Appeal No. 96-1337
Application 08/229,804
find that none of the art addresses a “convertible” tree stand
platform. More particularly, the Louk patent teaches a
hunter’s tree stand characterized by an upper, seating
platform (Figure 1) and a lower, standing platform (Figure 2).
Padding 14 on base 12 (rear end portion) of the upper, seating
platform serves to protect the a user’s knees when moving from
an outward facing position (column 2, lines 46 through 49).
The patent instructs those versed in the art that pivotally
mounted folding side supports move between an in use
perpendicular orientation and a storage or travel folded
position flat against frame 6 (Figure 5; column 3, lines 11
through 23). Jamieson addresses a deer stand including a
chair assembly 22 and a footrest 24 (Figure 1), while Gibson
teaches a tree climbing support comprising a body support 2
and a foot support 23 (Figure 1). The body support of Gibson
includes a back rest 8 which is selectively pivotable (Figure
5) into a non-functional or carrying position (Figure 3) and
an upstanding functional position (Figure 1).
From our perspective, a combined consideration of the
aforementioned prior art teachings, at best, would have been
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