Lightweight tree stand with embedded continuous fiber members
A lightweight tree stand that includes a support platform formed from a molded plastic material. The support platform includes an edge member that defines the perimeter of the support platform and includes a plurality of primary ribs extending between the edge member. The edge members and the primary ribs are integrally molded and each includes an embedded reinforcement rod formed from a continuous fiber material. The continuous fiber material increases the strength without increasing the weight of the support platform. The support platform includes a plurality of secondary ribs that are positioned and configured to define decorative openings within the support platform. The support platform includes one or more tree branch holders that are integrally molded with the edge member and receive artificial tree branches. A frame of the tree stand can include a keyhole that receives a mating key mounted to a tree at a desired location and height.
1. A lightweight portable tree stand for supporting a person on a trunk of a tree, the lightweight portable tree stand comprising:
a frame configured to removably couple to the tree; and
a platform having a first end coupled to the frame and a second end opposite the first end that is cantilevered away from the frame, wherein the platform has a edge member that forms a perimeter of the platform and at least one primary rib that extends across the perimeter of the platform and is joined to the edge member, wherein both the edge member and the at least one primary rib are formed from a molded thermoplastic material, and wherein the edge member and the at least one primary rib each include a pair of opposing legs and a base that extends between the opposing legs, wherein each of the opposing legs has a first end coupled to the base and a second end opposite the first end, wherein a reinforcement rod is embedded in each of the opposing legs nearer the second end than the first end to thereby increase structural properties of the platform.
2. The lightweight portable tree stand according to claim 1 wherein each of the reinforcement rods is formed from a series of continuous fiber members.
3. The lightweight portable tree stand according to claim 2 , wherein the at least one primary rib is one of a plurality of primary ribs.
4. The lightweight portable tree stand according to claim 3 , wherein the edge member has an edge member depth; wherein each of the plurality of primary ribs has a primary rib depth that is equal to the edge member depth; wherein the platform further includes a plurality of secondary ribs each having a secondary rib depth that is less than the primary rib depth.
5. The lightweight portable tree stand according to claim 1 , wherein the frame includes an at least one contact member configured to contact the tree, wherein the contact member is “V” shaped and defines an obtuse angle.
6. The lightweight portable tree stand according to claim 5 , wherein the edge member has an attachment section that includes a V-shaped contact surface configured to abut the tree.
7. The lightweight portable tree stand according to claim 1 wherein the thermoplastic material is colored to simulate a camouflage pattern.
8. The lightweight portable tree stand according to claim 1 further comprising:
at least one keyhole formed in frame; and
a key configured to be received in the keyhole when the key is attached to the tree such that the interaction of the keyhole and the key supports the frame along the tree.
9. A lightweight portable tree stand for mounting to a trunk of a tree, the lightweight portable tree stand comprising:
a frame having a lower portion and an upper portion;
a seat supported on the upper portion of the frame;
an attachment bracket mounted to the upper portion of the frame and having a contact surface configured to engage the trunk of the tree;
a support platform having a first end coupled to the lower portion of the frame, the support platform including an edge member that defines a perimeter of the support platform and a plurality of primary ribs connected to the edge member, wherein the edge member and the plurality of primary ribs each include a pair of opposing legs and a base that extends between the opposing legs, wherein each of the opposing legs has a first end coupled to the base and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the edge member and the plurality of primary ribs are integrally molded from a thermoplastic material; and
a plurality of reinforcement rods each formed from fiber members, wherein at least one of the plurality of reinforcement rods is embedded into each of the opposing legs of the primary ribs and the edge member nearer the second end than the first end to increase the structural properties of the support platform .
10. The lightweight portable tree stand according to claim 9 further comprising:
at least one keyhole formed in frame; and
a key configured to be received in the keyhole when the key is attached to the tree such that the interaction of the keyhole and the key supports the frame along the tree.
11. The lightweight portable tree stand according to claim 9 further comprising at least one tree branch holder integrally molded with and extending laterally from the edge member.
12. The lightweight portable tree stand according to claim 11 wherein the tree branch holder includes an inner receptacle that is configured to receive a mating plug.