A tree stand includes an activity rail assembly rotatably attached to a chair. The activity rail assembly is rotatable among a first stowed position in which the activity rail assembly is oriented upright, a second stowed position in which the activity rail assembly is oriented downwardly, and one or more deployed positions between the first stowed position and the second stowed position. The activity rail assembly is extendable and retractable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the activity rail assembly is in the first position, a horizontal activity rail portion is closer to the chair than when the activity rail assembly is in the second position. The tree stand may further include a platform to support the chair, and, optionally, a ladder portion to support the platform.

A tree stand includes an activity rail assembly rotatably attached to a chair. The activity rail assembly is rotatable among a first stowed position in which the activity rail assembly is oriented upright, a second stowed position in which the activity rail assembly is oriented downwardly, and one or more deployed positions between the first stowed position and the second stowed position. The activity rail assembly is extendable and retractable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the activity rail assembly is in the first position, a horizontal activity rail portion is closer to the chair than when the activity rail assembly is in the second position. The tree stand may further include a platform to support the chair, and, optionally, a ladder portion to support the platform.

A bell hole box with an open bottom for protecting construction workers from wall cave-in when working below a surface of the Earth may utilize two, opposing, generally concave walls with generally straight panels portions. The two walls may be connected using multiple spreaders that are pinned or connected to each of the two, opposing walls. Each longitudinal end of the bell hole box is open to permit passage of a pipeline through it. Numerous vertical guard posts may be connected around a top frame rail and joined together with chains. The bell hole box may be lifted in and out of a hole with mounted lifting hooks.

A device for stabilising a ladder against a surface, the ladder having a pair of stiles and a plurality of rungs connected therebetween, the device comprising: an engagement mechanism for releasably engaging two adjacent rungs, the engagement mechanism including two opposed receiving portions for at least partially receiving a rung, at least one of the receiving portions being selectively movable relative to the other thereby allowing the engagement mechanism to urge against the adjacent rungs; and at least one arm pivotably connected to the engagement mechanism to allow pivoting thereof to a fixed angle relative to the engagement mechanism, the at least one arm having an abutting portion for abutting under the surface, thereby allowing the ladder to be wedged between the surface and ground level to stabilise the ladder.

A device for stabilising a ladder against a surface, the ladder having a pair of stiles and a plurality of rungs connected therebetween, the device comprising: an engagement mechanism for releasably engaging two adjacent rungs, the engagement mechanism including two opposed receiving portions for at least partially receiving a rung, at least one of the receiving portions being selectively movable relative to the other thereby allowing the engagement mechanism to urge against the adjacent rungs; and at least one arm pivotably connected to the engagement mechanism to allow pivoting thereof to a fixed angle relative to the engagement mechanism, the at least one arm having an abutting portion for abutting under the surface, thereby allowing the ladder to be wedged between the surface and ground level to stabilise the ladder.

A climbing system includes a treestand and a plurality of climbing sticks. The treestand includes a monolithic platform formed from strengthened material. Each of the climbing sticks includes a frame having a plurality of weight-reduction apertures formed therethrough. Methods of manufacturing a treestand and climbing sticks are also disclosed. The method of manufacturing a treestand includes providing a solid, strengthened piece of material and removing portions of the material to form openings between structural supports. The method of manufacturing a climbing stick includes providing a frame and forming a plurality of weight-reduction apertures therethrough.

A climbing system includes a treestand and a plurality of climbing sticks. The treestand includes a monolithic platform formed from strengthened material. Each of the climbing sticks includes a frame having a plurality of weight-reduction apertures formed therethrough. Methods of manufacturing a treestand and climbing sticks are also disclosed. The method of manufacturing a treestand includes providing a solid, strengthened piece of material and removing portions of the material to form openings between structural supports. The method of manufacturing a climbing stick includes providing a frame and forming a plurality of weight-reduction apertures therethrough.

The present invention relates to at least a foldable step. The step features an upper and a lower step supported by a structure including a right side each having a vertical support member, an angled support member, and upper and lower step support members. A horizontal front support member provides support for the lower step. Left and right diagonal support members are slidably coupled to the upper step support members. A rear horizontal support member and optional diagonal members provide additional support to the upper step. The step is foldable into a folded position, by folding both the upper and lower steps upwardly. The step has a minimal profile in the folded position.

The present invention relates to at least a foldable step. The step features an upper and a lower step supported by a structure including a right side each having a vertical support member, an angled support member, and upper and lower step support members. A horizontal front support member provides support for the lower step. Left and right diagonal support members are slidably coupled to the upper step support members. A rear horizontal support member and optional diagonal members provide additional support to the upper step. The step is foldable into a folded position, by folding both the upper and lower steps upwardly. The step has a minimal profile in the folded position.

A system for forming a step protruding from a post (e.g., tree) includes a spine, a post fastener, and a step. The spine is strapped or screwed to the post via the post fastener such that the spine extends generally parallel to the post (i.e., vertically). The spine includes a length of tubing and an alignment plate. The length of tubing extends vertically along the post when installed (i.e., assembled) on the post. The alignment plate is attached to the length of tubing, typically at one or both ends of the tubing. The alignment plate extends laterally from the length of tubing to limit rotation of the tubing about a vertical axis thereof by interacting with the post when the spine is installed on the post. The step engages the spine such that the step is supported by the spine when the system is installed on the post. The step extends generally perpendicularly from the spine and post.