Tree stand support

Abstract

A tree stand for hunting or similar purposes consisting of a platform having a side abutting against the tree and a flexible member encircling the back side of the tree at a location above the platform abutment whereby weight applied to the platform causes the platform to function as a lever firmly engaging the tree. The invention resides in the flexible upper tension member which is formed of a solid metal bar to eliminate “droop” when the tension member is not under tension, and collars affixed to the ends of the tension member bar permit the tension member to be easily and safely affixed to the platform structure in an adjustable manner to accommodate various diameters of trees.

1 . A tree stand adapted to be supported by a tree having an outer circumference having diametrically opposed first and second portions wherein the stand includes a platform having a lower portion compressing against the tree first portion and an upper tree encircling flexible tension member engaging the tree second portion above the platform lower portion to maintain the platform in a stable occupant supporting position, the improvement comprising, the flexible tension member including a solid homogeneous component resistant to drooping in a direction lateral to the length of the tension member.  
     
     
         2 . In a tree stand as in  claim 1 , said flexible tension member including a solid metal bar.  
     
     
         3 . In a tree stand as in  claim 2 , said solid metal bar being formed of steel.  
     
     
         4 . In a tree stand as in  claim 3 , said bar having a diameter of approximately 0.25 inches.  
     
     
         5 . In a tree stand as in  claim 3 , a flexible sheath encasing said bar.  
     
     
         6 . In a tree stand as in  claim 2 , said metal bar having first and second ends operatively fixed to the platform, said first end having an enlarged collar affixed thereto whereby said bar first end may be fixed to said platform.\ 
     
     
         7 . In a tree stand as in  claim 6 , said collar being swaged to said bar first end.  
     
     
         8 . In a tree stand adapted to be supported by a tree having an outer circumference having diametrically opposed first and second portions wherein the stand includes a platform having a rear portion, a front portion, lateral sides and tubular side elements obliquely disposed above said lateral sides having a lower end adjacent the associated lateral side and platform front portion, and an upper end disposed above the associated lateral side and platform rear portion, an access hole defined in said side element upper end in alignment with the length thereof, a flexible tension member having ends extending into said access holes and located within said side elements, said ends each having an enlarged collar affixed thereto located within the associated side element, said collars having an inner end, a hole defined in at least one of said side elements transversely disposed to the length thereof, and a lock pin removably received within said hole in alignment with the associated collar adapted to engage the associated collar inner end to prevent the tension member end being removed from the associated side element.  
     
     
         9 . In a tree stand as in  claim 8 , said tension member comprising a solid, homogeneous metal bar.  
     
     
         10 . In a tree stand as in  claim 8 , said side elements comprising rectangular tubes having opposed sides, said holes comprising a pair of aligned holes formed in said tube opposed sides, said lock pin extending through aligned holes.  
     
     
         11 . In a tree stand as in  claim 10 , a plurality of pairs of holes defined in a common side element, said pairs of holes being spaced along the length of the associated side element.