Climbing treestand

Abstract

A treestand apparatus has a frame having a first end configured to engage a tree and a second end configured to support a user's weight, a toothed belt attached to the frame at first and second points, with a portion of the toothed belt between the first and second points being configured to extend around the tree. At least one of the points of the frame includes a ratchet mechanism configured to selectively adjust the length of the portion of the toothed belt.

1 . A treestand apparatus comprising:
 a frame having a first end configured to engage a tree and a second end configured to support a user's weight;   a toothed belt attached to said frame at first and second points, a portion of said toothed belt between said first and second points being configured to extend around said tree;   wherein at least one of said points of said frame comprises a ratchet mechanism configured to selectively adjust a length of said portion of said toothed belt.   
   
   
       2 . The treestand apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said ratchet mechanism comprises a pawl configured to engage individual teeth of said toothed belt. 
   
   
       3 . The treestand apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said ratchet mechanism comprises an independently mounted spring. 
   
   
       4 . The treestand apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said frame comprises a composite material. 
   
   
       5 . The treestand apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said frame comprises shoulder straps. 
   
   
       6 . The treestand apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said frame comprises wheels and an extendable handle. 
   
   
       7 . The treestand apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a second toothed belt attached to said frame at third and fourth points. 
   
   
       8 . The treestand apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein at least one of said third and fourth points comprises a ratchet mechanism configured to selectively adjust a length of said portion of said second toothed belt. 
   
   
       9 . The treestand apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein said ratchet mechanism of at least one of said third and fourth points comprises a pawl configured to engage individual teeth of said toothed belt. 
   
   
       10 . The treestand apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said toothed belt comprises a resilient material. 
   
   
       11 . A system for climbing a tree, comprising:
 a first main frame having a first toothed belt attached thereto at first and second points, a portion of said first toothed belt being configured to extend around said tree;   a second main frame having a second toothed belt attached thereto at third and fourth points, a portion of said second toothed belt being configured to extend around said tree;   wherein each of said first and second main frames comprises a ratchet mechanism configured to selectively adjust a length of said portion of said first and second toothed belts, respectively.   
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 11 , further comprising a third toothed belt attached to said second main frame, a portion of said third toothed belt being configured to extend around said tree. 
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein at least one of said ratchet mechanisms comprises a pawl configured to engage individual teeth of said toothed belt. 
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein said first main frame comprises a seat. 
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein said second main frame is comprises an apparatus to attach said user's feet thereto. 
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein at least one of said first and second main frames comprises a composite material. 
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein at least one of said first and second main frames comprises shoulder straps. 
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein at least one of said first and second main frames comprises an extendable handle and wheels. 
   
   
       19 . A method of climbing a tree, said method comprising:
 providing a system as defined in  claim 11 ;   coupling said user's feet to said second frame; and   ascending a tree; wherein said user uses said ratchet mechanisms to shorten the length of said toothed belts to compensate for a diminishing tree trunk diameter.   
   
   
       20 . A method of climbing a tree, said method comprising:
 providing a system as defined in  claim 11 ;   coupling said user's feet to said second frame; and   ascending a tree; wherein said user alternately disengages said toothed belts to manipulate said system around an obstacle in said tree.