The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 13, 2002
Filed:
Oct. 23, 2000
Kenneth D. Lewis, Wisconsin Rapids, WI (US);
K D L Outdoor Products, Inc., Wisconsin Rapids, WI (US);
Abstract
Two generally triangular segments of metal or plastic are rigidly or pivotably connected at an angle of about 45 degrees. A flexible strap extends through vertical slots formed in each segment. A strap connector, such as a double bar buckle, is positioned between the two segments. The strap extends through the first slot and around a portion of the strap connector, back out the first slot and around the joint between the segments and into the second slot. The strap passes from the second slot, around a portion of the strap connector, back out the second slot and then around the tree. The free ends of the strap are releasably connected. The edges of the segments may have upwardly angled teeth, such that when the tree step is secured against the tree by downward pressure, the upwardly angled teeth restrain the upward return of the tree step in response to the tension in the strap. Installed, strap tension restricts opening of the two segments, while the strap connector restricts collapse of the two segments. Alternatively, the tree step has a body with a sideward slot above a platform. A strap connector is positioned on the outwardly facing surface of the body. The strap extends through the strap connector and through the slot to securely position the climbing step. Three sided steps may have a strap which encircles a plate and extends through a slot.