Tree Platform With Non-Coplanar Foot Surfaces

Solution Overview

Problem

Tree platforms with a single planar top surface limit foot placement options, diminishing user enjoyment and complicating installation.

Innovation Solution

A tree platform system with a post and platform that includes a primary and secondary portion defining non-coplanar standing surfaces, along with an auxiliary foot pad for additional support, allowing for multiple foot placements and enhanced security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a tree platform has only a single planar top surface, then the structure is simple, but foot placement options are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoot placement optionsVSAvoidplatform structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The platform is divided into a primary portion and a secondary portion that are not coplanar, creating multiple distinct standing surfaces. This segmentation allows users to place feet in different positions and orientations, significantly increasing foot placement options while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The platform transitions from a single planar surface to a multi-level three-dimensional structure with the primary and secondary portions at different heights and angles. This dimensional change creates additional standing surfaces without substantially increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If a tree platform has a single planar top surface, then manufacturing is simple, but installation is complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplatform constructionVSAvoidinstallation process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The platform is segmented into a primary portion and a secondary portion that can be manufactured separately using simple processes, then assembled together during installation. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity while the modular design actually facilitates installation by allowing the components to be attached to the post in a straightforward sequence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a tree platform provides multiple foot placement options, then user enjoyment is enhanced, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser enjoymentVSAvoidplatform structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The platform is divided into a primary portion and a secondary portion that are not coplanar, creating multiple distinct standing surfaces. This segmentation allows users to place feet in different positions and orientations, significantly increasing foot placement options while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The platform transitions from a single planar surface to a multi-level three-dimensional structure with the primary and secondary portions at different heights and angles. This dimensional change creates additional standing surfaces without substantially increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12478059B2Tree platform system

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 HERITAGE OUTDOOR PRODUCTS LLC

AI summary

A tree platform system includes a post including an upper end and a lower end disposed at opposite ends thereof; and a platform connected to the post near the lower end. The platform includes a primary portion and a secondary portion that cooperate to define a main standing surface for selective receipt of at least one associated foot of an associated user of the tree platform system. The primary portion defines a datum plane and the secondary portion defines a secondary plane. The datum plane and the secondary plane are not coplanar.