Portable Nested Ladders and Bracket-Mounted Knee Supports for Tree Stands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tree stands are often heavy, difficult to carry, and lack stability and versatility for activities like saddle hunting, with existing kneepad structures being unstable and unwieldy.
Innovation Solution
A portable ladder and stand system with nestable ladder portions, a pack portion, and a carrying assembly, along with a knee support system featuring a bracket and frame design that securely attaches to a support structure, allowing for easy transport and stable elevation with customizable user positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional tree stands use long ladders with two parallel support poles, then stability is improved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder is divided into multiple collapsible sections that can be telescoped or nested within each other, allowing the long ladder to be broken down into shorter, more manageable segments for transport while maintaining full length when deployed for stable tree stand operation
Solution Approach 2:
The ladder sections are designed to nest within each other like nested dolls, with inner sections fitting inside outer sections when not in use, creating a compact configuration that improves portability while preserving the full ladder structure when assembled for stable support
2Ease of operation
If single-pole ladder systems are used, then portability is improved, but stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple ladder sections into a unified structure that maintains the stability of traditional two-pole ladders while achieving the portability of single-pole designs through modular assembly and nesting capabilities
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional tree stands are designed for sitting or standing only, then structural simplicity is maintained, but versatility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tree stand system is designed to accommodate multiple user positions and activities including sitting, standing, and saddle hunting configurations, allowing a single structure to serve multiple functions without requiring separate specialized equipment for each activity type
4Ease of operation
If existing kneepad structures are used for saddle hunting, then cushioning is provided, but stability and ease of installation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The kneepad structure is pre-configured with attachment mechanisms and positioning features that enable quick installation and secure placement on the tree stand, eliminating the need for complex assembly procedures while ensuring stable and reliable support during saddle hunting operations
Data Source
AI summary
A knee support system supports a user's knees when the user is in an elevated position along a support structure, such as when the user is suspended in a harness from the support structure (e.g., saddle hunting). The knee support system may include a bracket attachable to the support structure via one or more blade portions for engaging the support structure and a single rope cinching around the support structure and passing through slots on the bracket that hold the rope with frictional engagement. A frame with optional knee pads may slide on and off the bracket. The frame may include one or more hooks that engage a blade portion of the bracket. The frame may also be removably attachable to a seat post of the platform assembly as part of a portable and modular stand system.