An automatically retractable marine ladder, and a method of using the ladder. The ladder rotates between a horizontal/resting position, and an angular/in-use position, under at least in part the influence of a force-generating element, such as a cantilever weight, spring, etc.

The present invention generally relates to a climbing stick for use in climbing trees for hunting or other purposes with comprises a climbing hook. The invention also relates to a treestand, including a micro or saddle treestand comprising a climbing hook. The climbing hook is configured to allow a stand or sticks to attach to a waist belt, mole webbing, safety harness, backpack, saddle, pocket, etc. or any similar item on your person, which allows the hunter to have both hands free while ascending a tree to set up your treestand and/or sticks.

The present invention generally relates to a climbing stick for use in climbing trees for hunting or other purposes with comprises a climbing hook. The invention also relates to a treestand, including a micro or saddle treestand comprising a climbing hook. The climbing hook is configured to allow a stand or sticks to attach to a waist belt, mole webbing, safety harness, backpack, saddle, pocket, etc. or any similar item on your person, which allows the hunter to have both hands free while ascending a tree to set up your treestand and/or sticks.

A selectively adjustable and lockable utility mount is used to mount a device to a stable structure. The utility mount includes a hydraulic lock that applies the locking force that maintains the locked condition of the utility mount. Mounting brackets for utility mounts have spaced-apart mount elements that engage a surface of a stable structure. Some configurations of mounting bracket include mount elements that are movable between stored conditions and deployed conditions. The stored conditions reduce the size of the device to make it more convenient to pack. A climbing stick uses the storable mount elements.

A selectively adjustable and lockable utility mount is used to mount a device to a stable structure. The utility mount includes a hydraulic lock that applies the locking force that maintains the locked condition of the utility mount. Mounting brackets for utility mounts have spaced-apart mount elements that engage a surface of a stable structure. Some configurations of mounting bracket include mount elements that are movable between stored conditions and deployed conditions. The stored conditions reduce the size of the device to make it more convenient to pack. A climbing stick uses the storable mount elements.

A tree stand platform assembly includes a platform that has a perimeter edge with a front edge, a rear edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The platform has a top surface, a bottom surface and an outer surface positioned between the top and bottom surfaces. The front edge is configured to engage a tree. A plurality of gripping protuberances is attached to and extends outwardly from the outer surface of the rear edge. The gripping protuberances are engageable by a user for stability when the user rotates relative to the platform.

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.

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.

A safety apparatus used in connection with ladder stands is disclosed. The safety apparatus can include a structure attachment component configured to securely attach to a structure, a ladder stand attachment component configured to couple to a ladder stand of a ladder stand, and a bracing member that couples the structure attachment component to the ladder stand attachment component so as to resist lateral movement of the ladder stand with respect to the structure when the structure attachment component is secured to the structure.

A safety apparatus used in connection with ladder stands is disclosed. The safety apparatus can include a structure attachment component configured to securely attach to a structure, a ladder stand attachment component configured to couple to a ladder stand of a ladder stand, and a bracing member that couples the structure attachment component to the ladder stand attachment component so as to resist lateral movement of the ladder stand with respect to the structure when the structure attachment component is secured to the structure.