Categories: IP Outdoors / Uncategorized

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Published November 16, 2023

How Filing a Patent Application Offers Some Patent Protection for a Climbing Tree Stand

Brad Brown

Hello, outdoor enthusiasts! Brad Brown here from IP Works Law, welcoming you to anotherinsightful edition of IP Outdoors. Here, we dive deep into the fascinating world of hunting andfishing gear inventions. From tools that trace their origins back centuries to modern innovationsof the past decade, we explore them all!

 

Today’s highlight: the climbing tree stand. A vital tool for many hunters, tree stands have seennumerous iterations. However, not all patent applications filed for these stands have resulted ina granted patent. Today, we discuss an intriguing patent application—the climbing tree stand.

 

This particular patent wasn’t granted, and instead, it remains an abandoned application.Although the design detailed in the patent closely resembles current tree stands, it boasts someunique features that stand out. First and foremost, the arms of this tree stand prototype wasentirely made of wire, in stark contrast to the solid aluminum arms we commonly see today.Such a design choice may offer advantages in terms of weight, flexibility, or even cost.

 

Another distinctive feature was the addition of an extra strap that connected to the stand’scables and wrapped around the tree. What is this strap’s role? To enhance the stand’s stability.Think about those moments when you accidentally jostle or bump your stand; with this strap, therisk of the tree stand falling is significantly reduced.

 

Now, a question that might be lingering on your mind: why would someone go to the lengths offiling a patent application and then not follow through? The primary reason is protection.Inventors often file patent applications to safeguard their initial ideas. As they further refine andinnovate on these ideas, they might develop better solutions that render the initial patentapplication obsolete. In the case of this tree stand, the inventor may have come up with newer,more effective ways to tackle the stability issue without completely redesigning the stand.

 

In the world of Intellectual Property (IP), patents play a crucial role. Whether you’re an inventoror an enthusiast, understanding patents and their applications can be beneficial. If you’re keenon diving deeper into these types of patents, or if you have an innovative idea you’d like toprotect without burning a holein your pocket, IP Works Law is here for you. Drop us an email orcall, and we’ll guide you through the intricacies of IP.That’s all for today’s edition of IP Outdoors. Remember, innovation doesn’t just happen indoors;sometimes, it’s out in the wild, amidst nature, waiting to be discovered.

 

This is Brad Brown signing off. Until next time, keep exploring and stay curious!

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Brad Brown

Leading the patent team at IP Works Law is Bradley M. Brown, Esq. Brad is a USPTO registered patent attorney who lends his expertise to patent, trademark, and enforcement matters. When he isn’t defending the rights of our clients and maximizing the value of their Intellectual Property, Brad enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time outside.