Tree Step

Abstract

A tree step includes (i) a metal or metal alloy core, the core including a threaded section, a first bend proximate the threaded section, an offset section extending from the first bend to a second bend, and a step section extending from the second bend; and (ii) a plastic coating covering at least the step section, the plastic coating including an outer surface portion that is textured and simulates a natural surface of a tree.

1 . A tree step, comprising:
 a. a metal or metal alloy component or components including a connecting section, an offset section, and a step section;   b. a plastic coating covering at least the step section, the plastic coating including an outer surface portion that is textured and simulates a natural surface of a tree.   
     
     
         2 . The tree step of  claim 1 , wherein the metal or metal alloy component or components is a metal or metal alloy core including the threaded section, a first bend proximate the threaded section, the offset section extending from the first bend to a second bend, and the step section extending from the second bend; wherein the connecting section comprises a threaded section. 
     
     
         3 . The tree step of  claim 2 , wherein the plastic coating covers at least the step section, the second bend, and the offset section. 
     
     
         4 . The tree step of  claim 3 , wherein the plastic coating comprises a tread area on an upper surface of the step section. 
     
     
         5 . The tree step of  claim 4 , wherein the textured outer surface portion comprises a plurality of irregular grooves and ridges. 
     
     
         6 . The tree step of  claim 5 , wherein the plurality of ridges comprise varying heights from the core along lengths of the ridges. 
     
     
         7 . The tree step of  claim 6 , wherein the textured outer surface portion simulates tree bark. 
     
     
         8 . The tree step of  claim 4 , wherein the plastic coating comprises a plurality of different colors. 
     
     
         9 . The tree step of  claim 4 , wherein the plastic coating is at least half as thick as the core. 
     
     
         10 . The tree step of  claim 4 , wherein the core comprises a first thickness and wherein the tree step comprises a second thickness, wherein the second thickness is at least two times as thick as the first thickness. 
     
     
         11 . The tree step of  claim 10 , wherein the tread area is substantially flat relative to curved portions of the outer coating. 
     
     
         12 . The tree step of  claim 4 , wherein the plastic coating further comprises a stop extending upwardly relative to the tread area proximate an outer end of the step section. 
     
     
         13 . The tree step of  claim 2 , wherein the outer surface portion simulates a broken tree limb. 
     
     
         14 . The tree step of  claim 13 , wherein an end of the outer surface portion includes a jagged portion simulating a broken portion of the broken tree limb. 
     
     
         15 . The tree step of  claim 2 , wherein the threaded section and the step section extend along generally parallel axes. 
     
     
         16 . A tree step, comprising:
 a. a metal or metal alloy core, the core comprising a threaded section and a step section, the step section being offset from the threaded section;   b. a plastic coating covering at least the step section, the plastic coating including (i) a first outer surface portion that is textured and simulates a natural tree, the texture including a plurality of irregularly shaped grooves and ridges; and (ii) a second outer surface portion that is substantially flat relative to the first outer portion, the second outer surface portion including a tread area.   
     
     
         17 . The tree step of  claim 16 , wherein the texture includes a jagged portion on an outer end of the tree step simulating a broken portion of a broken tree limb. 
     
     
         18 . The tree step of  claim 16 , wherein the plurality of ridges comprise varying heights from the core along lengths of the ridges. 
     
     
         19 . A tree step, comprising:
 a. a steel core comprising a bent section and a threaded section; and   b. a plastic coating comprising a textured area and a tread area, wherein the textured area simulates naturally occurring features of a tree.   
     
     
         20 . The tree step of  claim 19 , wherein the textured area simulates a broken tree limb. 
     
     
         21 . The tree step of  claim 20 , wherein the plastic coating comprises a stop on an end of the tree step. 
     
     
         22 . A tree step comprising a plastic outer surface having a texture including a plurality of irregularly shaped grooves and ridges extending along at least a portion of its length and a jagged end to simulate a natural broken tree branch.