ASTM_F_2531_-_13.pdf

Designation:F253113An American National StandardStandard Test Method forLoad Capacity of Treestand Seats1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2531;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This test method covers the determination of the staticload capacity of treestand seats in terms of a factor of safetyrelative to the manufacturers rated capacity.1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regardedas standard.The values given in parentheses are mathematicalconversions to SI units that are provided for information onlyand are not considered standard.1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and to determine theapplicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Terminology2.1 Definitions:2.1.1 backbar or V-bar,nadjustable component of aclimbing treestand or hand climber that engages the tree toprovide support.2.1.2 climbing stick,n(1)a device to assist climbing a treeprimarily to a fixed position treestand.(2)a structure that issecured to the tree and allows the user to support his weightand climb to the desired height on the tree.2.1.3 climbing treestand,ntreestand that provides both themeans to ascend the tree and allows the user to remain at adesired elevation.2.1.4 hand climber or climbing aid,n(1)a device to assistclimbing with a climbing treestand.(2)a structure that allowsthe user to support his weight when lifting a climbing treestandwith his legs.2.1.5 ladder treestand,ntreestand that is secured to thetree at the elevation where the platform is located.2.1.5.1 DiscussionThe ladder treestand may be secured tothe tree at other locations and has steps that are used to reachthe platform or hunting position.2.1.6 non-climbing,fixed position or hang-on treestand,ntreestand that is secured to the tree at the elevation where itis used.2.1.6.1 DiscussionThe user usually ascends the tree bysome means and then lifts the treestand to the desired positionand secures it for use.2.1.7 platform,nthe horizontal structural area of a tree-stand on which the user stands or places his feet,or both.2.1.8 treestand,na device designed to be affixed to a treeor its branches so as to permit an individual to sit or stand onfor the purpose of attaining an elevated position from which toobserve,photograph or hunt.2.1.9 treestand seat,nthe portion or area of a treestand onwhich the user sits.2.1.10 tripod or tower stand,na tripod or tower stand(free standing platform)is constructed to be self-supportingand is not required to be secured to a tree.3.Summary of Test Method3.1 A treestand is mounted so that its platform is perpen-dicular or slightly above horizontal to a rigid wood or metalpole when the rated load is applied parallel to the mountingpole.The treestand seat frame is equipped with deflectionmeasurement devices.The ladder and tripod do not requiredeflection measurements to be taken.The load is appliedincrementally and recordings are made of the load and deflec-tion at each increment until yielding or permanent deflectionoccurs,or until 112(2 for two piece stand/sit climbingtreestands)the rated load is applied.4.Significance and Use4.1 This test method is intended for quality assurance andproduction control purposes.5.Apparatus5.1 A rigid,round,wood or metal pole,preferably vertical,is used to mount the subject(except tripod)treestand productsuch that pole deflection is minimized.5.1.1 The mounting pole diameter shall be 10 6 1 in.(2546 25.4 mm).5.2 The load shall be applied using either calibrated weightsor a mechanical device in conjunction with a calibrated loadcell.1This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on SportsEquipment,Playing Surfaces,and Facilities and is the direct responsibility ofSubcommittee F08.18 on Treestands.Current edition approved Dec.1,2013.Published January 2014.Originallyapproved in 2005.Last previous edition approved in 2009 as F2531 05(2009).DOI:10.1520/F2531-13.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 5.2.1 The use of calibrated weights requires that weightplacement be accurate to assure that the load applicationcentroid is coincident with the boundaries defined and meetsthe requirements given in 5.4.Caution should be exercised foroperator protection with the use of weights in case of slippageor premature failure.5.2.2 The use of a mechanical device such as a tensiletesting machine or hydraulic power,in combination withpulleys,fulcrums,or bearings to redirect forces,requires theuse of a calibrated load cell attached adjacent to the test subjectto acco