Adjustable Tree Stand Cradle for Uneven Ground Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tree stands face challenges with soft wood surfaces, requiring effective anchoring devices that can be difficult to secure, and they are limited by the need for a flat and level surface, lacking stability on uneven terrain.
Innovation Solution
A tree stand with adjustable, pivotable legs and a securement device featuring a top and bottom cradle system, allowing for multiple points of engagement and adjustable angular alignment, which includes a chain or strap for securing the tree, accommodating various trunk diameters and surface irregularities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If anchoring devices are driven into or pressed against the trunk to maintain alignment, then the tree is secured in place, but the anchoring devices may not be effective if the wood is particularly soft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a stand structure with cradles and external engagement points as an intermediary system between the tree and the ground. Instead of relying on anchoring devices that penetrate or press against the tree trunk, the stand engages the tree externally through cradles that cradle the trunk and engagement points that wrap around it, transferring the securing force to the ground through adjustable legs. This mediator approach eliminates the need to compromise the tree's structural integrity while maintaining securing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional securing approach by not anchoring into or against the tree, but rather anchoring to the ground and allowing the stand structure to engage the tree from the outside. The legs are anchored to the ground while the cradles and engagement points contact the tree, reversing the direction of force application and eliminating the problem of soft wood resistance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a bottom spike is provided for stabilizing effect, then the stand gains stability, but it can be difficult to drive the tree onto the spike
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of driving the tree onto a fixed spike, the patent inverts the approach by having adjustable legs with foot members that can be positioned to contact the ground. The tree is lowered onto the stand structure, and the legs are adjusted to achieve proper positioning and stability, eliminating the difficulty of driving the tree onto a spike while maintaining stabilizing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable legs that can be modified in length and angle to accommodate different tree sizes and ground conditions. This dynamic adjustability allows the stand to adapt to various positioning requirements, making it easy to position different trees while maintaining stability, unlike a fixed spike system.
3Device complexity
If fixed legs are used in a typical tree stand, then the structure is simple, but the stand requires that a floor or base surface be flat and level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs legs with adjustable length and angle capabilities, allowing the stand to adapt to uneven ground surfaces. Each leg can be independently adjusted to compensate for surface irregularities, enabling the stand to maintain stability on non-flat terrain while retaining relatively simple construction. The adjustability is achieved through mechanisms like telescoping sections or pivot joints that modify leg geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the leg structure by making them adjustable rather than fixed. The leg length, angle, and orientation can be modified to match the ground conditions, allowing the stand to accommodate uneven surfaces. This parameter variability enables adaptability without significantly increasing structural complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cradles and adjustable legs are provided for stability on uneven terrain, then the stand can accommodate various surfaces, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the stand into modular components: a central column, multiple independent legs with individual adjustment mechanisms, and separate cradles. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining adaptability. Each leg can be adjusted without affecting others, and the modular structure facilitates easier manufacturing and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the legs and cradles to serve multiple functions: providing structural support, accommodating uneven ground through adjustment, and securing the tree through cradling and engagement points. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving adaptability to various surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a stand for holding an item in an upright or vertical manner. The stand can have a shaft. A top cradle and a bottom cradle are provided and are pressed against the object being held. The top cradle is at or near a first end of the shaft, and can be adjustable vertically, rotatably and perpendicularly (distance from the shaft). Two brackets cooperate to form the lower or bottom cradle. The upper and lower cradles are separated by a distance. The two brackets also adjustably support at least three legs in a pivotable manner. Each bracket has at least one section having a leg pivot and at least one deployment hole. Three deployment holes arranged in an arc can be provided. Studs are provided for securement into a selected deployment hole.