Portable tree stand

Claim 1

A portable tree stand, comprising: a flat, generally rectangular-shaped platform having upper and lower surfaces, opposed longitudinal edges and end edges, one of said end edges having a recess therein for accommodating the trunk of a tree, a pair of elongate flat, laterally spaced apart substantially parallel penetrating elements, each being secured to said platform and projecting outwardly from the recessed end edge thereof, each penetrating element having an oblique beveled outer end defining a sharpened penetrating edge for penetrating a tree trunk and thereby preventing slippage of the platform, the oblique outer edge of each penetrating element converging inwardly towards the oblique outer edge of the other penetrating element, a pair of elongate substantially straight brace members, means pivotally securing one end portion of each brace to the platform adjacent the lower surface thereof, said braces being pivotable between the collapsed and extended positions, said braces, when in the extended position, extending downwardly at an angle of approximately 45 degrees from said platform towards the recessed end edge thereof, and, when in the collapsed position, being positioned closely adjacent said platform, said braces converging towards each other and towards said recessed end edge, a substantially flat penetrating member rigidly affixed to the convergent end portions of said braces and being disposed substantially parallel to the platform when the braces are in the collapsed position, an elongate flexible tree-engaging element having one end thereof secured to said platform adjacent the recess edge thereof and being adapted to engage a tree trunk, releasable locking means on said platform adjacent said recessed end edge and being engageable with said flexible member to secure the platform to a tree, said penetrating elements on said platform and said penetrating member on said braces penetrating the tree trunk when the flexible member is secured to the tree trunk, and a pair of carrying straps secured to said platform to permit ready support of the tree stand by a user as a backpack, said carrying straps extending around and engaging the braces to hold the same closely adjacent the platform when the tree stand is in the collapsed position.