Climbing stick extender

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to an extender attachable to a conventional climbing stick and to a climbing stick comprising same. The present invention generally relates to an extender attachable to a conventional climbing stick and to a climbing stick comprising same.

Claims

1. A climbing stick extender wherein said extender is substantially triangular or teardrop shaped, wherein said extender comprises two angled support sides and a horizontal bottom section, wherein said bottom is of rigid or semi-rigid construction and maintains said extender in its substantially triangular or teardrop shape.

2. The extender of claim 1 wherein said extender is a semi-rigid or rigid structure fabricated from steel.

3. The extender of claim 3 wherein said extender is a flat steel, tubular steel or of a steel cable structure.

4. The extender of claim 3 wherein said extender is affixed to the lower end of a climbing stick.

5. The extender of claim 1 which is 6 to 20 inches in length, wherein said angled support members are fabricated of a semi-rigid metal cable.

6. The extender of claim 4 which is releasably or permanently secured to said climbing stick.

7. The extender of claim 6 wherein said climbing stick comprises a center support structure, wherein said extender is affixed to the center support structure of said climbing stick by a fastener, wherein said fastener maintains the position of said extender at an angle of at least 20 degrees from the vertical plane.

8. A climbing stick comprising the extender of claim 1.

9. The climbing stick of claim 8 comprising: a) an solid elongate support member having a top end and a bottom end; b) at least two stabilizing brackets mounted to the support member; c) at least two steps mounted to the support member opposite the at least two brackets; d) at least two stops fabricated directly in the solid support member adjacent the at least two brackets and the at least two steps; e) at least one fastener mounted to said support member, wherein said stabilizing brackets are rotatable 360° to allow efficient nesting of two or more climbing sticks one to the other, and f) an extender releasably affixed to said climbing stick, wherein said extender extends the climbing height of said climbing stick.

10. The climbing stick of claim 8 wherein said extender extends the climbing height of said stick by an additional 6-18 inches.

11. The climbing stick of claim 10 wherein said extender can be positioned from 0 to 90 degrees from the vertical plane of said climbing stick, wherein said extender maintains said position until the weight of the user is applied to said extender wherein said extender assumes a near vertical position.

12. The climbing stick of claim 10 wherein said extender is bolted to the support member of said stick with a tension bolt.

13. A ladder module extender, wherein said module comprises two outer support structures and cross member steps connecting said support members, wherein said extender is affixed to the lower portion of each outer support member and is of substantially square or rectangular shape, wherein said extender comprises two vertical sides and a horizontal base section, wherein said extender is of rigid or semi-rigid construction and maintains its substantially square or rectangular shape.

14. The ladder module extender of claim 13 wherein said extender extends the climbing height of said module an additional 6-18 inches.

15. The ladder module extender of claim 10 wherein said extender can be positioned from 0 to 90 degrees from the vertical plane of said module, wherein said extender maintains said position until the weight of the user is applied to said extender wherein said extender falls to a near vertical position.

16. The extender of claim 13 wherein said extender is bolted to the support member of said stick with a tension bolt.

17. The extender of claim 13 wherein said extender is affixed to the outer support structures of said module with fasteners, wherein said fasteners maintain the position of said extender at an angle of at least 20 degrees from the vertical plane.

18. A ladder module comprising the extender of claim 13.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating the extender of the present invention in substantially triangular shape.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating the extender of the invention in substantially teardrop shape.

[0029] FIG. 3 shows a key-hole attachment embodiment of the extender to a climbing stick.

[0030] FIG. 4 shows a versa button attachment means for attaching the extender to a climbing stick.

[0031] FIGS. 5 and 6 show a fastener for attaching the extender of the invention to a climbing stick, wherein the extender maintains the extender at an angle of at least 20 degrees from the vertical plane.

[0032] FIG. 7 shows the extender of the invention attached to a rapid rail type ladder module.

[0033] FIGS. 8 and 9 show the extender attached to the center support structure of a climbing stick via a bolt that attaches the lower step to said support structure.

[0034] FIG. 10 shows a climbing stick with an extender attached thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] FIGS. 1, 2 and 7 illustrate the extender 1 of the invention and to a climbing stick 2 and ladder module 3 comprising same.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, the extender of the invention comprises two angled sides 4 and a horizontal bottom 5 in a generally triangular share. The length of the extender generally approximates the distance between steps on the climbing stick. In one embodiment the extender is approximately 6-20 inches in length, in another embodiment approximately 8-16 inches in length. The angled sides 4 of the extender are comprised of a rigid or semi-rigid material, for example a metal slat or a metal cable. The horizontal bottom portion 5 is of rigid or semi-rigid construction such that is holds the extended in its substantially triangular shape. The extender and or the means for attaching same to the climbing stick are fabricate such that the extender can maintain a position at an angle of from about 20 to 90 degrees, in another embodiment 30-80 degrees, in another embodiment 40-60 degrees from the vertical plane to allow the hunter easy access to place his or her foot into same. In one embodiment the angled sides of the extender are bendable such that they can maintain such position or angle. In another embodiment the fastening means comprises a tension bolt and a washer that is moveable away from the vertical plane to position and maintain the extender at said position or angle.

[0037] The climbing stick comprises a center support member 7 and also includes a number of steps 8 formed of a lightweight metal, preferably aluminum, that are spaced along one side and/or the other side of the support member. Each step is rotatably mounted to the support member to provide a stepping surface for an individual using the ladder module. In one embodiment, the steps are mounted to the support member near the top end, bottom end, and at the center of the support member. The steps are generally triangular in shape having a pair of stepping portions connected to each other at one end, forming a pointed end, and to opposite ends of a connecting portion opposite the pointed end. This configuration allows each step to provide a stepping surface on each stepping portion when the step is rotated to one side of the support member. To aid an individual using the steps on support member to climb the tree, each stepping portion includes a number of grooves spaced along its length. The grooves provide traction for the foot of the individual utilizing the step to help prevent the foot from slipping off the stepping portion of the step.

[0038] Each step is rotatably connected to the support member by a bolt inserted through an opening in the center of the support member. The bolt extends through an aligned opening passing through support member and is secured therein by a nut threadably mounted onto the bolt on the side of support member opposite the step. To facilitate the movement of each step with respect to the support member, a washer formed of a low friction material is preferably disposed between the step and support member around bolt.

[0039] Each step also includes a pair of curved shoulders disposed in opposite ends of connecting portion. When the step is rotated in either direction on support member, one of the annular shoulders contacts a stop positioned directly beneath the step on support member. Each annular shoulder engages the stop to laterally position the step such that each stepping portion provides a horizontal stepping surface on one side of the support member, depending upon the side of support member to which the step has been rotated. The stop is fabricated directly in the solid center support member.

[0040] The support member also includes a pair of support brackets mounted adjacent the top end and bottom end of the support member. The brackets are generally V-shaped, including an interior surface and an exterior surface. The brackets are rotatably mounted to each end of the support member to allow each bracket to independently conform to the direction in which the tree trunk extends. The brackets that grip the tree when climbing pivot 360% 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 carried/secured to the treestand of the invention.

[0041] The brackets also include a number of teeth spaced along the length of each side of bracket that are generally triangular in shape having a point extending outwardly from the interior surface of bracket. The teeth on bracket engage the trunk of the tree to prevent the module from sliding down the tree when a person is climbing a tree utilizing the module.

[0042] The support member also has a securing arrangement to hold the module on tree. A fastener is secured to the support member between the steps. The fastener includes a cylindrical mounting sleeve extending outwardly from the support member and a circular retaining flange positioned on the mounting sleeve opposite the support member. The flange is preferably a metal washer having a diameter significantly greater than the sleeve and including a hole in the center of the flange. The sleeve and flange are secured to the support member by a bolt inserted into the support member through the hole in flange and through sleeve. The bolt extends through the support member and is secured to the support member opposite the fastener by a nut. The fastener provides a point on the support member used to removably attach each end of a securing belt to the support member in order to reliably secure the module to the tree.

[0043] The belt is comprised of a securing strap, a buckle strap, and a releasable buckle. The securing strap is an elongate strap of a durable material, such as nylon, that includes a free end and a loop integrally formed in the strap opposite the free end. The securing strap is removably attached to the fastener by placing the loop around the retaining flange of fastener. The flange prevents the loop from disengaging from the fastener, maintaining the securing strap in attachment, with the support member.

[0044] The buckle strap is formed of the same material as the securing strap and also includes a loop at one end that is also removably attached to the fastener. However, the end of buckle strap opposite the loop is attached to the buckle, which is placed around the tree to receive the free end of securing strap to secure the ladder module on the tree.

[0045] To attach the module to a selected tree, first, the securing strap and buckle strap are secured to the fastener on support member so that the securing arrangement and, namely, the buckle on buckle strap, will not be obstructed by any limbs extending from the tree. Next, the brackets are positioned against the center of the tree to position the support member in a generally vertical direction on the tree. The brackets may be rotated with respect to the support member to conform to the shape of the tree. Then, the straps and of the securing belt are wrapped around the tree in opposite directions, and the free end of securing strap is inserted through the buckle. The securing strap is pulled tight through buckle to securely fasten the securing belt about the tree. Finally, each step is rotated with respect to support member to extend one of the stepping portions on step to provide a horizontal stepping surface where desired on one side of the support member.

[0046] FIG. 2 shows the extender of the invention attached to a climbing stick 2 wherein the extender is substantially teardrop shaped. The extender of the invention is attachable to the bottom portion of the climbing stick or ladder module by various fastening means including a tension bolt or similar fastener. The extender can also be releasably fastened to a climbing stick or module through a key-hole 9 as shown in FIG. 3 or versa button type 10 attachment means as shown in FIG. 4. Bolt 6 inserted through an opening in the center of the support member of said climbing stick or through each side support member of a ladder module or rapid rail type climbing stick. The bolt 6, preferably a tension bolt extends through an aligned opening passing through support member and is secured therein by a nut threadably mounted onto the bolt on the side of support member opposite the step. To facilitate the movement of the extender with respect to the support member, a washer formed of a low friction material is preferably disposed between the extender and support member around bolt.

[0047] The extender is generally of triangular or teardrop shape so as to allow the hunter to easily fit his or her foot into same. The length of the extender generally approximates the distance between steps on the climbing stick. In one embodiment the extender is approximately 6-20 inches in length, in another embodiment approximately 8-16 inches in length. The vertical sides of the extender are comprised of a rigid or semi-rigid material, for example a metal slat or a metal cable. The horizontal bottom portion is of rigid or semi-rigid construction such that is holds the extender in a triangular, teardrop, square or rectangular shape. The extender and/or the means for attaching same to the climbing stick are fabricated such that the extender can maintain a position or angle of from about 20 to 90 degrees, in another embodiment 30-80 degrees, in another embodiment 40-60 degrees from the vertical plane to allow the hunter easy access to place his or her foot into same. In one embodiment the angled sides of the extender are bendable and/or the section by which the extender is attached or fastened to the climbing stick is rotatable such that the extender can maintain such position or angle. In another embodiment the fastening means is moveable away from the vertical plane to position and maintain the extender at said position or angle. When the user puts his/her weight on the extender if assumes a substantially vertical position.

[0048] FIGS. 5 and 6 show the extender of the invention attached to the center support post 7 of a climbing stick through use of a fastener 11, wherein said fastener 11 maintains the extender at an angle of at least 20 degrees, in another embodiment at least 30 degrees from the vertical position. Having the extender maintained at such an angle allows the user to easily place his foot in the extender. Upon the user putting his weight on the extender it assumes a substantially vertical position, and when there is no weight on the extender it returns to a position that is at least 20 degrees, in another embodiment at least 30 degrees from the vertical position. By keeping a position that is at least 20, in another embodiment at least 30 degrees from the vertical position the user can easily locate and place his/her foot in the extender both when climbing up and down from a tree.

[0049] FIG. 7 shows rapid rail type ladder modules 3 where the fasteners 11 are placed on each outer support member 12 wherein said the fasteners are angled such that they maintain the extender at an angle of at least 20 degrees, in another embodiment at least 30 degrees from the vertical position, which allows the user easy access when both climbing up and down a tree. In one embodiment the extender attached to rapid rail type modules are of substantially square or rectangular shape.

[0050] FIGS. 8 and 9 show the extender of the invention attached to the center support structure of a climbing stich via the bolt that attached the lower step to the bottom end of the climbing stick. Each end of the extender has affixed thereto a steel eye fastener, through which said bolt is threaded and affixed to the center support structure. In another embodiment both ends of the extender are attached to a single steel eye fastener, which is then attached to the center support structure by a bolt that also attached the lower step to the bottom end of said stick.

[0051] FIG. 10 shows a climbing stick with an extender attached thereto. The extender of the invention can easily be adapted to any climbing stick including lone wolf type climbing sticks 2, rapid rail type ladder modules 3 and the like. Various modes of carrying out the present invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as the invention.