WO1993013697A1 - Tree stands having adjustable throats - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus (10) for climbing an upright columnar member such as a tree, pole, or the like, using climbing members (12, 14) which have adjustable throats (37, 38) for encircling substantially the upright columnar member. Alternate embodiments are directed to two part climbers. The first climbing member (12) has a first upright member gripping structure (37, 38) and a movable platform (40) spaced from the upright member to accommodate the body of the user in a sitting position. The second climbing member (14) has a second upright gripping structure (37, 38) and a platform (50) adjacent to the upright member to accommodate the feet of the user. One or both of the climbing members (12, 14) have an extension and retraction device (30, 32) and locking mechanism (62) for adjustably maintaining the climbing members (12, 14) in substantially horizontal position relative to the ground. A further alternate embodiment is directed to two-part climbers (920) for attachment to the user's feet and providing the capability of traversing tree limbs. An embodiment of a fixed ladder stand (1010) also includes an adjustable throat.

Description

Description

TREE STANDS HAVING ADJUSTABLE THROATS

Technical Field

The present invention relates to stands which grasp upright columnar members such as trees, poles or the like, and more particularly, to stands formed of two climbing members which are alternately raised by the user to attain a desired elevation in a tree, or on a pole or the like or to fixed ladder stands. The present invention permits automatic or self-adjustment of the throat or spacing of the gripping or grasping members so as to readily effect adjustment of the angle of each climber relative to the upright columnar member.

Background Art

A two-part grasping-type tree climbing stand is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,331,216 to the present inventor, the teachings of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Such patent does not, however, provide for automatic or self-adjustment of the gripping or grasping members so that optimum angles of the climbers relative to the upright columnar member can be maintained throughout the ascent and/or descent or at the ultimate elevation of the climbers.

In conventional climbers, the gripping portions of the climbing members form a "throat" which encircles the tree trunk sufficiently to grip the tree trunk from the side facing the user of the climbing member and to grip the tree trunk from the far side of the tree trunk facing away from the user. A tree trunk is tapered and has a reduced diameter in the direction of increasing elevation along the trunk. To account for this, in conventional two-part climbing stands, it is important to set the initial spacing or throat of the gripping portions of the tree climbing apparatus so as to initially engage both the upper and lower frames with the outwardly extending ends oriented at a sufficient upward angle relative to the columnar member such that as the two parts are moved upward in step-wise or tandem alternating fashion, the angle attained at the desired elevation will result in the seat and footrest being substantially level or parallel to the ground. Alternatively, it may be desirable to have either or both frames oriented at a slight angle with the outward end cocked upward relative to the columnar member such that the user will tend to move or fall toward the columnar member rather than away from it.

Tree climbing apparatus typically are used by hunters. The hunting environment is frequently characterized by climbing trees in dark, wet and cold conditions, in situations in which minimizing noise is desirable. Initial ascent of a tree is often accompanied by a feeling of excitement and anticipation. Similarly, descent of a tree after a "kill" can be under excited conditions. Alternatively, after a long day of waiting in the cold and wet, a tired, exasperated and hungry hunter must descend the tree. Human nature being what it is, if the initial angle is not chosen properly, and the angle at the desired elevation is thus tilted downward, users frequently tend not to lower the tree stand, reestablish a better starting angle, and start over. Hence, less than optimum angles frequently result, with attendant hazards to the users.

It is therefore desirable to be able to adjust the angle as the two parts are advanced up the tree. Several U.S. Patents show attempts which have been made to provide adjustable tree stand climbing members:

U.S. Patent No. 4,997,063 to Bradley discloses a tree stand wherein the length of suspension braces 28,

29, 53 and 54 can be changed by turning turn buckles 36 so as to vary the angle of pivotable platforms 22 and 52.

U.S. Patent No. 4,995,475 to Berkbuegler discloses a tree stand which is similar in concept to the Bradley device wherein the support arms 24 have rotatable adjustment sleeves 25, threaded at both of its ends, which, when turned, lengthens the support arms thereby adjusting the angle of the platform.

U.S. Patent No. 4,428,459 to Peck and U.S. Patent No. 4,834,217 to Manes disclose a tree stand having spring bias locking pins.

In addition, in order to tether or connect upper and lower platforms, U.S. Patent No. 4,549,633 to Merritt, U.S. Patent No. 4,321,983 to Nelson and U.S. Patent No. 3,485,320 to Jones disclose tree strands having cords or straps connecting the upper and lower platforms.

However, none of these prior art tree climbers permit ready automatic or self-adjustment of the gripping or grasping members such that the optimum desired platform angle can be readily adjusted and maintained, especially taking into account the conditions under which such tree climbers are typically used. Furthermore, none of the prior art tree climbers is directed to adjusting the throat formed by the gripping portions of the climbers in a quick and easy manner that requires no tools. Disclosure of the Invention

In view of the foregoing limitations and shortcomings of the prior art devices, as well as other disadvantages not specifically mentioned above, it should be apparent that there still exists a need in the art for a climbing stand which is safe and simple to use, both during and after placement on the tree, pole or the like, and during the removal therefrom. It is, therefore, a primary objective of this invention to fulfill this need by providing a simple, reliable climbing stand comprised of either one or two frame members which surround the tree, pole, etc. sufficiently so as to grip or grasp the columnar member, in which the throat of the grasping or gripping members of each frame member is readily automatically adjustable. These frame members include platforms upon which the user can either sit or stand while facing the tree, pole, etc., and can receive continual support from the rear.

More particularly, it is an object of this invention to provide a climbing stand comprised of an upper frame member and a lower frame member. The upper frame member includes a gripping member to engage the side of the tree or pole facing the user and further includes a movable platform which is spaced from the tree to accommodate the body of the user in a sitting position. There is also provided a gripping member to engage the side of the tree or pole opposite the user. Together these gripping members form a gripping device. The lower frame member is similarly formed except that the platform is located adjacent the tree or pole to support the feet of the user. The spacing between the gripping members which forms the throat is either automatically or manually adjustable for each of the upper and lower frame members. It is a further object of the invention to provide means to enable the user to safely and securely hold the lower frame member to the upper frame member.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a climbing stand which, when in place, offers the user side support in any direction, thus eliminating the danger of falling when the hunter is shooting from awkward positions.

It is still a further object of the invention to provide a means for adjusting the angle formed by the movable sitting platform with the side support bars on the upper frame member so that the seat of the user may be maintained in a level position or in a position slightly cocked toward the tree to tend to force the user toward the tree rather than away from the tree.

It is still a further object of the invention to provide a means for adjusting the angle formed by the standing platform with the side support bar on the lower frame member so that the feet of the user may be maintained in a level position or in a position slightly cocked toward the tree to tend to force the user toward the tree rather than away from the tree.

A further object of the invention is to provide a more level platform for standing and sitting at lower elevations while achieving the desired angle at the ultimate elevation.

A further object is to provide a lounging or reclining stand.

A yet further object is to provide a two-part climbing stand for attachment to the feet of a user, capable of traversing tree limbs.

Another object is to provide a ladder stand which is readily adjustable in attachment to the tree. These objects are achieved by a two-part climbing stand in which each climbing member has opposing gripping members, with the gripping members disposed so as to form an adjustable throat in which the upright columnar member is engaged. The throat is automatically or self-adjusting. For a one-part ladder stand, the throat is also adjustable.

In a first embodiment, a two-part climbing stand is provided with each climbing member having opposing gripping members which form a gripping device, at least one of which is attached to extendable and retractable arms, which substantially encircle and engage the upright columnar member. A spring-biased pin maintains the length of and releases the extendable and retractable arms. A resilient biasing member, such as an elastic cord or spring, maintains the gripping members attached to the extendable and retractable arms in contact with the upright columnar member. Thus, when each climbing member is raised in alternating fashion, by adjusting the length of the extendable and retractable arms, the spacing or throat formed between the gripping member attached to the extendable and retractable arms and the other gripping member can be changed automatically, or be rendered self-adjusting, and thereby the angle can be adjusted such that each climbing member is substantially level and parallel to the ground at each elevation or maintained at some other preferred orientation.

In a second embodiment, the upper climbing member is shortened so as to form a hand climber, which otherwise operates similarly to the first embodiment.

In a third embodiment, a two-part climbing stand is provided in which the throat is adjustable by providing extendable and retractable arms on the inner or lower gripping member which is disposed opposite to the outer or upper gripping member which encircles the columnar member. The extendable and retractable arms are spring-biased so as to push the jaw of the inner gripping member against the upright columnar member. This embodiment can also be combined with resiliently biased extendable and retractable outer or upper arms attached to the outer or upper gripping member, as described above for the first and second embodiment. In a fourth embodiment, the throat of either the upper or lower climbing member is manually adjustable by providing extendable and retractable outer arms having releasable spring-biased locking pins as described in the first embodiment. Rather than being resiliently biased, however, extendable and retractable outer arms are manually lengthened and are shortened by pulling on a string, cord or cable attached to the ends thereof.

In fifth and sixth embodiments, the throat is rendered adjustable by providing extendable and retractable outer arms which are manually extended and retracted and are held fixed by releasable locking devices or assemblies.

In a seventh embodiment, in addition to providing an adjustable throat, as described above, a tree climber is provided which permits a user to be seated comfortably in a variety of seating positions ranging from an upright seated position to a reclined seated position. The upper portion of a two-part tandem tree climber is configured to provide a seat in which a footrest portion is pivotable outwardly and upwardly, by a pair of extendable and retractable diagonal support members. Each extendable and retractable diagonal support member has an inner and outer engaging member with the inner engaging member having a plurality of holes, one of which is engaged to a spring-loaded locking pin mounted on the outer engaging member. As a result, the seat reclining angle is incrementally adjustable. A safety button is provided to prevent accidental disassembly of the extendable and retractable diagonal support members.

An eighth embodiment of a climbing member/stand includes two climbing members which are attachable to the climber's feet and alternately raised in a stepwise fashion while ascending or descending the tree to attain the desired elevation. Such a configuration permits climbing above tree limbs. Each foot climbing member includes a platform portion and a gripping or grasping portion. Each platform portion is affixed to the climber's foot by a set of quick release straps. An extendable and retractable support arm extends forward from each platform portion and terminates at a gripping portion rigidly attached thereto. The gripping portion has a hook or bow-like shape with its concave side directed back toward the platform portion. Teeth-like protrusions may be integrally formed within the concave side and engage with the back side of the tree and may also be integrally formed along the forwardmost edge of the platform for engaging with the front side of the tree. The gripping portion and forwardmost platform edge form the throat which engages the tree trunk. The teeth-like protrusions are symmetrically arranged about a line extending through the longitudinal extent of the climbing member, the line being offset from, but parallel to, the longitudinal centerline of the gripping member. This offset line is coincidental with the apex of the concave side of the gripping portion. This offset geometry promotes enhanced stability of the climbing members. The climbing members are constructed to be mirror images of each other to be respectively worn on the right and left feet of the climber.

According to the eighth embodiment, the gripping portion is adjustable relative to the platform portion so as to accomodate tree trunks having a wide range of diameters. The extendable and retractable support arm is locked and unlocked by a spring-tensioned locking pin assembly. During longitudinal adjustment of the gripping portion relative to the support arm, a resilient biasing member, such as an elastic cord or spring, biases the gripping portion toward the platform portion. Thus, when each climbing member is raised in alternating fashion, slack spacing between pin engagement points is taken up by the biasing member and the throat is rendered automatically adjustable.

In a ninth embodiment, a stand is provided including an upper platform section to accommodate the body of a user in a standing or sitting position and a ladder section hingedly mounted thereto. The ladder stand is provided with a gripping device adapted to grip the upright columnar member. The gripping device may be activated from the ground, before the ladder is climbed, and is released by the user after safely descending from the platform while on the ground. Because the ladder is mounted to the platform, which, in turn, is adapted to grip the tree, the ladder of the present invention is supported from the top.

The ladder section is comprised of several hingedly connected sub-sections which may be extended and locked in an elongated position while in use and thereafter folded for carrying and storage.

The platform is preferably made of a lightweight aluminum tubular material which has an expanded metal sheet mounted thereon. The gripping device is adjacent the platform and includes an adjustable throat portion which engages the tree by means of opposing jaw members which initially allow the tree to be received therein and thereafter can be closed to engage a substantial portion of the circumference of the tree. In particular, the throat portion is formed by a front or inner jaw which is fixedly mounted to the platform section and a rear or outer jaw which is adjustable and mounted to a supporting arm carried by the platform frame. Each jaw has a hook or bow-like shape with its concave side facing the tree. Teeth-like protrusions may be separately or integrally formed on one or both jaws to improve its tree gripping characteristic.

The rear jaw is adjustable relative to the front jaw to accommodate vertical members having a wide range of diameters. The support arm which carries the rear jaw is extendable and retractable and mounted to one side of the platform. The moveable support arm may be longitudinally fixed relative to the platform section by a spring-tensioned locking pin adapted to engage any one of an array of spaced-apart engagement holes disposed in the support arm. A resilient member, such as an elastic cord or spring, biases the moveable rear jaw toward the opposing fixed front jaw. Hence, when the spring-biased locking pin is disengaged from the hole disposed in the support arm, the resilient member immediately causes the throat portion to close and for the jaws to engage the tree. The automatic jaw closure is accomplished from the ground by means of a long cord attached to the locking pin, upon which the user can pull. This allows the user to place the ladder stand on the tree and securely lock - li ¬

the platform to the tree prior to making his ascent. Similarly, after the user has safely climbed down the ladder and is on the ground, the platform can be unlocked from the tree in accordance with the ninth embodiment by means of the cord/locking device action.

As in the eighth embodiment, the jaws of the ladder stand do not completely encircle the tree. Rather, as in the foot-mounted "hook" climbing members described above, the jaws encircle the tree sufficiently so as to grip the tree trunk. Because one side of the frame to which the jaws are attached is open, the ladder stand may also be used to bypass limbs or branches of the tree.

With the foregoing and other objects, advantages and features of the invention that will become hereinafter apparent, the nature of the invention may be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed description of the invention, the appended claims and to the several views illustrated in the attached drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention mounted on the trunk of a tree;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a frame member incorporating the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of an extendable and retractable tubular member incorporating a locking pin; FIGS. 4 and 5 are sectional views of an inner and of an outer tubular member, respectively, each having a resilient biasing member mounted external to the tubular member; FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a resilient biasing member mounted interior to the extendable and retractable tubular members;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a pin for holding the frame member in open or extended position;

FIG. 8 is a second embodiment of an upper frame member;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a second embodiment of a resilient biasing member; FIG. 10 is a perspective of a third embodiment of an upper climbing member having a throat adjustable by movement of both the inner and outer gripping members; FIG. 11 is a side view in partial section of the embodiment of FIG. 10; FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a safety button for use in the third embodiment of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a perspective of a fourth embodiment of an upper climbing member having a string-operated outer gripping member; FIG. 14 is a perspective of a fifth embodiment of an upper climbing member which is manually-operated;

FIG. 15 is a perspective of a sixth embodiment of an upper climbing member which is manually-operated;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment directed to an upper climbing member which is adapted for reclining or lounging;

FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of an upper climbing member shown in lounging position in solid lines and in upright position in phantom; FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment directed to two-part hook-type foot climber mounted on a tree with a user shown in phantom seated on the upper climber at the right and using the lower climber at the left as a footrest; FIG. 19 is a top view of a hook-type foot climber, shown engaging a tree of a larger diameter in solid lines and engaging a tree of smaller diameter in phanto . FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of a left foot hook-type climber;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a ninth embodiment directed to a ladder stand mounted on a tree; FIG. 22 is a top view of a hook and platform of a ladder stand with the throat shown contracted in solid lines and extended in phantom; and

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a tenth embodiment directed to a ladder stand having a footrest mounted on a tree.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

Referring now in detail to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals, there is illustrated in FIG. 1 a first embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1, an apparatus according to the present invention, designated generally as climbing apparatus 10, includes a first, upper climbing member 12 and a second, lower climbing member 14. As shown in FIG. 1, both the upper climbing member 12 and lower climbing member 14 are disposed around the circumference of an upright columnar member, especially a tapered columnar member 16 such as a tree trunk. Upper climbing member 12 and lower climbing member 14, each have a number of substantially identical components, which are designated by the same numerals.

Upper climbing member 12 is comprised of an inner tubular frame 18 and an outer tubular frame 20, which are pivotally attached by pins 22. A pair of connecting members 24 are disposed between tubular frames 18 and 20. Each connecting member 24 is attached to inner frame 18 by removable pin assembly 26 and to frame 20 by pin 27. Alternatively, a wing nut and bolt (not shown) can be used instead of pins. Tubular frame 20 is an extendable and retractable frame, and can be, for example, telescoping and is comprised of two essentially parallel outwardly projecting extendable and retractable arms 29, each having a female tubular outer sleeve 30 within which a male tubular inner bar 32 is slidably disposed. Inner bar 32 is locked in place relative to outer sleeve 30 by locking pin assemblies 28. Inner or lower frame 18 has a cross member or brace 34, two essentially parallel outwardly projecting arms 35 and an inner j w 36, having a concave portion 37 for engaging one side of the upright columnar member 16. Outer or upper frame 20 has an outer jaw 38 attached by suitable means, such as bolts 41 or bolts and wing nuts (not shown) to inner bar 32. A seat 40 is slidably mounted on inner frame 18, having a travel distance determined by the inner frame 18 pivotally attached to outer frame 20 by pins 22 and pin assemblies 26. A resilient biasing member 42 extends substantially from the end of outer sleeve 30 to the end of inner bar 32 and engages the end 100 of inner bar 32 by clip 44. Resilient biasing member 42 is in tension, as shown. Clip 44 can be attached to a notch (not shown) in end 100 of inner bar 32. Inner frame 18 with inner jaw 36 and outer frame 20 with outer jaw 38 form a gripping device wherein the space or throat 43 formed between inner jaw 36 and outer jaw 38 is occupied by the upright columnar member or tree trunk 16 engaged by upper climbing element 12. Because inner jaw 36 and outer jaw 38 are oriented offset or displaced vertically, the horizontal distance relative to the upright columnar member 16 is altered by changing the angle of the climbing member relative to the upright columnar member 16. In this manner, the throat 43 is opened or closed, so as to disengage and engage the columnar member 16. Outer jaw 38 can be provided with serations or teeth 39 or alternatively can be provided with gripping pads 58 (as shown for lower climbing member 14) . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the length of arms 35 and extendable and retractable arms 29 permit seat 40 to be positioned toward the pivot at pins 22 to permit the user to sit inside the inner frame 18 and outer frame 20, facing the columnar member 16. The seat 40 can also be moved along inner frame 18 toward connecting member 24 to permit the user to sit facing away from the columnar member 16.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper frame of each climbing member is the outer frame and the inner frame is the lower frame. An alternative arrangement of upper and lower frames, as appropriate, is contemplated for this embodiment and the other embodiments herein.

Lower climbing member 14 is essentially identical to upper climbing member 12 in that connecting members 24, pins 22, pin assemblies 26, pins 27, pin assemblies 28, resilient biasing members 42, clips 44, inner jaw 36 and outer jaw 38 are the same, with a throat 43 formed between inner jaw 36 and outer jaw 38. The main difference is that lower climbing member 14 is adapted to serve as a footrest. Hence, no seat is provided. Rather, a U-shaped tubular inner frame 48 is provided with a footrest or grill 50 attached thereto. Outer frame 52 is similar to the outer frame 20 of the upper climbing element 12, in that it is extendable and retractable. However, cross bar 54 is provided extending between arms 56 of outer frame 52. Outer jaw 38 is shown with a pair of gripping pads 58 rather than teeth for engaging the columnar member 16. Lower climbing member 14 is tethered to upper climbing member 12 by lines 60 which are shown attached to upper climbing member 12 inner frame 18 and the rings 62 of pin assemblies 28 attached to outer frame 52 of lower climbing member 14.

FIG. 2 shows lower climbing member 14 in extended position (for use) in solid lines and in folded or collapsed position (for transport and storage) in phantom. The extension and collapse of upper climbing member 12 is the same. Connecting member 24 is attached to inner frame 48 by removable pin 26 and to outer frame 52 at the pivot point at pin 27. Alternatively, a bolt and wing nut (not shown) or other suitable fastener can be used. Upon the removal of pin 26 from inner frame 48, connecting member 24 is released from inner frame 48 and can pivot about pin 27 and outer frame 52 can be collapsed toward inner frame 48 in direction C. Also shown in FIG. 2 is the movement of male inner bar 32 relative to female outer sleeve 30 when pin 66 of pin assembly 28, attached to ring 62 and connected to line 60 by releasable clasp 61, is pulled in the direction to disengage the inner bar 32 and outer sleeve 30. Resilient member 42 causes inner bar 32 to move in direction R.

FIGS. 3-7 illustrate details of the pin assemblies 26 and 28 and resilient member 42.

FIG. 3 shows locking pin assembly 28 as the pin engages outer frame 20 or 52. The operation of pin assembly 28 in the upper and lower climbing members is the same. Pin housing 74 is mounted on outer sleeve 30. Pin assembly 28 is comprised of pin 66 biased within pin housing 74 by spring 80. Ring 62 is attached to pin 66. Pin 66 extends through hole 81 in outer sleeve 30 into one of a plurality of holes 82 in inner bar 32. Pin keeper 84 extends from a lower portion of pin 66 and is designed to engage housing shoulder or block 86 when pin 66 is lifted and turned approximately 90° so as to hold pin 66 out of holes 81, 82.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, resilient member 42 is comprised of an elastic cord 90, or other resilient material, which is fitted through a hole 92 in outer sleeve 30 and secured by a knot 94. At the other end of cord 90 another knot 96 through hole 98 in clip 44 attaches the cord 90 to clip 44, which engages the open end 100 of inner bar 32. Other suitable means of attaching cord 90 are contemplated. An alternative arrangement for resilient member 42 is shown in FIG. 6. Therein, resilient member 42 is captured entirely within the inner bar 32 and outer sleeve 30, with clip 44 engaging the open end 100 of inner bar 32. In such a configuration, a wing nut 102 is used to attach outer jaw 38 to inner bar 32. For either arrangement, instead of an elastic cord, other resilient members such as a spring can be substituted, as discussed below for FIG. 9.

FIG. 7 illustrates pin assembly 26, in which a pin 104 is fitted through a hole 106 in connecting member 24 and through a pair of holes 107 in inner frame member 18 or 48. A U-shaped loop 108 attached to pin head 110 engages pin end 112 to hold the pin assembly 26 in place when the climbing member is extended and to store the pin in frame 18, 48 when the climbing member is folded or collapsed. A wing nut and bolt (not shown) can be substituted for such pin assembly 26.

FIG. 8 shows a second alternative embodiment of the upper climbing member 212. Those components which are substantially identical to those in the first embodiment are numbered the same, incremented by 200. As before, an inner frame 218 and an outer frame 220 having extendable arms 229, resiliently biased as before, are provided. Connecting member 224 can be connected between inner frame 218 and outer frame 220 as before. However, as shown in FIG. 8, bolts or pins 227, 226 are provided. Enclosed pins or hinges 222 are used to pivotally connect inner frame 218 and outer frame 220. Also a more compact, padded seat 240 is provided. The chief difference between the upper climbing member 12 of FIG. 1 and the upper climbing member 212 of FIG. 8 is that the length of arms 235 of inner frame 218 and arms 229 of outer frame 220 are shortened. This results in a considerably more compact and lighter upper climbing member 212 than climbing member 12. Such climbing member 212 is designed to be used as a hand climber with the user ascending and descending the upright columnar member 16 holding onto the upper climbing member 212 rather than sitting on seat 240 while ascending and descending the columnar member. Automatically adjustable throat 243 is defined by jaw 236 attached to arms 235, and jaw 238, attached to extendable and retractable arms 229 and resilient biasing member 242. The angle of climbing member 212 is adjusted as described below for upper climbing member 12. FIG. 9 shows a spring 342 which serves as the resilient biasing member for biasing inner bar 32 against outer sleeve 30. Spring 342 is attached to hole 92 in outer sleeve 30 and to open end 100 of inner bar 32. As shown, spring 342 is in tension. Other suitable means of attachment are contemplated.

The embodiment of an upper climbing member 212 of FIG. 8 be used in conjunction with the lower climbing member 14 of FIG. l or in conjunction with a lower climbing member which is not automatically or self-adjustable. Similarly, the upper climbing member of FIG. 1 can also be used in conjunction with a lower climbing member which is not automatically or self-adjustable. Finally, the lower climbing member 14 of FIG. 1 can also be used with an upper climbing member which is not automatically or self-adjustable.

A third alternative embodiment of an upper climbing member 412 is illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. Those components which are identical to those in the first embodiment are numbered the same, incremented by 400. A lower climbing member can also be provided having the features described below. Upper climbing member 412 of FIGS. 10 and 11 has an outer frame 420 including a pair of extendable and retractable outer arms 429, a locking pin assembly 428 on each extendable and retractable arm 429, a resilient biasing member 442, and outer jaw 438, just as in the previous embodiments. In addition, an inner frame 418 is provided having a pair of arms 435 with a seat 440 slidably mounted thereon. Extendable and retractable arms 429 are pivotally mounted to the arms 435 of the inner frame 418 by nut and bolt assemblies or pins 422. A pair of connectors 424 having overcenter snaps 425 are pivotally mounted between outer arms 429 and inner arms 435 to permit the folding or collapse of the climbing member for transport and storage, as shown in phantom in FIG. 11. Climbing member 412 differs from the previously described embodiments in that the throat 443 formed between inner jaw 436 and outer jaw 438 is adjustable on both sides. This is accomplished by providing a pair of extendable and retractable arms 435 on inner frame 418. Jaw 436 and cross member 434 are connected to a pair of tubular male inner bars 446 which are slidably mounted within a pair of tubular female sleeves 447 which are connected by a cross member '449. A spring 451 is disposed inside of each tubular female sleeve 447 and is biased between the end 453 of male inner bar 446 and an end plate 461 of female outer sleeve 447, thereby resiliently biasing, in compression, extendable and retractable arms 435. A locking pin assembly 428 is also provided to engage a plurality of holes 459 in each male inner bar 446, thereby permitting incremental extension of the inner arms 447. A hole 455 is provided in each female sleeve 447 for a spring biased safety button 457 (FIG. 12) mounted in male inner bar 446 with which to engage to prevent accidental disassembly of extendable inner arms 435. In operation, the inner jaw 436 is "cocked" by inserting male inner bars 446 fully within female sleeves 447, thereby compressing springs 451. Locking pin assemblies 428 are engaged. The climbing member 412 is then mounted on a columnar or tree 16, just as described for the first embodiment. However, in addition to adjusting the length of extendable and retractable outer arms 429, as described above, the length of extendable and retractable inner arms 435 can also be adjusted by releasing locking pin assemblies 428, with springs 451 pushing male inner bars 446 outward, thereby pushing inner jaw 436 outward. The combination of pushing inner jaw 436 outward and pulling outer jaw 438 inward reduces throat 443 as the climbing member 412 is advanced up the tree 16 during ascent. The process can be reversed as the climbing member 412 is brought down the tree 16 during descent, thereby opening throat 443.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show both the outer arms 429 and inner arms 435 being extendable and retractable. It is contemplated that only the inner arms 435 be extendable and retractable, so that the throat 443 is adjusted by the inner arms 435 only. Furthermore, with either throat adjustment configuration, the inner frame 418 can be equipped with a footstand or grid, rather than a seat, and thereby form a lower climbing member as described in the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 shows safety button 457, which includes a leaf spring 464, with a button 465 attached thereto or formed integral therewith. Leaf spring 464 is biased inside male inner bar 446 of extendable and retractable arms 435 of inner frame 418 for engaging a hole 455 near the end of female sleeve 447.

FIG. 13 illustrates a fourth alternative embodiment of an upper climbing member 512. The components which are the same as described in the first embodiment are numbered the same, but incremented by 500. However, rather than being adjustable by a resilient bias, the extendable and retractable outer arms 529 are adjusted by pulling on a string 531 which is connected to the male bars 532, with the string guided through eyelets 533 mounted on the female sleeves 530. The string 531 is manually operated in conjunction with the release of the male bars 532 from the female sleeves 530 by operation of locking pin assemblies 528. By pulling on the string 531, in the direction U, the extendable outer arms 529 are retracted and the throat 543 is narrowed. By pushing male bars 532 outward or pulling on female sleeves 530, the throat 543 is increased. A lower climbing member, similar to that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, can be similarly configured.

FIG. 14 illustrates a fifth alternate embodiment of an upper climbing member 612 in which the components which are the same as in the first embodiment are numbered the same, incremented by 600. However, no resilient biasing member is provided. Rather, the outer arms 629 are manually extendable and retractable, with the male bars 632 carried inside female sleeves 630 so as to be telescoping. In operation, the user releases locking pin assemblies 628 and manually extends or retracts the outer arms 629, thereby altering the dimension of the throat 643. This permits angle adjustment of the climbing member while still attached to the tree and without disassembly of the climbing member.

FIG. 15 shows a sixth alternative embodiment of an upper climbing member 712 in which the components which are the same as in the first embodiment are numbered incremented by 700. The embodiment of FIG. 15 is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 14 in that both are manually operable while still being attached to the tree, except that rather than telescoping, the extendable and retractable arms 729 are arranged in an over-under configuration with the outer bar 731 slidably engaging support sleeves 746, 747 mounted on inner bar 733, with locking pin assemblies 728 mounted on support sleeves 746.

It is contemplated that manually operated climbing members similar to those of FIGS. 14 and 15, but having footrests, rather than seats, can be provided.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show a seventh alternative embodiment of an upper climbing member 812 in which the operation for mounting the climbing member to a tree 16 and for ascending and descending the tree 16 is much the same as in the first embodiment, as described herein. However, this seventh embodiment permits the backrest of the seat portion to recline backwards and the footrest portion to move upwardly and outwardly from the tree 16, thereby permitting the user to recline or lounge while the upper climbing member is mounted on the tree 16. Upper climbing member 812 is comprised of an outer tubular frame 818 and an inner tubular frame 820, together comprising a gripping frame, generally designated by the numeral 821, which cooperate to provide a space or throat 843 which encompasses the upright columnar member or tree 16, thereby permitting the upper climbing member 812 to be mounted to the tree 16. Tubular seat frame, generally designated by numeral 824, provides the support for seat webbing 826 and cushion 828, which form seat 829. Cushion 828 is pivotally mounted at the front thereof and can be moved forward as shown by arrow C. Footrest 830, having grill 831, is attached to seat frame 824.

Upper climbing member seat frame 824, is comprised of tubular seat front support bar 832, U-shaped seat backrest bar 834, a pair of extendable and retractable members 836 (diagonally oriented when seat 829 is in its upright position) and a pair of tubular footrest support members 838. Webbing 826 is preferably made of fabric, cloth or other suitable material and is fastened as by sewing about seat front support bar 832 and seat backrest support bar 834, to form a seating area for cushion 828, thereby forming seat 829. Seat front support bar 832 is substantially horizontal in orientation. Each end of seat front support bar 832 is attached by nut and bolt assemblies 840 to footrest support members 838. Footrest 830 is attached to footrest support members 838 by nut and bolt assemblies 842. Footrest support members 838 are pivotally attached to a pair of brackets 844 by nut and bolt assemblies 846. A pair of footrest support cords 848, preferably made of flexible steel cable, are each attached at upper ends 850 to nut and bolt assemblies 846 and at lower ends 852 to footrest 830. Support cords 848 are trained behind seat front bar 832. Brackets 844 are attached, as by spot welding, adhesive bonding, fastening or other acceptable means to outer tubular frame 818.

Seat backrest bar 834 is pivotally attached to inner tubular frame 820 by nut and bolt assemblies 853 at each open end 854. Nut and bolt assemblies 853 also mount brackets 856 to inner frame 820. Extendable and retractable members 836 are pivotally attached to brackets 856 by nut and bolt assemblies 858 at their upper ends 860. Extendable and retractable members 836 are pivotally attached at their lower ends 862 by removable pins 864 which engage brackets 866 which are mounted on footrest support members 838 as by spot welding or other appropriate means of attachment. Extendable members 836 are each comprised of an inner bar 868 and an outer sleeve 870. A releasable locking device comprising a locking pin assembly 872, the same as locking pin pin assembly 28 described hereinbefore, is mounted on an outer sleeve 870. Locking pin assembly 872 engages a plurality of holes 874 in inner bar 868. Inner bar 868 slides within outer sleeve 870, causing footrest 830 support members 838 to pivot outwardly, with footrest 830 pivoting upwardly. Seat webbing 826 is caused to pivot upwardly along with cushion 828, resulting in the back 827 of webbing 826 reclining, as shown in FIG. 17. A safety button 873, the same as safety button 457 described hereinbefore, is provided to prevent inner bar 868 from completely disengaging with outer sleeve 870 by engaging hole 871 in outer sleeve 870.

Outer tubular frame 818 includes outer jaw or gripping member 875 having teeth 876 for engaging the backside of tree 16. Outer tubular frame 818 includes a pair of substantially parallel extendable members 878. Attached to the top of each extendable member 878 is a tubular member 880, which receives a U-shaped safety bar 882. Safety bar 882 is slidably received within tubular member 880 and is prevented from disengaging unintentionally by a pair of safety buttons 881 (similar to safety buttons 873) and engaged through a hole 879 in member 880. Spring loaded pins 883 mounted in tubular member 880 engage seat backrest bar 834 in holes 885 to lock the seat backrest bar 834 in place. Each extendable member 878 includes an outer sleeve 884 and an inner bar 886, slidably engaging outer sleeve 884. Locking devices or locking pin assemblies 888, each includes a pin and each of which is of similar construction as locking pin assemblies 872, are mounted on outer sleeve 884 and engage a plurality of holes 890 in inner bar 886. A resilient biasing member 892 is attached at end 894 to outer sleeve 884 and engages the end 896 of inner bar 886 by a clip 898. Inner tubular frame 820 includes inner jaw or gripping member 900 having teeth 901 with a cross member 902 disposed between and connecting two essentially parallel tubular members 904. Tubular members 904 are pivotally connected to brackets 844 by nut and bolt assemblies

905. The lounging function is performed as follows: By pulling pin assemblies 872 to disengage from holes 874 in extendable diagonal members 836, the user permits the extendable diagonal members 836 to extend. By pushing on footrest 830 with his feet, footrest 830 is swung outwardly in direction R, as shown in FIG. 17. At the same time, the webbing 826 and cushion 828 move forward and upward and the back 827 of seat 829 reclines.

The extendable diagonal members 836 permit incremental adjustment of the amount of reclining of seat 829. A safety button 873, as described above, prevents the male and female parts of extendable and retractable diagonal members 836 from totally disengaging unintentionally. When the user desires to descend from the upright columnar member 16 or ascend to a greater height, the seat frame 824 is brought to the upright position by pulling on pin assemblies 872 and pushing footrest 830 downward with the user's feet. Extendable and retractable diagonal members 836 are then locked in place with locking devices 872.

Climbing member 812 is adapted to be tethered to a lower climbing member, as shown for the first embodiment in FIG. 1, by a tether 865.

The apparatus described herein can be made of any suitable material which is reasonably lightweight and durable and capable of supporting a user of typical weight and physical dimensions. The apparatus is preferably made of welded tubular steel or aluminum steel having a rectangular or square cross section for ease of gripping and offering a flat or level horizontal surface. The resilient members can be of any suitable material such as elastic or rubber or the like, or suitable spring metals, if springs are used.

The basic operation of the two-part apparatus of the invention is substantially the same as discussed in U.S. Patent No. 4,331,216, but modified to provide automatic or self-adjustment without removal from the tree. The operation of the first embodiment is described in detail. The remaining second through seventh embodiments are operated in similar fashion, in that the throat is adjusted so as to permit the angle of inclination of the climbing member to be adjusted while attached to the columnar member. For the first embodiment, lower climbing member 14 is extended by connecting members 24 being engaged between inner frame 48 and outer frame 52 and is mounted on upright columnar member 16. In the embodiment shown, clip 44 is removed from the end 100 of male inner bar 32. Male bar 32 is disengaged from female outer sleeve 30 by pulling pin 66 out of aligned holes 81 and 82 and turning the pin 66 approximately 90° so that pin keeper 84 engages housing shoulder or block 86 and prevents the pin 66 from going back through holes 81, 82. Spring 80 biases the pin 66 against the inside of housing 74 and against block 86. Male bar 32 is thus rendered freely slidable relative to female sleeve 30. (Such freely slidable motion is also achieved between fixed positions by having pin 66 pulled out of hole 82 in male bar 32 with male bar 32 moved sufficiently such that no hole 82 is aligned with hole 81.) Male bar 32 is then removed from female sleeve 30. Inner jaw 36 is placed against one surface of upright columnar member 16 flat on the ground at a desired initial elevation above the ground. Male bar 32 is then reinserted into female sleeve 30. Clip 44 is then inserted into the open end 100 of male bar 32 such that resilient member 42 biases male bar 32 into female sleeve 30 until outer jaw 38 contacts the opposite side of upright columnar member 16 from that contacted by inner jaw 36. Pin 66 is then released from the stored positioned within housing 74 by turning pin 66 approximately 90° using ring 62. Appropriate holes 81 and 82 are aligned by cocking the lower climbing element 14 upward slightly so that the male bar 32 slides under biasing force relative to female sleeve 30 until the pin 66 drops through aligned holes 81, 82. This results in the lower climbing member 14 being placed in an initial position on upright columnar member 16 in either a substantially level orientation relative to the ground or with the outer end of the inner frame 48 cocked slightly upward.

Next, the upper climbing member 12 is extended and is mounted on the upright climbing member 16 in substantially the same fashion, with the resilient member 42 released by removal of clip 44, the extendable and retractable sleeve 30 and bar 32. disassembled and then reassembled encircling the upright columnar member 16, and pin assemblies 28 reengaged. The initial elevation of upper climbing member 12 is chosen to correspond to a desired sitting position on the seat 40.

If either or both of the upper and lower climbing members have wing nuts 102 (as shown in FIG. 6) for loosening the outer jaw 38 surrounding or for engaging the upright columnar member 16, then only one wing nut 102 need be removed and the outer jaw 38 wrapped around the upright columnar member 16 and reattached to the outer frame 20 )or 52) to engage the upright columnar member 16 and thereby mount the climbing member 12 , 14 to the columnar member 16. Such alternative mounting of climbing members is shown in U.S. Patent No. 4,331,216. If such mounting is employed, then the resilient biasing member 42 need not be disengaged during the mounting of the climbing member on the columnar member 16. Hence, for such an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the resilient biasing member 42 can be captured entirely within the male bar 32 and female sleeve 30. Regardless of how the climbing members are initially mounted on the upright columnar member 16, and whether the resilient biasing member 42 is captured within the male bar 32 and female sleeve 30, or is mounted external to the bar 32 and sleeve 30, the operation of the climbing members 12, 14 thereafter is the same in advancing the upper and lower climbing members stepwise in tandem in either the ascending or descending directions. Once an initial position is established for both climbing members 12, 14, the user can sit in the seat 40 of upper climbing member 12, facing the upright columnar member 16. Using his feet, he places his toes and insteps under cross bar 54. By pulling up on cross bar 54, he cocks the lower climbing member 14 upward, increasing the horizontal spacing between inner jaw 36 and outer jaw 38. Lower climbing member 14 is thus free to slide along columnar member 16. By pulling up with his feet, the user can pull lower climbing member 14 up to a position just below upper climbing member 12. By pushing down on grill or footrest 50 and cocking the lower climbing member 14 in the opposite direction, the horizontal space between inner jaw 36 and outer jaw 38 is reduced, thus reengaging climbing element 14 with upright columnar member 16. The angle of the platform formed by lower climbing member 14 can then be adjusted by pulling on lines 60 attached to rings 62 of pin assemblies 28. This pulls pin 66 out of aligned holes 82 and 81, respectively, of male bar 32 and female sleeve 30. Resilient members 42 keep outer jaw 38 biased against upright columnar member 16. The user, by slightly rocking the lower climbing member 14 with his feet can cause male bar 32 and female sleeve 30 holes 82, 81 to align and can then release locking pin 66 to engage the holes and again lock male bar 32 and female sleeve 30 in place. The horizontal distance between inner jaw 36 and outer jaw 38 will be changed to account for tapering (reduced for ascent, increased for descent) because resilient biasing member 42 reduces the length of the extendable arms 56 and pulls outer jaw 38 toward inner jaw 36.

Once the lower climbing member 14 is raised to the desired position and locked into place with a satisfactory angle automatically adjusted, the user stands on the lower climbing member 14 and releases the upper climbing member 12 by cocking the upper climbing member 12 outward and upward. As was the case for the lower climbing member 14, this increases the horizontal distance between the inner jaw 36 and outer jaw 38. The upper climbing member 12, which is gripped by the user's hands can then be slidably moved along the columnar member 16 to a new position corresponding to a desired seating position. At such location, the pins 66 of pin assemblies 28 are pulled, removing the pin from aligned holes 82 and 81, respectively, in male bar 32 and female sleeve 30. As was the case for the lower climbing element 14, the resilient biasing means 42 reduces the length of the extendable and retractable arms 29 and pulls outer jaw 38 toward inner jaw 36. By rocking the upper climbing member 12, holes 82 and 81, respectively, in male bar 32 and female sleeve 30 can be aligned and pin 66 reinserted by spring biasing to lock male bar 32 and female sleeve 30 into position. The upper climbing member 12 is thus repositioned.

By alternately moving the upper and lower climbing members in step-wise tandem fashion as described above, and as is known in the art, a user of the climbing apparatus can advance up or down an upright columnar member such as a tree or pole. The angle of each of the upper and lower climbing elements can be adjusted at each new position using the invention, as described above. Thus, a stable, essentially level standing and sitting platform can be established at each new location along the upright columnar member. If desired, the angle can be chosen to tend to move the user toward the tree.

The operation of the alternative "hand-climber" upper climbing member 112 of FIG. 8 is similar to that of the first embodiment of FIG. 1 described above. However, because of the reduced dimensions, rather than sit on the seat 140 facing the upright columnar member 16, the user holds onto the frame members 118, 120, facing the upright columnar member 16. The positioning during ascending or descending is then chosen to move the upper climbing member 112 to a comfortable hand position, rather than seat position. Once the desired elevation is achieved, the upper climbing member 112 is positioned at the desired seat, rather than hand level. Otherwise, the operation is identical to that described above for upper climbing member 12.

The operation of the third-seventh embodiments is substantially the same as described above, with minor variations. For instance, for the third embodiment, the throat can be adjusted by using a combination of adjusting the inner extendable and retractable arms or the outer extendable and retractable arms, using the spring biased inner arms or the resiliently biased outer arms. The manually operated embodiments (fourth-sixth embodiments) also permit adjustment of the throat while the climbing member remains attached to the upright columnar member, but rather than using a spring bias or resilient bias to adjust the length of extendable arms, the arms are disengaged by releasing a locking device and the lengths of the extendable and retractable arms are adjusted manually.

An eighth embodiment of a climbing stand having an adjustable throat is shown in FIGS. 18-20. The climbing stand 910 comprises a pair of left and right members, each of which is designated generally by reference numeral 920. As shown in FIG. 18, each climbing member is secured to the tree by an adjustable belt or strap 972. Each climbing member 920 in accordance with this embodiment includes an elongated platform portion 922 constructed preferably of a sturdy metal such as sheet steel or aluminum. The platform portion 922 includes a forward end 924, a back end 926, and is framed along its length by a pair of substantially parallel edges 928, 930. An upturned edge 932 integrally formed with the platform portion 922 is disposed along the outer parallel edge 930 of a right climber member 920 worn on the user's right foot. In like manner, an upturned edge 932 is integrally formed with the platform portion 922 of a left climber member, said upturned edge 932 disposed along a corresponding outer parallel edge 928 of the platform portion 922. The platform portion 922 is affixed to the user's foot by two paired sets of quick release strap means 934. The strap means 934 comprise a tongue end 936 disposed on one of each pair of strap means 934, said tongue end 936 being adjustably engagable with a cinch-type fastening means or buckle 938 disposed on each of the corresponding strap means 934 of each pair. A pad 922a may be placed on platform 922 when the strap means 934 are not in use.

An extendable and retractable support arm 940 is disposed in a plane parallel to the upturned edge 932 of the platform portion 922. Support arm 940 includes a female sleeve 941 and a male bar 945 slidably disposed therein. A quick release locking pin assembly 956, similar to the locking pin assembly 28, described previously, mounted on arm 940 engages and disengages the female sleeve 941 and male bar 945 to permit the support arm 940 to extend and retract. Locking pin assembly 956 is actuated by pulling on ring 962. A back end 942 of the arm 940 is affixed to the upturned edge 932 by a bolted connection 944 which enables the arm 940 to swivel out of the plane of the platform portion 922 and to be fixed at a given angle to the platform portion 922, with the angle preferably being approximately 30°. The forward end 946 of the support arm 940 extends beyond the forward end 924 of the platform portion 922.

A gripping portion or hook 948 is adjustably affixed to the extendable and retractable support arm 940. The gripping portion 948, which is constructed of a relatively stiff and strong metal such as steel, has a symmetrical bow-like shape with its concave side directed back to the platform portion 922 when one end 950 of the gripping portion 948 is affixed to the support arm 940. The apex 948a of the gripping portion 948 is coincidental with a line of symmetry A passing therethrough. An array of teeth-like protrusions 951 are integrally formed along the forward edge 924 of the platform portion 922 to securely engage with the tree. The protrusions 951 are symmetrically arrayed about the line of symmetry A which is projected along the longitudinal extent of the climbing member 920, the line A being offset from, but parallel to, the longitudinal centerline B of the platform portion 922. Optionally, another array of like protrusions (not shown) are integrally formed along the concave side of the gripping portion 948 in symmetrical opposition to the first array of projections 951. In those instances where it is desirable to protect the tree from injury caused by the impacting protrusions 951, a conventional protective sheath (not shown) made of a non-skid material such as an elastomer formed with a U-shaped cross-section may be removably positioned over the protrusions 951.

In operation, the climbing member 920 is assembled about the tree or upright columnar member in the manner shown. Application of the climber's weight to the platform portion 922 causes that weight to act through a distance C perpendicular to lines A and B.

The resulting moment causes the protrusions 951 to become firmly embedded in the tree, thereby enhancing the stability of climbing member 920 at the selected elevation. More particularly, it can be seen that the symmetrically arrayed protrusions 951, being in symmetrical opposition to the opposing contact surfaces of the concave side of the gripping portion 948, further secure and stabilize the climbing member 920 at that elevation as it is manipulated into a cocked position shown by the dashed and dotted lines.

The gripping portion 948 relative to the platform portion 922 is maintained under tension by a resilient biasing member 960 such as an elastic cord or spring. The resilient biasing member 960 is fitted through a hole 963 at the platform portion end of the support arm 940, and secured by a knot 964. The other end of the biasing member 960 is drawn through a hole (not shown) in a flange 966 securely affixed to or adjacent the gripping portion 948, the biasing member

960 attached to the flange 966 by another knot 968.

Other suitable means of attaching the biasing member 960 to the climbing member 920 are contemplated. By such construction, the gripping portion 948 may be automatically moved toward or away from the platform portion 922 when ascending or descending a tree or any columnar member having a cross-sectional dimension which varies with elevation, merely by releasing the locking pin assembly 956 thereby enabling the extendable and retractable support arm 940 to move and carry the gripping member 948 into a secured relationship with the tree, thereby automatically adjusting the throat 943. Although the biasing member 960 is installed at the external periphery of the longitudinal extent of the climbing member 920, as in the first embodiment, it is contemplated that such biasing member may be captured entirely within the walls of the support arm 940 so as to limit or prevent exposure to snagging, weather, abrasion, or other wear or performance comprising factors.

A ninth embodiment of a stand 1010 having an adjustable throat 1043 is shown in FIGS. 21-22. Such stand is fixed, rather than adapted for ascending and descending by moving the entire stand up and down along the tree or upright columnar member. Ladder stand 1010 generally includes a platform section 1012 and a ladder section 1014. The platform section 1012 is shown in secured engagement with the circumference of a tree 16. Platform member 1012, preferably constructed of a sturdy metal, such as sheet steel or aluminum, is comprised of a U-shaped tubular frame 1018, and a pair of cross members or braces 1020, 1021. A floor 1019 made of expanded metal is welded to the frame 1018 along its perimeter.

Tubular frame 1018 is preferably formed in one piece of extruded aluminum having a generally square cross-section. At one of its terminal ends 1026, support arm 1027 — which carries rear or outer jaw 1024 — is slidably received by the tubular frame 1018.

In an alternative (tenth) embodiment 1011 (FIG. 23) platform member 1013 includes a foot rest 1015. The remaining components of alternative embodiment 1011 are substantially identical to those described for the ninth embodiment 1010.

Platform member 1012 is secured to the columnar member 16 by a pair of jaws 1022, 1024 which form an adjustable throat 1043 to accommodate trees of varying girths. Rear jaw 1024 is moveable with respect to front jaw 1022. Jaws 1022, 1024 are similar in design to the gripping portion and platform portion for the eighth embodiment directed to a hook-type tree climbing stand, described above.

Front jaw 1022 is fixed to platform 1012 and comprises a generally hook or bow-shaped member similar to those used in conventional tree stands and adapted to engage the side of tree 16 from which the platform extends. Rear jaw 1024 is moveable and adapted to engage the side of the tree opposite the side engaged by jaw 1022 when the ladder stand is in use.

Jaws 1022, 1024 are constructed of a relatively stiff and strong metal such as steel, and are preferably arranged so that their concave surfaces face each other to circumscribe and grip tree 16. The jaws form an adjustable throat 1043 which is remotely openable by the user in a manner described hereinafter. The apex of jaws 1022, 1024 preferably coincides with a line of symmetry A. An array of teeth-like protrusions (not shown) may be mounted or integrally formed along the forward edge of either jaw member to prevent slippage with the tree. The teeth-like projections can be covered with a rubber sheathing to protect the tree from injury caused by the impacting protrusions.

To lock moveable rear jaw 1024 relative to jaw 1022 a locking pin assembly 1028 is provided, similar to the locking pin assembly described in the first embodiment. A ring 1062 is attached to the pin of locking pin assembly 1028. A cord 1060, attached to ring 1062, is made sufficiently long to enable the user to remotely activate the pin while standing on the ground. When ring 1062 is pulled to unlock the locking pin assembly 1028, support arm 1027 is freed to slide relative to tubular member 1018.

The adjustment feature of the ladder stand is similar to that in the embodiments described above. Moveable rear jaw 1024 is biased toward fixed front jaw 1022 by a resilient biasing member 1050 which may comprise an elastic cord or a spring. It is also contemplated that the rear jaw 1024 is fixed and the front jaw 1022 is moveable, or, both can be moveable. Similarly to the attachment of resilient biasing members in previous embodiments, resilient biasing member 1050 is attached to the frame 1018 by being fitted through a hole (not shown) at the end of frame 1018 and secured by a knot and washer (not shown) , or a similar means. The other end of the biasing member 1050 is attached to support arm 1027 through a hole (not shown) in a flange

1056 securely affixed to the end of support arm 1027 adjacent the jaw 1024, by another knot 1068. By such construction, rear jaw 1024 may be automatically moved toward the opposing front jaw 1022 when released by pulling the locking pin assembly to unlock it, thereby enabling the support arm 1027, to move and carry the jaw 1024 into a secured relationship with the tree.

Although the biasing member 1050 is shown installed outside the climbing member 1012, it is contemplated that such biasing member may be captured entirely within the walls of the support arm 1027, as described above, so as to limit or prevent exposure to snagging, weather, abrasion, or other wear or performance compromising factors. For either arrangement, instead of an elastic cord, other resilient members such as a spring can be substituted.

Ladder section 1014 is comprised of three hingedly connected ladder sub-sections 1036, 1038, and 1040. Each section has horizontal rungs 1037, 1039, 1041 therein. Section 1038 is hingedly connected to section 1040 by a pair of bolts 1041, 1042 about which section 1038 may pivot relative to section 1040. As is clear from the illustrations in FIGS. 21 and 23, the width of ladder section 1038 is less than that of section 1040 such that the parallel sidepieces of section 1038 may nest within the sidepieces of section 1040. Similarly, ladder section 1036 is nested within the parallel sidepieces of section 1038 and is hingedly mounted thereto about bolts 1044, 1045. The ladder sections may be locked in their extended positions by removable or releasable pins 1051. By removing each pin 1051, the ladder sections may be folded into one another for ease in transport or storage. Ladder section 1014 is pivotably mounted to platform section 1012 by nut and bolt sets 1053 or a similar attachment means. The perpendicular orientation of sections 1012 and 1014 may be maintained by a pair of struts or braces 1055, 1057. The braces are pivotably mounted by a nut and bolt set at their distal ends to ladder section 1036 adjacent the first rung. At their proximal ends, braces 1055, 1057 are each slidably mounted to tubular member 1018 by a collar 1059.

Although certain presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains that variations and modifications of the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims and the applicable rules of law.

Claims

Claims :

1. A stand for attachment to an upright columnar member comprising: a gripping device for securing the stand to the upright columnar member; a platform adjacent to said gripping device for supporting the body of a user; and said gripping device including an automatically adjustable throat for leveling said platform while in use.

2. A stand as in claim 1, wherein said gripping device comprises: a lower frame including an inner jaw attached to a pair of inner arms; an upper frame including an outer jaw attached to a pair of outer arms; wherein one of said pair of inner arms or outer arms is resiliently biased so as to move said jaw attached thereto in a secured engagement to the upright columnar member.

3. A stand as in claim 2, wherein said other pair of inner or outer arms is resiliently biased so as to move said jaw attached thereto in a secured engagement to the upright columnar member.

4. A stand as in claim 2, wherein each arm of said resiliently biased pair of arms is extendable and retractable and includes a first member slidably engaging a second member.

5. A stand as in claim 3, wherein each arm of said resiliently biased pair of arms is extendable and retractable and includes a first member slidably engaging a second member.

6. A stand as in claim 4, wherein each extendable and retractable arm is telescoping.

7. A stand as in claim 5, wherein each extendable and retractable arm is telescoping.

8. A stand as in claim 2, wherein said resiliently biased pair of arms includes a resilient biasing member taken from the group of members consisting of an elastic cord, a spring and a combination of an elastic cord and a spring.

9. A stand as in claim 3, wherein said resiliently biased pair of arms includes a resilient biasing member taken from the group of members consisting of an elastic cord, a spring and a combination of an elastic cord and a spring.

10. A stand as in claim 4, wherein said resiliently biased pair of arms includes an elastic cord for biasing said arms.

11. A stand as in claim 4, wherein said resiliently biased pair of arms includes a spring in compression for biasing said arms.

12. A stand as in claim 6, wherein said resiliently biased pair of arms includes an elastic cord for biasing said arms.

13. A stand as in claim 6, wherein said resiliently biased pair of arms includes a spring for biasing said arms.

14. A stand as in claim 4, further including a locking device for securing said extendable and retractable arms in a plurality of positions; said locking device includes a spring biased pin which locks and unlocks said extendable and retractable arms.

15. A stand as in claim 6, further including a locking device for securing said extendable and retractable arms in a plurality of positions; said locking device includes a spring biased pin which locks and unlocks said extendable and retractable arms.

16. A stand as in claim 14, wherein one of said slidably engaging members includes a first hole for accommodating said spring biased pin, the other of said slidably engaging members having a plurality of holes therein, each slidable with said first hole and said spring biased pin for incrementally adjusting length of each said extendable and retractable arm.

17. A stand as in claim 15, wherein one of said slidably engaging members includes a first hole for accommodating said spring biased pin, the other of said slidably engaging members having a plurality of holes therein, each slidable with said first hole and said spring biased pin for incrementally adjusting length of each said extendable and retractable arm.

18. A stand as in claim 2, wherein said lower frame and said upper frame are connected by an overcenter connector which is disengaged to permit folding of said lower frame and said upper frame relative to each other when said stand is collapsed for transport and storage and which overcenter connector is engaged when said stand is extended for use.

19. A stand as in claim 4, wherein said resiliently biased pair of inner arms includes a safety button disposed within one said slidably engaging member for engaging a hole in the other said slidably engaging member so as to prevent complete disengagement of said slidably engaging members.

20. A stand as in claim 6, wherein said resiliently biased pair of inner arms includes a safety button disposed within one said slidably engaging member for engaging a hole in the other said slidably engaging member so as to prevent complete disengagement of said slidably engaging members.

21. A stand according to claim 1, including an upper climbing member and a lower climbing member, each said climbing member having a gripping device and a platform, wherein said upper climbing member platform comprises a seat and said lower climbing member platform comprises a footrest.

22. A stand as in claim 1, wherein said platform comprises: an extendable and retractable seat frame, connected to said gripping device, for supporting a seat and a footrest, each said seat and footrest mounted on said seat frame, said seat and footrest being moveable to accommodate a user sitting in an upright position to a reclining position.

23. A stand as in claim 22, wherein said extendable and retractable seat frame includes a pair of extendable support members, each support member being attached at its upper end to said gripping device, said support members adapted to • move said footrest, said footrest being pivotable outwardly and upwardly and said seat being moveable to a lounging or reclining position.

24. A stand as in claim 1 wherein said gripping device includes; an inner jaw formed integral with said platform at an engagement end thereof in an arcuate path for engaging the columnar member, said platform having a first longitudinal axis horizontally passing through the center of said platform and a second longitudinal axis parallel to said first axis and spaced therefrom; an extendable and retractable support arm supported along a longtudinal edge of said platform extending beyond the platform toward the columnar member; an outer jaw secured to the support arm and moveable with respect to said platform to accomodate columnar member of varying cross-section, said outer jaw and inner jaw forming said throat in the form of an opening therebetween for receiving and engaging the columnar member at opposite points of the columnar member, the outer jaw having a concave side cooperating with said engagement end of said platform to secure the stand to the columnar member, said outer jaw concave side having an apex, said second longitudinal axis of said platform passing through said apex to stabilize said platform.

25. A pair of stands as in claim 24, further comprising a right climber member and a left climber member, each climber member including a foot receiving means secured to each said platform.

26. A stand as in claim 1, further comprising a ladder attached to said platform for providing access to said platform.