoulder portion 56 is 2 and ¼ inches wide by ½ inch thick and 5 and ½ inches tall. While the shoulder portion 56 acts as a base on which the first climbing apparatus 10 may rest, several additional climbing apparatuses 10 may be added as shown in
As shown in
The compression plate 64 is preferably made of metal and may be slightly smaller than the carrier body 51 and preferably includes barbs or other frictional enhancements (not shown) on the side which contacts the carrier body 51 to minimize the movement of the compression plate 64 when turning the securing device 66 to secure the climbing apparatuses 10 in place. Preferably, after the desired number of climbing apparatuses 10 are placed on the carrier body 51, the securement device 66 is tightened, the carrier body 51 is compressed horizontally and thus expands somewhat in the vertical direction. This expansion helps to secure the climbing apparatuses 10 and minimizes the risk of the climbing apparatuses to slip or fall off.
The securement device 66 may be a wing nut, a lock nut or any other suitable fastener. Preferably, the securement device 66 includes a threaded portion 68 to which a plurality of wings 70 are secured. The wings 70 may extend wider than the width of the open interior portion and may be formed in a single piece. This makes the securement device 66 a secondary catch to prevent the climbing apparatus 10 from being separated from the carrier 50. This is especially true when the wings 70 are left in a transport position, which is preferably perpendicular to the widest portion of the carrier body 51.
The wings 70 also provide greater surface area for the user to grasp when tightening or loosening the securement device 66 and may include ends 71 which have an upward turned surface or other shape to aid in tightening or loosening. The soft material used in the carrier 50 minimizes noise while keeping the climbing apparatuses 10 from excessive movement. In an alternative embodiment, the carrier body 51 may include a plurality of holes which are perpendicular to the widest portion of the carrier body 51. The holes (not shown) are preferably slightly smaller in diameter than the step member 30. This allows for the climbing apparatus 10 and even prior art versions to be stored on the carrier body 51. If constructed of sufficiently rigid material, the carrier 50 of this embodiment will not need the compression plate 64 and securement device 66 if storage is only sought in the holes.
As shown in
Preferably, the tool 40 also includes a swivel handle 42 at the end 46 opposite from the end 44. The swivel handle 42 is preferably knurled to provide a gripping surface. The swivel handle 42 is shown to have a half moon cross-section, but may have a cross-section of any desired shape. Though not shown in
In use, several of the tree climbing apparatuses 10 are installed at various locations on a tree as shown in
As shown in
The slots 76, 78 are sized to fit over the extension portion 48 and the step member 30. The slot 76 is preferably sized to fit over the extension portion 48. The slot 78 is preferably sized to fit over the step member 30. Alternatively, the slots 76 and 78 can be combined into a single slot, so long as multiple points of contact are made with the tree climbing apparatus 10. By having the installation tool 72 contact both the extension portion 48 and the step member 30 at the same time, force can be applied to install or remove the tree climbing apparatus 10. Preferably, at least slot 76 has sides which are tapered to match the taper on the extension 48 as shown in
Alternatively, notches (not shown) or stops (not shown) can be placed on one or more sides of the installation tool 72 to provide the second point of contact instead of slot 78. The notches (not shown) or stops (not shown) would be shaped to receive a profile of the step member 30. Notches or stops could be used for both slots, but are not preferred because of the potential for slippage when the installation tool 40, 72 is not used through the ring portion 13 as shown in
A general description of the present invention as well as a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been set forth above. Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will recognize and be able to practice additional variations in the methods and systems described which fall within the teachings of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications and additions are deemed to be within the scope of the invention which is to be limited only by the claims appended hereto.
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