Treestand and climbing stick design

Abstract

The present invention generally relates portable treestand for hunters which comprises a platform and a seat member wherein when the treestand if folded up for easy transport the seat interlocks to the treestand platform creating a shelf useful for carrying gear, backpacks, game, etc. In one embodiment, the platform and/or seat are each of one-piece construction fabricated from a solid aluminum/aluminum alloy workpiece, optionally by a waterjet process.The invention also contemplates improved climbing sticks, also referred to as ladder modules, for use in climbing trees for hunting or other purposes. The module includes one or more support brackets mounted to the support member. The brackets are generally V-shaped and include a number of teeth on the interior surface of the bracket that engage the tree on which the module is placed to prevent the module from slipping on the tree. These brackets that grip the tree when climbing pivot allowing them to become flush with the body of the stick to minimize profile and to allow the sticks to nest closely together so that they can be easily carries/secured to the treestand of the invention.The invention also contemplates the treestand of the invention coupled to the climbing sticks of the invention.

1 - 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A climbing stick configured to be releasably securable to a tree comprising: a) an elongated support member having a top end and a bottom end; b) at least two stabilizing brackets mounted to the support member; and c) at least two steps mounted to the support member; wherein said stabilizing brackets are rotatable to allow said bracket to be flush with the support member allowing for the efficient nesting of two or more climbing sticks one to the other. 
     
     
         18 . The climbing stick of  claim 17  wherein said climbing stick comprises plug style grommets and receiving ports configured to receive said grommets, wherein said grommets and receiving ports are configured to securely attach two or more climbing sticks to each other. 
     
     
         19 . The climbing stick of  claim 17  wherein said support member is of hollow tube or solid design. 
     
     
         20 . The climbing stick of  claim 19  wherein said support member is solid and is fabricated from solid aluminum stock that is milled, machined, laser cut and/or water jetted. 
     
     
         21 . The climbing stick of  claim 17  wherein said steps are rotatably mounted to the center support structure, and said support structure comprises a stop projecting outwardly therefrom, wherein said a rotatable step mounted to the support structure comprises first and second opposed stop surfaces engageable with the stop, wherein the step is movable between a first position where the first stop surface engages the stop and the step is positioned generally perpendicular to the support member, the second position where the step is positioned generally parallel to the support member, and a third position wherein the second stop surface engages the stop and the step is positioned generally perpendicular to the support member and opposite the first position. 
     
     
         22 . The climbing stick of  claim 21  wherein the support structure is solid and said stop is fabricated directly in and projecting outwardly from said solid support structure. 
     
     
         23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . The climbing stick of  claim 17  wherein said stabilizing brackets are rotatable 360° to allow said bracket to rotate and lay flush with the support member. 
     
     
         25 . The climbing stick of  claim 24  wherein said stabilizing brackets are rotatable 180° to allow said bracket to rotate and lay flush with the support member. 
     
     
         26 . The climbing stick of  claim 17  wherein said stabilizing brackets are generally V-shaped and optionally include a plurality of teeth to securely engage a tree. 
     
     
         27 . The climbing stick of  claim 17  which additionally comprises a fastener for receiving a securing belt or rope for attaching said climbing stick to a tree, wherein said fastener is mounted to the support member on the side of said support member opposite the securing brackets. 
     
     
         28 . The climbing stick of  claim 27  wherein said fastener is an attachment anchor built into the upright section of the climbing stick. 
     
     
         29 . The climbing stick of  claim 27  wherein said fastener comprises a stem extending outwardly from the support member and a radially extending flange attached to the stem opposite the support member. 
     
     
         30 . The climbing stick of  claim 29  wherein the stem is a cylindrical mounting sleeve mounted to the support member and said flange is circular having a diameter significantly greater than the sleeve. 
     
     
         31 . The climbing stick of  claim 30  wherein the sleeve and flange are secured to the support member by a bolt inserted through a hole in the flange and through the sleeve and into the support member. 
     
     
         32 . The climbing stick of  claim 17  wherein said stabilizing brackets are attached to the upper and lower ends of said support member.