Tree step

Abstract

This invention has to do with a tree step, which preferably is a one piece bracket comprising an attachment tab, a step portion, and a brace means. The attachment tab has a tree abutment surface and a slot formed through it to allow the passage of a tree fastener. The step portion extends upwardly extending at an acute angle away from the abutment surface for a distance that is preferably the width of a person's foot, or slightly wider. The step portion terminates in an outer end that adjoins a brace means. The brace means forms an acute angle with the step portion as it extends downwardly and back towards the tree abutment surface with the brace terminating in a tree engagement end. The tree engagement end has a pointed surface such that it will penetrate and non-movably engage with the outer perimeter of a tree trunk. The tree engagement end also has a perforation to let a string, wire or other similar fastener pass through and hold or urge the tree engagement end in engagement with the tree.

1 . A tree step which comprises:
 a. A bracket having an   b. attachment tab;   c. a step portion;   d. and a brace means;   e. wherein said attachment tab has a tree abutment surface with a top portion and a bottom portion with a slot formed through said abutment surface extending between said top and bottom portions and allowing a fastener to pass therethrough;   f. said step portion extends outwardly from said abutment surface and upwardly towards said top portion for a distance sufficient to form a footstep and has an outer end adjoining a brace means;   g. said brace means extending downwardly from said top portion and back towards the abutment surface and terminating in a tree engagement end.   
   
   
       2 . The tree step according to  claim 1  in which said bracket is formed of one piece construction. 
   
   
       3 . The tree step according to  claim 2  which further comprises said slot formed of an enlarged diameter head section and a narrower diameter longitudinally extending section. 
   
   
       4 . The tree step according to  claim 3  in which said tree engagement end terminates in a pointed end for embedded engagement with the truck of a tree. 
   
   
       5 . The method of hunting which comprises the steps of;
 a. Placing spaced apart fasteners along the length of a tree trunk;   b. Removably attaching tree steps to the fasteners;   c. Climbing the tree trunk by placing hands and feet on the tree steps;   d. Climbing down the tree trunk by placing hands and feet on the tree steps;   e. Removing the tree steps from the tree trunk.   
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 6  which further includes:
 f. placing lag bolts in a spaced apart pattern on a tree trunk prior to hunting season;   g. using tree steps with slotted portions for accepting the lag bolts to securely hold the step to the tree trunk;   h. placing the steps on the tree trunk;   i. climbing the tree using the tree steps;   j. removing the tree steps with the slotted portions from the lag bolts when done climbing the tree.