The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.
Numerous devices for attachment to trees and the like, in order to provide an elevated observation area for hunting and/or bird watching have been previously disclosed in the art. FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a conventional tree stand 5 that includes a vertical central frame 6 that is strapped 7 directly to the side of a tree 2. A lower platform 6a is typically connected to the bottom of the frame, and supported by a cable 6c in order to provide an area where a user can stand Likewise, a smaller platform 6b is typically connected to the top of the frame where the user can sit.
As shown, conventional tree stands suffer from a problem due to the close proximity of the frame 6 and the tree 2. To this end, the user 1 attempting to sit on the seat 6b has very little back room, and must often sit on the outermost portion of the seat, which is extremely uncomfortable and ergonomically unfriendly. Additionally, when the surface of the tree is not smooth, which is usually the case, raised bumps and notches 2a further act to discomfort the user. Over time, these discomforts can cause a user to constantly shift their body position, which can lead to long term back pain and acts to greatly increase the chances of accidentally falling off of the platform.
Moreover, owing to the extremely limited space within the stand, it is common practice for hunters to clip backpacks 3 and other such items to the bottom of the stand 6a in order to keep from having to climb to the ground each time an object is needed. However, getting access to the hanging bag 3 can be extremely awkward as a user must often reach beneath the surface of the lower platform in order to access the bag. Alternatively, the bag can be placed on top of the lower platform 6a, but such action further reduces the available space to the user, which raises the likelihood of the user tripping over the bag and falling off of the platform, or accidentally knocking the bag 3 itself off of the platform.
Accordingly, the need exists for a tree stand with an integrated storage and mounting system that does not suffer from the drawbacks discussed above.