Author: claimsbot

1. A test device for colored particle immunoassay in which an extracted liquid sample is caused to pass through a colorimetric monoclonal antibody which is fixed to micro gold and a C site and a T site to which two types of multiple monoclonal antibodies are attached, so that the liquid sample specifically reacts with an antibody and produces a color at the C site,
the test device comprising a transparent tubular body having a through-hole, the C site and the T site being attached to an inside wall of the through-hole, a receiving piece connected to a front end of the through-hole in a front portion of the transparent tubular body, and a pressure cap positioned in front of the transparent tubular body and coupled to the receiving piece.
2. The test device according to claim 1, wherein the colorimetric monoclonal antibody bonded to the micro gold is attached to an upper surface of the receiving piece.
3. The test device according to claim 1, wherein the colorimetric monoclonal antibody bonded to the micro gold is attached to the inside wall of the front end of the through-hole of the transparent tubular body.
4. The test device according to claim 1, wherein the receiving piece has a recessed portion.
5. The test device according to claim 1, wherein the receiving piece has guide walls on both sides thereof.
6. The test device according to claim 1, wherein a residue absorbent material is disposed in a rear end of the through-hole of the transparent tubular body.
7. The test device according to claim 6, wherein a discharge hole is formed behind the residue absorbent material which is disposed in the rear end of the transparent tubular body.
8. The test device according to claim 1, wherein an O-ring is disposed on an inner circumference of the pressure cap.
9. The test device according to claim 1, wherein a pressure-reducing hole with which pressure is to be reduced is formed in a portion of the pressure cap.
10. The test device according to claim 1, wherein a handle which is coupled to a rear end of the transparent tubular body is provided.
11. The test device according to claim 10, wherein the handle which is coupled to the rear end of the transparent tubular body receives therein the residue absorbent material.
12. The test device according to claim 11, wherein the handle which receives therein the residue absorbent material in the rear portion of the transparent tubular body has a discharge hole.
13. The test device according to claim 1, wherein the multiple monoclonal antibodies of the C site and the T site attached to an interior of the transparent tubular body are attached to upper and lower portions inside the through-hole and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.
14. (canceled)
15. The test method according to claim 18, further comprising:
a pressure reducing step of, when a pressure applied to the transparent tubular body by the pressure cap is excessively high, reducing the pressure via a pressure-reducing hole formed in one portion of the pressure cap.
16. The test method according to claim 15, further comprising: a discharge step of discharging the pressure through the discharge hole,
said discharge step being performed after the reaction step;
said discharge step being performed in addition to the residue absorption.
17. A method of preparing a test device for colored particle immunoassay, comprising:
a molding step of molding a transparent tubular member having a through-hole;
a receiving piece-forming step of providing a receiving piece in a portion of the transparent tubular member;
a step of arranging a colorimetric monoclonal antibody in which micro gold having a monoclonal antibody fixed thereto is arranged on the receiving piece or in the through-hole in a front end of the transparent tubular member; and
an antibody attachment step of attaching two types of multiple monoclonal antibodies having a shape of a belt to a C site and a T site which are allotted to the through-hole inside the transparent tubular body, thereby preparing said test device.
18. A test method for colored particle immunoassay using the test device prepared by the method of claim 17, comprising:
a reaction step of placing an extracted liquid sample on the receiving piece and, under a positive pressure that is produced by a pressure cap which is fitted into a portion of the receiving piece, allowing the liquid sample that has reacted with the colorimetric monoclonal antibody of the micro gold on the receiving piece to flow into the through-hole inside the transparent tubular body, be condensed and produce a color at the C site, and arrive at the T site, so that whether or not a specific antigen is present in the liquid sample is determined; and
after the reaction step, a residue absorption step of allowing the liquid sample that is discharged through the rear end of the through-hole of the transparent tubular body to be absorbed to an absorbent material disposed in the rear end of the through-hole.
19. A test method for colored particle immunoassay using the test device of claim 1, comprising:
a reaction step of placing an extracted liquid sample on the receiving piece and, under a positive pressure that is produced by the pressure cap, allowing the liquid sample that has reacted with the colorimetric monoclonal antibody of the micro gold to flow into the through-hole inside the transparent tubular body, be condensed and produce a color at the C site, and arrive at the T site, so that whether or not a specific antigen is present in the liquid sample is determined; and
after the reaction step, a residue absorption step of allowing the liquid sample to be discharged through the rear end of the through-hole of the transparent tubular body and absorbed to an absorbent material disposed in the rear end of the through-hole.
20. A test method for colored particle immunoassay using a test device comprising:
a transparent tubular member having a through-hole;
a receiving piece in a portion of the transparent tubular member;
micro gold having a monoclonal antibody fixed thereto arranged on the receiving piece or in the through-hole in a front end of the transparent tubular member; and
two types of multiple monoclonal antibodies having a shape of a belt to a C site and a T site which are positioned in the through-hole inside the transparent tubular body;
wherein said test method comprises:
a reaction step of placing an extracted liquid sample on the receiving piece and, under a positive pressure that is produced by a pressure cap which is fitted into a portion of the receiving piece, allowing the liquid sample that has reacted with the colorimetric monoclonal antibody of the micro gold on the receiving piece to flow into the through-hole inside the transparent tubular body, be condensed and produce a color at the C site, and arrive at the T site, so that whether or not a specific antigen is present in the liquid sample is determined; and
after the reaction step, a residue absorption step of allowing the liquid sample that is discharged through the rear end of the through-hole of the transparent tubular body to be absorbed to an absorbent material disposed in the rear end of the through-hole.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

What is claimed is:

1. A coupling device for connecting a first and a second crankshaft each having a plurality of pistons drivingly connected thereto, said coupling device comprising:
a first clutch member drivingly attached to the first crankshaft;
a second clutch member attached to the second crankshaft;
an actuation mechanism movable between a first position for frictionally engaging said first clutch member with said second clutch member and a second position for disengaging said first clutch member from said second clutch member; and
a phase clutch mechanism including a first clutch portion mounted to the first crankshaft and a second clutch portion mounted to the second crankshaft, said first and second clutch portions being engageable only when said second crankshaft is at a predetermined phase angle relative to said first crankshaft.
2. The coupling device of claim 1, wherein said actuation mechanism includes a gimbal assembly for applying a force against a pressure plate which acts against said clutch disc.
3. The coupling device of claim 1, wherein said actuation mechanism includes a drive motor for driving a gear member, said gear member drivingly engaging a gear segment of an actuation lever.
4. The coupling device of claim 3, wherein said drive motor includes a servo brake for holding an output shaft of said drive motor in a predetermined position.
5. The coupling device of claim 3, wherein said actuation mechanism includes a detent mechanism for engaging said actuation lever in an engaged position.
6. The coupling device of claim 1, wherein said phase clutch device is an angular-specific dog clutch.
7. The coupling device of claim 1, wherein one of said first and second clutch portions of said phase clutch device includes a hub portion with a recessed roller groove in a surface thereof and the other of said first and second clutch portions of said phase clutch device includes a roller engageable with said hub portion for locking receipt in said recessed roller groove when said first and second crankshafts are at a predetermined phase angle position relative to one another.
8. The coupling device of claim 1, wherein said phase clutch device includes an overrunning clutch for permitting the first crankshaft to rotate relative to the second crankshaft.
9. A power unit, comprising:
a first crankshaft having a plurality of pistons drivingly connected thereto;
a second crankshaft having a plurality of pistons drivingly connected thereto; and
a phase clutch mechanism for connecting said first and said second crankshafts, said phase clutch mechanism including a first clutch portion mounted to said first crankshaft and a second clutch portion mounted to said second crankshaft, said first and second clutch portions being engageable only when said second crankshaft is at a predetermined phase angle relative to said first crankshaft.
10. The power unit of claim 9, wherein said phase clutch device is an angular-specific dog clutch.
11. The power unit of claim 9, wherein one of said first and second clutch portions of said phase clutch device includes a hub portion with a recessed roller groove in a surface thereof and the other of said first and second clutch portions of said phase clutch device includes a roller engageable with said hub portion for locking receipt in said recessed roller groove when said first and second crankshafts are at a predetermined phase angle position relative to one another.
12. The power unit of claim 9, further comprising a clutch disc drivingly attached to one of said first and second crankshafts, a clutch plate attached to the other of said first and second crankshafts, and an actuation mechanism movable between a first position for engaging said clutch disc with said clutch plate and a second position for disengaging said clutch disc from said clutch plate.
13. The power unit of claim 12, wherein said actuation mechanism includes a gimbal assembly for applying a force against a pressure plate which acts against said clutch disc.
14. The power unit of claim 12, wherein said actuation mechanism includes a drive motor for driving a gear member, said gear member drivingly engaging a gear segment of an actuation lever.
15. The power unit of claim 14, wherein said drive motor includes a servo brake for holding an output shaft of said drive motor in a predetermined position.
16. The power unit of claim 14, wherein said actuation mechanism includes a detent mechanism for engaging said actuation lever in an engaged position.
17. The power unit of claim 9, wherein said phase clutch device includes an overrunning clutch for permitting said first crankshaft to rotate relative to said second crankshaft.
18. A power unit for a vehicle, comprising:
a first engine portion including a first crankshaft having a plurality of pistons drivingly connected thereto;
a second engine portion including a second crankshaft having a plurality of pistons drivingly connected thereto; and
a starter clutch mechanism operable to engage said first and said second crankshafts to drive said second crankshaft to start said second engine portion, said starter clutch mechanism including an actuator mechanism for actuating said starter clutch mechanism; and
an engine control unit for monitoring operating conditions of the vehicle for determining a required engine torque output wherein when said required engine torque output exceeds a predetermined level, said engine control unit provides a signal to said actuator mechanism to actuate said starter clutch mechanism to start said second engine portion.
19. The power unit of claim 18, wherein said engine control unit controls operation of said second engine portion to synchronize a speed of said second engine portion with said first engine portion.
20. The power unit of claim 19, further comprising a phase clutch mechanism for connecting said first and said second crankshafts, said phase clutch mechanism including a first clutch portion mounted to said first crankshaft and a second clutch portion mounted to said second crankshaft, said first and second clutch portions being engageable only when said second crankshaft is at a predetermined phase angle relative to said first crankshaft.
21. The power unit of claim 20, wherein said phase clutch device is an angular-specific dog clutch.
22. The power unit of claim 20, wherein one of said first and second clutch portions of said phase clutch device includes a hub portion with a recessed roller groove in a surface thereof and the other of said first and second clutch portions of said phase clutch device includes a roller engageable with said hub portion for locking receipt in said recessed roller groove when said first and second crankshafts are at a predetermined phase angle position relative to one another.
23. The power unit of claim 20, wherein said phase clutch device includes an overrunning clutch for permitting said first crankshaft to rotate relative to said second crankshaft.

What is claimed is:

1. An isolated nucleic acid having at least 80% nucleic acid sequence identity to a nucleotide sequence that encodes an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 2 (SEQ ID NO:4), FIG. 4 (SEQ ID NO:6), FIG. 6 (SEQ ID NO:8), FIG. 8 (SEQ ID NO:10), FIG. 10 (SEQ ID NO:12), FIG. 12 (SEQ ID NO: 17), FIG. 14 (SEQ ID NO:22), FIG. 16 (SEQ ID NO:24), FIG. 18 (SEQ ID NO:29), FIG. 20 (SEQ ID NO:31), FIG. 22 (SEQ ID NO:33), FIG. 24 (SEQ ID NO:41), FIG. 26 (SEQ ID NO:43), FIG. 28 (SEQ ID NO:50), FIG. 30 (SEQ ID NO:52), FIG. 32 (SEQ ID NO:54), FIG. 34 (SEQ ID NO:56), FIG. 36 (SEQ ID NO:58), FIG. 38 (SEQ ID NO:63), FIG. 40 (SEQ ID NO:68), FIG. 42 (SEQ ID NO:70), FIG. 44 (SEQ ID NO:72), FIG. 46 (SEQ ID NO:77), FIG. 48 (SEQ ID NO:79), FIG. 50 (SEQ ID NO:84), FIG. 52 (SEQ ID NO:86), FIG. 54 (SEQ ID NO:88), FIG. 56 (SEQ ID NO:95), FIG. 58 (SEQ ID NO:100), FIG. 60 (SEQ ID NO:102), FIG. 62 (SEQ ID NO: 104), FIG. 64 (SEQ ID NO: 111), FIG. 66 (SEQ ID NO: 116), FIG. 68 (SEQ ID NO: 118), FIG. 70 (SEQ ID NO: 123), FIG. 72 (SEQ ID NO:128), FIG. 74 (SEQ ID NO:130), FIG. 76 (SEQ ID NO:132), FIG. 78 (SEQ ID NO:134), FIG. 80 (SEQ ID NO: 136), FIG. 82 (SEQ ID NO:138), FIG. 84 (SEQ ID NO: 140), FIG. 86 (SEQ ID NO: 142), FIG. 88 (SEQ ID NO:144), FIG. 90 (SEQ ID NO: 146), FIG. 92 (SEQ ID NO:148), FIG. 94 (SEQ ID NO:153), FIG. 96 (SEQ ID NO: 158), FIG. 98 (SEQ ID NO: 160), FIG. 100 (SEQ ID NO: 162), FIG. 102 (SEQ ID NO: 170), FIG. 104 (SEQ ID NO: 180), FIG. 106 (SEQ ID NO:189), FIG. 108 (SEQ ID NO:194), FIG. 110 (SEQ ID NO:196), FIG. 112 (SEQ ID NO:198), FIG. 114 (SEQ ID NO:203), FIG. 116(SEQ ID NO:210), FIG. 118 (SEQ ID NO:212), FIG. 120 (SEQ ID NO:214), FIG. 122 (SEQ ID NO:216), FIG. 124 (SEQ ID NO:218), FIG. 126 (SEQ ID NO:220), FIG. 128 (SEQ ID NO:225), FIG. 130 (SEQ ID NO:227), FIG. 132 (SEQ ID NO:229), FIG. 134 (SEQ ID NO:234), FIG. 136 (SEQ ID NO:236), FIG. 138 (SEQ ID NO:243), FIG. 140 (SEQ ID NO:248), FIG. 142 (SEQ ID NO:253), FIG. 144 (SEQ ID NO:260), FIG. 146 (SEQ ID NO:265), FIG. 148 (SEQ ID NO:267), FIG. 150 (SEQ ID NO:269), FIG. 152 (SEQ ID NO:271), FIG. 154 (SEQ ID NO:273), FIG. 156 (SEQ ID NO:275), FIG. 158 (SEQ ID NO:277), FIG. 160 (SEQ ID NO:282), FIG. 162 (SEQ ID NO:287), FIG. 164 (SEQ ID NO:292), FIG. 166 (SEQ ID NO:297), FIG. 168 (SEQ ID NO:302), FIG. 170 (SEQ ID NO:304), FIG. 172 (SEQ ID NO:306), FIG. 174 (SEQ ID NO:308), FIG. 176 (SEQ ID NO:310), FIG. 178 (SEQ ID NO:315), FIG. 180 (SEQ ID NO:317), FIG. 182 (SEQ ID NO:322), FIG. 184 (SEQ ID NO:324), FIG. 186 (SEQ ID NO:326), FIG. 188 (SEQ ID NO:328), FIG. 190 (SEQ ID NO:330), FIG. 192 (SEQ ID NO:332), FIG. 194 (SEQ ID NO:334), FIG. 196 (SEQ ID NO:336), FIG. 198 (SEQ ID NO:338), FIG. 200 (SEQ ID NO:340), FIG. 202 (SEQ ID NO:347), FIG. 204 (SEQ ID NO:352), FIG. 206 (SEQ ID NO:354), FIG. 208 (SEQ ID NO:356), FIG. 210 (SEQ ID NO:358), FIG. 212 (SEQ ID NO:364), FIG. 214 (SEQ ID NO:366), FIG. 216 (SEQ ID NO:372), FIG. 218 (SEQ ID NO:374), FIG. 220 (SEQ ID NO:376), FIG. 222 (SEQ ID NO:378), FIG. 224 (SEQ ID NO:383), FIG. 226 (SEQ ID NO:385), FIG. 228 (SEQ ID NO:390), FIG. 230 (SEQ ID NO:395), FIG. 232 (SEQ ID NO:397), FIG. 234 (SEQ ID NO:402), FIG. 236 (SEQ ID NO:406), FIG. 238 (SEQ ID NO:410), FIG. 240 (SEQ ID NO:415), FIG. 242 (SEQ ID NO:423), FIG. 244 (SEQ ID NO:429) and FIG. 246 (SEQ ID NO:431).
2. The nucleic acid of claim 1, wherein said nucleotide sequence comprises a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of the sequence shown in FIG. 1 (SEQ ID NO:3), FIG. 3 (SEQ ID NO:5), FIG. 5 (SEQ ID NO:7), FIG. 7 (SEQ ID NO:9), FIG. 9 (SEQ ID NO:1), FIG. 11 (SEQ ID NO: 16), FIG. 13 (SEQ ID NO:21), FIG. 15 (SEQ ID NO:23), FIG. 17 (SEQ ID NO:28), FIG. 19 (SEQ ID NO:30), FIG. 21 (SEQ ID NO:32), FIG. 23 (SEQ ID NO:40), FIG. 25 (SEQ ID NO:42), FIG. 27 (SEQ ID NO:49), FIG. 29 (SEQ ID NO:51), FIG. 31 (SEQ ID NO:53), FIG. 33 (SEQ ID NO:55), FIG. 35 (SEQ ID NO:57), FIG. 37 (SEQ ID NO:62), FIG. 39 (SEQ ID NO:67), FIG. 41 (SEQ ID NO:69), FIG. 43 (SEQ ID NO:71), FIG. 45 (SEQ ID NO:76), FIG. 47 (SEQ ID NO:78), FIG. 49 (SEQ ID NO:83), FIG. 51 (SEQ ID NO:85), FIG. 53 (SEQ ID NO:87), FIG. 55 (SEQ ID NO:94), FIG. 57 (SEQ ID NO:99), FIG. 59 (SEQ ID NO: 101), FIG. 61 (SEQ ID NO:103), FIG. 63 (SEQ ID NO:110), FIG. 65 (SEQ ID NO:115), FIG. 67 (SEQ ID NO:117), FIG. 69 (SEQ ID NO:122), FIG. 71 (SEQ ID NO: 127), FIG. 73 (SEQ ID NO: 129), FIG. 75 (SEQ ID NO:131), FIG. 77 (SEQ ID NO: 133), FIG. 79 (SEQ ID NO: 135), FIG. 81 (SEQ ID NO: 137), FIG. 83 (SEQ ID NO:139), FIG. 85 (SEQ ID NO:141), FIG. 87 (SEQ ID NO: 143), FIG. 89 (SEQ ID NO: 145), FIG. 91 (SEQ ID NO: 147), FIG. 93 (SEQ ID NO: 152), FIG. 95 (SEQ ID NO:157), FIG. 97 (SEQ ID NO:159), FIG. 99 (SEQ ID NO:161), FIG. 101 (SEQ ID NO: 169), FIG. 103 (SEQ ID NO: 179), FIG. 105 (SEQ ID NO:188), FIG. 107 (SEQ ID NO:193), FIG. 109 (SEQ ID NO:195), FIG. 111 (SEQ ID NO:197), FIG. 113 (SEQ ID NO:202), FIG. 115 (SEQ ID NO:209), FIG. 117 (SEQ ID NO:211), FIG. 119 (SEQ ID NO:213), FIG. 121 (SEQ ID NO:215), FIG. 123 (SEQ ID NO:217), FIG. 125 (SEQ ID NO:219), FIG. 127 (SEQ ID NO:224), FIG. 129 (SEQ ID NO:226), FIG. 131 (SEQ ID NO:228), FIG. 133 (SEQ ID NO:233), FIG. 135 (SEQ ID NO:235), FIG. 137 (SEQ ID NO:242), FIG. 139 (SEQ ID NO:247), FIG. 141 (SEQ ID NO:252), FIG. 143 (SEQ ID NO:259), FIG. 145 (SEQ ID NO:264), FIG. 147 (SEQ ID NO:266), FIG. 149 (SEQ ID NO:268), FIG. 151 (SEQ ID NO:270), FIG. 153 (SEQ ID NO:272), FIG. 155 (SEQ ID NO:274), FIG. 157 (SEQ ID NO:276), FIG. 159 (SEQ ID NO:281), FIG. 161 (SEQ ID NO:286), FIG. 163 (SEQ ID NO:291), FIG. 165 (SEQ ID NO:296), FIG. 167 (SEQ ID NO:301), FIG. 169 (SEQ ID NO:303), FIG. 171 (SEQ ID NO:305), FIG. 173 (SEQ ID NO:307), FIG. 175 (SEQ ID NO:309), FIG. 177 (SEQ ID NO:314), FIG. 179 (SEQ ID NO:316), FIG. 181 (SEQ ID NO:321), FIG. 183 (SEQ ID NO:323), FIG. 185 (SEQ ID NO:325), FIG. 187 (SEQ ID NO:327), FIG. 189 (SEQ ID NO:329), FIG. 191 (SEQ ID NO:331), FIG. 193 (SEQ ID NO:333), FIG. 195 (SEQ ID NO:335), FIG. 197 (SEQ ID NO:337), FIG. 199 (SEQ ID NO:339), FIG. 201 (SEQ ID NO:346), FIG. 203 (SEQ ID NO:351), FIG. 205 (SEQ ID NO:353), FIG. 207 (SEQ ID NO:355), FIG. 209 (SEQ ID NO:357), FIG. 211 (SEQ ID NO:363), FIG. 213 (SEQ ID NO:365), FIG. 215 (SEQ ID NO:371), FIG. 217 (SEQ ID NO:373), FIG. 219 (SEQ ID NO:375), FIG. 221 (SEQ ID NO:377), FIG. 223 (SEQ ID NO:382), FIG. 225 (SEQ ID NO:384), FIG. 227 (SEQ ID NO:389), FIG. 229 (SEQ ID NO:394), FIG. 231 (SEQ ID NO:396), FIG. 233 (SEQ ID NO:401), FIG. 235 (SEQ ID NO:405), FIG. 237 (SEQ ID NO:409), FIG. 239 (SEQ ID NO:414), FIG. 241 (SEQ ID NO:422), FIG. 242 (SEQ ID NO:428) and FIG. 245 (SEQ ID NO:430).
3. The nucleic acid of claim 1, wherein said nucleotide sequence comprises a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of the full-length coding sequence of the sequence shown in FIG. 1 (SEQ ID NO:3), FIG. 3 (SEQ ID NO:5), FIG. 5 (SEQ ID NO:7), FIG. 7 (SEQ ID NO:9), FIG. 9 (SEQ ID NO:11), FIG. 11 (SEQ ID NO:16), FIG. 13 (SEQ ID NO:21), FIG. 15 (SEQ ID NO:23), FIG. 17 (SEQ ID NO:28), FIG. 19 (SEQ ID NO:30), FIG. 21 (SEQ ID NO:32), FIG. 23 (SEQ ID NO:40), FIG. 25 (SEQ ID NO:42), FIG. 27 (SEQ ID NO:49), FIG. 29 (SEQ ID NO:51), FIG. 31 (SEQ ID NO:53), FIG. 33 (SEQ ID NO:55), FIG. 35 (SEQ ID NO:57), FIG. 37 (SEQ ID NO:62), FIG. 39 (SEQ ID NO:67), FIG. 41 (SEQ ID NO:69), FIG. 43 (SEQ ID NO:71), FIG. 45 (SEQ ID NO:76), FIG. 47 (SEQ ID NO:78), FIG. 49 (SEQ ID NO:83), FIG. 51 (SEQ ID NO:85), FIG. 53 (SEQ ID NO:87), FIG. 55 (SEQ ID NO:94), FIG. 57 (SEQ ID NO:99), FIG. 59 (SEQ ID NO:101), FIG. 61 (SEQ ID NO: 103), FIG. 63 (SEQ ID NO: 110), FIG. 65 (SEQ ID NO: 115), FIG. 67 (SEQ ID NO: 117), FIG. 69 (SEQ ID NO: 122), FIG. 71 (SEQ ID NO:127), FIG. 73 (SEQ ID NO: 129), FIG. 75 (SEQ ID NO:131), FIG. 77 (SEQ ID NO:133), FIG. 79 (SEQ ID NO:135), FIG. 81 (SEQ ID NO: 137), FIG. 83 (SEQ ID NO:139), FIG. 85 (SEQ ID NO: 141), FIG. 87 (SEQ ID NO: 143), FIG. 89 (SEQ ID NO: 145), FIG. 91 (SEQ ID NO: 147), FIG. 93 (SEQ ID NO: 152), FIG. 95 (SEQ ID NO: 157), FIG. 97 (SEQ ID NO:159), FIG. 99 (SEQ ID NO:161),FIG. 101 (SEQ ID NO:169), FIG. 103(SEQ ID NO:179), FIG. 105(SEQ ID NO:188), FIG. 107 (SEQ ID NO:193), FIG. 109 (SEQ ID NO: 195), FIG. 111 (SEQ ID NO:197), FIG. 113 (SEQ ID NO:202), FIG. 115 (SEQ ID NO:209), FIG. 117 (SEQ ID NO:211), FIG. 119 (SEQ ID NO:213), FIG. 121 (SEQ ID NO:215), FIG. 123 (SEQ ID NO:217), FIG. 125 (SEQ ID NO:219), FIG. 127 (SEQ ID NO:224), FIG. 129 (SEQ ID NO:226), FIG. 131 (SEQ ID NO:228), FIG. 133 (SEQ ID NO:233), FIG. 135 (SEQ ID NO:235), FIG. 137 (SEQ ID NO:242), FIG. 139 (SEQ ID NO:247), FIG. 141 (SEQ ID NO:252), FIG. 143 (SEQ ID NO:259), FIG. 145 (SEQ ID NO:264), FIG. 147 (SEQ ID NO:266), FIG. 149 (SEQ ID NO:268), FIG. 151 (SEQ ID NO:270), FIG. 153 (SEQ ID NO:272), FIG. 155 (SEQ ID NO:274), FIG. 157 (SEQ ID NO:276), FIG. 159 (SEQ ID NO:281), FIG. 161 (SEQ ID NO:286), FIG. 163 (SEQ ID NO:291), FIG. 165 (SEQ ID NO:296), FIG. 167 (SEQ ID NO:301), FIG. 169 (SEQ ID NO:303), FIG. 171 (SEQ ID NO:305), FIG. 173 (SEQ ID NO:307), FIG. 175 (SEQ ID NO:309), FIG. 177 (SEQ ID NO:314), FIG. 179 (SEQ ID NO:316), FIG. 181 (SEQ ID NO:321), FIG. 183 (SEQ ID NO:323), FIG. 185 (SEQ ID NO:325), FIG. 187 (SEQ ID NO:327), FIG. 189 (SEQ ID NO:329), FIG. 191 (SEQ ID NO:331), FIG. 193 (SEQ ID NO:333), FIG. 195 (SEQ ID NO:335), FIG. 197 (SEQ ID NO:337), FIG. 199 (SEQ ID NO:339), FIG. 201 (SEQ ID NO:346), FIG. 203 (SEQ ID NO:351), FIG. 205 (SEQ ID NO:353), FIG. 207 (SEQ ID NO:355), FIG. 209 (SEQ ID NO:357), FIG. 211 (SEQ ID NO:363), FIG. 213 (SEQ ID NO:365), FIG. 215 (SEQ ID NO:371), FIG. 217 (SEQ ID NO:373), FIG. 219 (SEQ ID NO:375), FIG. 221 (SEQ ID NO:377), FIG. 223 (SEQ ID NO:382), FIG. 225 (SEQ ID NO:384), FIG. 227 (SEQ ID NO:389), FIG. 229 (SEQ ID NO:394), FIG. 231 (SEQ ID NO:396), FIG. 233 (SEQ ID NO:401), FIG. 235 (SEQ ID NO:405), FIG. 237 (SEQ ID NO:409), FIG. 239 (SEQ ID NO:414), FIG. 241 (SEQ ID NO:422), FIG. 242 (SEQ ID NO:428) and FIG. 245 (SEQ ID NO:430).
4. Isolated nucleic acid which comprises the full-length coding sequence of the DNA deposited under any ATCC accession number shown in Table 12.
5. A vector comprising the nucleic acid of claim 1.
6. The vector of claim 5 operably linked to control sequences recognized by a host cell transformed with the vector.
7. A host cell comprising the vector of claim 5.
8. The host cell of claim 7 wherein said cell is a CHO cell.
9. The host cell of claim 7 wherein said cell is an E. coli.
10. The host cell of claim 7 wherein said cell is a yeast cell.
11. A process for producing a PRO polypeptides comprising culturing the host cell of claim 7 under conditions suitable for expression of said PRO polypeptide and recovering said PRO polypeptide from the cell culture.
12. Isolated PRO polypeptide having at least 80% amino acid sequence identity to an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 2 (SEQ ID NO:4), FIG. 4 (SEQ ID NO:6), FIG. 6 (SEQ ID NO:8), FIG. 8 (SEQ ID NO:10), FIG. 10 (SEQ ID NO:12), FIG. 12 (SEQ ID NO:17), FIG. 14 (SEQ ID NO:22), FIG. 16 (SEQ ID NO:24), FIG. 18 (SEQ ID NO:29), FIG. 20 (SEQ ID NO:31), FIG. 22 (SEQ ID NO:33), FIG. 24 (SEQ ID NO:41), FIG. 26 (SEQ ID NO:43), FIG. 28 (SEQ ID NO:50), FIG. 30 (SEQ ID NO:52), FIG. 32 (SEQ ID NO:54), FIG. 34 (SEQ ID NO:56), FIG. 36 (SEQ ID NO:58), FIG. 38 (SEQ ID NO:63), FIG. 40 (SEQ ID NO:68), FIG. 42 (SEQ ID NO:70), FIG. 44 (SEQ ID NO:72), FIG. 46 (SEQ ID NO:77), FIG. 48 (SEQ ID NO:79), FIG. 50 (SEQ ID NO:84), FIG. 52 (SEQ ID NO:86), FIG. 54 (SEQ ID NO:88), FIG. 56 (SEQ ID NO:95), FIG. 58 (SEQ ID NO: 100), FIG. 60 (SEQ ID NO: 102), FIG. 62 (SEQ ID NO: 104), FIG. 64 (SEQ ID NO:111), FIG. 66 (SEQ ID NO: 116), FIG. 68 (SEQ ID NO: 118), FIG. 70 (SEQ ID NO: 123), FIG. 72 (SEQ ID NO:128), FIG. 74 (SEQ ID NO:130), FIG. 76 (SEQ ID NO: 132), FIG. 78 (SEQ ID NO: 134), FIG. 80 (SEQ ID NO: 136), FIG. 82 (SEQ ID NO: 138), FIG. 84 (SEQ ID NO: 140), FIG. 86 (SEQ ID NO: 142), FIG. 88 (SEQ ID NO: 144), FIG. 90 (SEQ ID NO: 146), FIG. 92 (SEQ ID NO: 148), FIG. 94 (SEQ ID NO: 153), FIG. 96 (SEQ ID NO: 158), FIG. 98 (SEQ ID NO: 160), FIG. 100 (SEQ ID NO:162), FIG. 102 (SEQ ID NO:170), FIG. 104 (SEQ ID NO:180), FIG. 106 (SEQ ID NO: 189), FIG. 108 (SEQ ID NO:194), FIG. 110 (SEQ ID NO:196), FIG. 112 (SEQ ID NO:198), FIG. 114 (SEQ ID NO:203), FIG. 116 (SEQ ID NO:210), FIG. 118 (SEQ ID NO:212), FIG. 120 (SEQ ID NO:214), FIG. 122 (SEQ ID NO:216), FIG. 124 (SEQ ID NO:218), FIG. 126 (SEQ ID NO:220), FIG. 128 (SEQ ID NO:225), FIG. 130 (SEQ ID NO:227), FIG. 132 (SEQ ID NO:229), FIG. 134 (SEQ ID NO:234), FIG. 136 (SEQ ID NO:236), FIG. 138 (SEQ ID NO:243), FIG. 140 (SEQ ID NO:248), FIG. 142 (SEQ ID NO:253), FIG. 144 (SEQ ID NO:260), FIG. 146 (SEQ ID NO:265), FIG. 148 (SEQ ID NO:267), FIG. 150 (SEQ ID NO:269), FIG. 152 (SEQ ID NO:271), FIG. 154 (SEQ ID NO:273), FIG. 156 (SEQ ID NO:275), FIG. 158 (SEQ ID NO:277), FIG. 160 (SEQ ID NO:282), FIG. 162 (SEQ ID NO:287), FIG. 164 (SEQ ID NO:292), FIG. 166 (SEQ ID NO:297), FIG. 168 (SEQ ID NO:302), FIG. 170 (SEQ ID NO:304), FIG. 172 (SEQ ID NO:306), FIG. 174 (SEQ ID NO:308), FIG. 176 (SEQ ID NO:310), FIG. 178 (SEQ ID NO:315), FIG. 180 (SEQ ID NO:317), FIG. 182 (SEQ ID NO:322), FIG. 184 (SEQ ID NO:324), FIG. 186 (SEQ ID NO:326), FIG. 188 (SEQ ID NO:328), FIG. 190 (SEQ ID NO:330), FIG. 192 (SEQ ID NO:332), FIG. 194 (SEQ ID NO:334), FIG. 196 (SEQ ID NO:336), FIG. 198 (SEQ ID NO:338), FIG. 200 (SEQ ID NO:340), FIG. 202 (SEQ ID NO:347), FIG. 204 (SEQ ID NO:352), FIG. 206 (SEQ ID NO:354), FIG. 208 (SEQ ID NO:356), FIG. 210 (SEQ ID NO:358), FIG. 212 (SEQ ID NO:364), FIG. 214 (SEQ ID NO:366), FIG. 216 (SEQ ID NO:372), FIG. 218 (SEQ ID NO:374), FIG. 220 (SEQ ID NO:376), FIG. 222 (SEQ ID NO:378), FIG. 224 (SEQ ID NO:383), FIG. 226 (SEQ ID NO:385), FIG. 228 (SEQ ID NO:390), FIG. 230 (SEQ ID NO:395), FIG. 232 (SEQ ID NO:397), FIG. 234 (SEQ ID NO:402), FIG. 236 (SEQ ID NO:406), FIG. 238 (SEQ ID NO:410), FIG. 240 (SEQ ID NO:415), FIG. 242 (SEQ ID NO:423), FIG. 244 (SEQ ID NO:429) and FIG. 246 (SEQ ID NO:431).
13. Isolated PRO polypeptide having at least 80% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule deposited under any ATCC accession number shown in Table 12.
14. A chimeric molecule comprising a polypeptide according to claim 12 fused to a heterologous amino acid sequence.
15. The chimeric molecule of claim 14 wherein said heterologous amino acid sequence is an epitope tag sequence.
16. The chimeric molecule of claim 14 wherein said heterologous amino acid sequence is a Fc region of an immunoglobulin.
17. An antibody which specifically binds to a PRO polypeptide according to claim 12.
18. The antibody of claim 17 wherein said antibody is a monoclonal antibody.
19. The antibody of claim 17 wherein said antibody is a humanized antibody.
20. The antibody of claim 17 wherein said antibody is an antibody fragment.
21. An isolated nucleic acid which has at least 80% nucleic acid sequence identity to a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of that shown in FIG. 1 (SEQ ID NO:3), FIG. 3 (SEQ ID NO:5), FIG. 5 (SEQ ID NO:7), FIG. 7 (SEQ ID NO:9), FIG. 9 (SEQ ID NO:11), FIG. 11 (SEQ ID NO: 16), FIG. 13 (SEQ ID NO:21), FIG. 15 (SEQ ID NO:23), FIG. 17 (SEQ ID NO:28), FIG. 19 (SEQ ID NO:30), FIG. 21 (SEQ ID NO:32), FIG. 23 (SEQ ID NO:40), FIG. 25 (SEQ ID NO:42), FIG. 27 (SEQ ID NO:49), FIG. 29 (SEQ ID NO:51), FIG. 31 (SEQ ID NO:53), FIG. 33 (SEQ ID NO:55), FIG. 35 (SEQ ID NO:57), FIG. 37 (SEQ ID NO:62), FIG. 39 (SEQ ID NO:67), FIG. 41 (SEQ ID NO:69), FIG. 43 (SEQ ID NO:71), FIG. 45 (SEQ ID NO:76), FIG. 47 (SEQ ID NO:78), FIG. 49 (SEQ ID NO:83), FIG. 51 (SEQ ID NO:85), FIG. 53 (SEQ ID NO:87), FIG. 55 (SEQ ID NO:94), FIG. 57 (SEQ ID NO:99), FIG. 59 (SEQ ID NO: 101), FIG. 61 (SEQ ID NO:103), FIG. 63 (SEQ ID NO: 10), FIG. 65 (SEQ ID NO: 115), FIG. 67 (SEQ ID NO: 117), FIG. 69 (SEQ ID NO: 122), FIG. 71 (SEQ ID NO: 127), FIG. 73 (SEQ ID NO: 129), FIG. 75 (SEQ ID NO: 131), FIG. 77 (SEQ ID NO: 133), FIG. 79 (SEQ ID NO: 135), FIG. 81 (SEQ ID NO: 137), FIG. 83 (SEQ ID NO: 139), FIG. 85 (SEQ ID NO: 141), FIG. 87 (SEQ ID NO:143), FIG. 89 (SEQ ID NO:145), FIG. 91 (SEQ ID NO:147), FIG. 93 (SEQ ID NO:152), FIG. 95 (SEQ ID NO: 157), FIG. 97 (SEQ ID NO: 159), FIG. 99 (SEQ ID NO: 161), FIG. 101 (SEQ ID NO:169), FIG. 103 (SEQ ID NO:179), FIG. 105 (SEQ ID NO:188), FIG. 107 (SEQ ID NO:193), FIG. 109 (SEQ ID NO:195), FIG. 111 (SEQ ID NO: 197), FIG. 113 (SEQ ID NO:202), FIG. 115 (SEQ ID NO:209), FIG. 117 (SEQ ID NO:211), FIG. 119 (SEQ ID NO:213), FIG. 121 (SEQ ID NO:215), FIG. 123 (SEQ ID NO:217), FIG. 125 (SEQ ID NO:219), FIG. 127 (SEQ ID NO:224), FIG. 129 (SEQ ID NO:226), FIG. 131 (SEQ ID NO:228), FIG. 133 (SEQ ID NO:233), FIG. 135 (SEQ ID NO:235), FIG. 137 (SEQ ID NO:242), FIG. 139 (SEQ ID NO:247), FIG. 141 (SEQ ID NO:252), FIG. 143 (SEQ ID NO:259), FIG. 145 (SEQ ID NO:264), FIG. 147 (SEQ ID NO:266), FIG. 149 (SEQ ID NO:268), FIG. 151 (SEQ ID NO:270), FIG. 153 (SEQ ID NO:272), FIG. 155 (SEQ ID NO:274), FIG. 157 (SEQ ID NO:276), FIG. 159 (SEQ ID NO:281), FIG. 161 (SEQ ID NO:286), FIG. 163 (SEQ ID NO:291), FIG. 165 (SEQ ID NO:296), FIG. 167 (SEQ ID NO:301), FIG. 169 (SEQ ID NO:303), FIG. 171 (SEQ ID NO:305), FIG. 173 (SEQ ID NO:307), FIG. 175 (SEQ ID NO:309), FIG. 177 (SEQ ID NO:314), FIG. 179 (SEQ ID NO:316), FIG. 181 (SEQ ID NO:321), FIG. 183 (SEQ ID NO:323), FIG. 185 (SEQ ID NO:325), FIG. 187 (SEQ ID NO:327), FIG. 189 (SEQ ID NO:329), FIG. 191 (SEQ ID NO:331), FIG. 193 (SEQ ID NO:333), FIG. 195 (SEQ ID NO:335), FIG. 197 (SEQ ID NO:337), FIG. 199 (SEQ ID NO:339), FIG. 201 (SEQ ID NO:346), FIG. 203 (SEQ ID NO:351), FIG. 205 (SEQ ID NO:353), FIG. 207 (SEQ ID NO:355), FIG. 209 (SEQ ID NO:357), FIG. 211 (SEQ ID NO:363), FIG. 213 (SEQ ID NO:365), FIG. 215 (SEQ ID NO:371), FIG. 217 (SEQ ID NO:373), FIG. 219 (SEQ ID NO:375), FIG. 221 (SEQ ID NO:377), FIG. 223 (SEQ ID NO:382), FIG. 225 (SEQ ID NO:384), FIG. 227 (SEQ ID NO:389), FIG. 229 (SEQ ID NO:394), FIG. 231 (SEQ ID NO:396), FIG. 233 (SEQ ID NO:401), FIG. 235 (SEQ ID NO:405), FIG. 237 (SEQ ID NO:409), FIG. 239 (SEQ ID NO:414), FIG. 241 (SEQ ID NO:422), FIG. 242 (SEQ ID NO:428) and FIG. 245 (SEQ ID NO:430).
22. An isolated nucleic acid which has at least 80% nucleic acid sequence identity to the full-length coding sequence of a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of that shown in FIG. 1 (SEQ ID NO:3), FIG. 3 (SEQ ID NO:5), FIG. 5 (SEQ ID NO:7), FIG. 7 (SEQ ID NO:9), FIG. 9 (SEQ ID NO:11), FIG. 11 (SEQ ID NO:16), FIG. 13 (SEQ ID NO:21), FIG. 15 (SEQ ID NO:23), FIG. 17 (SEQ ID NO:28), FIG. 19 (SEQ ID NO:30), FIG. 21 (SEQ ID NO:32), FIG. 23 (SEQ ID NO:40), FIG. 25 (SEQ ID NO:42), FIG. 27 (SEQ ID NO:49), FIG. 29 (SEQ ID NO:51), FIG. 31 (SEQ ID NO:53), FIG. 33 (SEQ ID NO:55), FIG. 35 (SEQ ID NO:57), FIG. 37 (SEQ ID NO:62), FIG. 39 (SEQ ID NO:67), FIG. 41 (SEQ ID NO:69), FIG. 43 (SEQ ID NO:71), FIG. 45 (SEQ ID NO:76), FIG. 47 (SEQ ID NO:78), FIG. 49 (SEQ ID NO:83), FIG. 51 (SEQ ID NO:85), FIG. 53 (SEQ ID NO:87), FIG. 55 (SEQ ID NO:94), FIG. 57 (SEQ ID NO:99), FIG. 59 (SEQ ID NO: 101), FIG. 61 (SEQ ID NO:103), FIG. 63 (SEQ ID NO: 110), FIG. 65 (SEQ ID NO: 115), FIG. 67 (SEQ ID NO: 117), FIG. 69 (SEQ ID NO: 122), FIG. 71 (SEQ ID NO:127), FIG. 73 (SEQ ID NO: 129), FIG. 75 (SEQ ID NO:131), FIG. 77 (SEQ ID NO: 133), FIG. 79 (SEQ ID NO:135), FIG. 81 (SEQ ID NO: 137), FIG. 83 (SEQ ID NO:139), FIG. 85 (SEQ ID NO:141), FIG. 87 (SEQ ID NO: 143), FIG. 89 (SEQ ID NO: 145), FIG. 91 (SEQ ID NO: 147), FIG. 93 (SEQ ID NO: 152), FIG. 95 (SEQ ID NO:157), FIG. 97 (SEQ ID NO: 159), FIG. 99 (SEQ ID NO:161), FIG. 101 (SEQ ID NO: 169), FIG. 103 (SEQ ID NO:179), FIG. 105 (SEQ ID NO:188), FIG. 107 (SEQ ID NO:193), FIG. 109 (SEQ ID NO:195), FIG. 111 (SEQ ID NO:197), FIG. 113 (SEQ ID NO:202), FIG. 115 (SEQ ID NO:209), FIG. 117 (SEQ ID NO:211), FIG. 119 (SEQ ID NO:213), FIG. 121 (SEQ ID NO:215), FIG. 123 (SEQ ID NO:217), FIG. 125 (SEQ ID NO:219), FIG. 127 (SEQ ID NO:224), FIG. 129 (SEQ ID NO:226), FIG. 131 (SEQ ID NO:228), FIG. 133 (SEQ ID NO:233), FIG. 135 (SEQ ID NO:235), FIG. 137 (SEQ ID NO:242), FIG. 139 (SEQ ID NO:247), FIG. 141 (SEQ ID NO:252), FIG. 143 (SEQ ID NO:259), FIG. 145 (SEQ ID NO:264), FIG. 147 (SEQ ID NO:266), FIG. 149 (SEQ ID NO:268), FIG. 151 (SEQ ID NO:270), FIG. 153 (SEQ ID NO:272), FIG. 155 (SEQ ID NO:274), FIG. 157 (SEQ ID NO:276), FIG. 159 (SEQ ID NO:281), FIG. 161 (SEQ ID NO:286), FIG. 163 (SEQ ID NO:291), FIG. 165 (SEQ ID NO:296), FIG. 167 (SEQ ID NO:301), FIG. 169 (SEQ ID NO:303), FIG. 171 (SEQ ID NO:305), FIG. 173 (SEQ ID NO:307), FIG. 175 (SEQ ID NO:309), FIG. 177 (SEQ ID NO:314), FIG. 179 (SEQ ID NO:316), FIG. 181 (SEQ ID NO:321), FIG. 183 (SEQ ID NO:323), FIG. 185 (SEQ ID NO:325), FIG. 187 (SEQ ID NO:327), FIG. 189 (SEQ ID NO:329), FIG. 191 (SEQ ID NO:331), FIG. 193 (SEQ ID NO:333), FIG. 195 (SEQ ID NO:335), FIG. 197 (SEQ ID NO:337), FIG. 199 (SEQ ID NO:339), FIG. 201 (SEQ ID NO:346), FIG. 203 (SEQ ID NO:351), FIG. 205 (SEQ ID NO:353), FIG. 207 (SEQ ID NO:355), FIG. 209 (SEQ ID NO:357), FIG. 211 (SEQ ID NO:363), FIG. 213 (SEQ ID NO:365), FIG. 215 (SEQ ID NO:371), FIG. 217 (SEQ ID NO:373), FIG. 219 (SEQ ID NO:375), FIG. 221 (SEQ ID NO:377), FIG. 223 (SEQ ID NO:382), FIG. 225 (SEQ ID NO:384), FIG. 227 (SEQ ID NO:389), FIG. 229 (SEQ ID NO:394), FIG. 231 (SEQ ID NO:396), FIG. 233 (SEQ ID NO:401), FIG. 235 (SEQ ID NO:405), FIG. 237 (SEQ ID NO:409), FIG. 239 (SEQ ID NO:414), FIG. 241 (SEQ ID NO:422), FIG. 242 (SEQ ID NO:428) and FIG. 245 (SEQ ID NO:430).
23. An isolated extracellular domain of a PRO polypeptide.
24. An isolated PRO polypeptide lacking its associated signal peptide.
25. An isolated polypeptide having at least about 80% amino acid sequence identity to an extracellular domain of of PRO polypeptide.
26. An isolated polypeptide having at least about 80% amino acid sequence identity to a PRO polypeptide lacking its associated signal peptide.
27. An isolated nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide of any one of claims 23 to 26.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

What is claimed is:

1. A tree stand, comprising:
a rigid frame forming a platform for supporting a hunter;
an access opening forming an entryway in the frame for a hunter to gain access to an interior portion of the frame;
a ladder attachable to the frame in alignment with the opening for providing access by the hunter to the opening;
a step positioned below the opening in the rigid frame and in alignment with the ladder wherein upon ingress through the opening to the frame, or egress from the rigid frame through the opening the hunter has a stable support on which to stand or turn; and
a support extending forwardly of the opening for suspending camouflage material concealing the rigid frame, the opening, and the hunter from game animals.
2. The tree stand as set forth in claim 1, including a fastener for securing the tree stand to the trunk of a tree.
3. The tree stand as set forth in claim 1, including a seat carried by the platform.
4. The tree stand as set forth in claim 1, wherein the rigid frame is rectangular providing a rectangular frontal opening in the frame.
5. A tree stand comprising:
a rigid frame forming a platform for supporting a hunter;
a frontal opening in the rigid frame for providing access to an interior portion of the rigid frame by the hunter;
a ladder attachable to the frame in alignment with the opening for providing access by the hunter through the opening; and
a step positioned below the opening in the rigid frame and in alignment with the ladder wherein upon ingress through the opening to the rigid frame or egress from the rigid frame through the opening a hunter has a stable support on which to stand or turn.
6. The tree stand as set forth in claim 5, wherein the tree stand further comprises a support spaced forwardly of the opening for supporting depending camouflage material for concealing the rigid frame, the opening, the seat, and the hunter.
7. The tree stand as set forth in claim 5, wherein the seat is fixed in relation to the rigid frame.
8. A tree stand comprising:
a rigid horizontal frame forming a platform for supporting a hunter;
a vertical safety frame affixed to the rigid frame for protectively retaining a hunter on the rigid frame;
a passageway in the safety frame extending forwardly beyond the rigid frame for affording a hunter protective ingress and egress to the rigid frame;
a ladder for providing access by the hunter through the passageway to the rigid frame; and
a forward extension of the vertical frame including a support for carrying camouflage material depending therefrom forming a front of the passageway for concealing the hunter.
9. The tree stand set forth in claim 8, including an entry opening in the rigid frame providing easy access from the passageway to an interior portion of the rigid frame by the hunter;
10. The tree stand as set forth in claim 8 including a shooting rest removably securable to the safety frame wherein a hunter may steady a gun prior to discharge.
11. The tree stand as set forth in claim 8, including a roof affixed to the safety frame enclosing safety frame and the rigid frame, thereby providing a hunter concealment and protection from the elements.
12. The tree stand as set forth in claim 8, wherein the passageway extends outward to overhang the ladder, wherein the hunter directly enters the passageway and opening to access the rigid frame and directly exits the frame through the opening and passageway to access the ladder.
13. A tree stand, comprising
a rigid frame forming a platform for supporting a hunter;
an opening in the rigid frame for affording a hunter secure ingress and egress to the frame;
a seat carried by the rigid frame;
a safety frame affixed to the rigid frame for protectively retaining a hunter on the rigid frame;
a passageway in the safety frame formed by a forward extension of the safety frame extending beyond the rigid frame for affording a hunter protective ingress and egress to the frame;
a ladder attached to the rigid frame in alignment with the extended passageway and opening for providing access by the hunter through the passageway and opening to the rigid frame;
a step positioned below the opening in alignment with the ladder wherein upon ingress through the opening to the rigid frame or egress from the frame through the opening a hunter has a stable support on which to stand and turn; and
a support spaced forwardly of the opening supporting depending camouflage material depending from the extended passageway for concealing the rigid frame, the opening, the safety frame, the extended passageway, and the hunter from game animals.
14. A method of hunting from a tree stand, comprising the steps of:
forming a rigid frame defining a platform above the ground and capable of supporting a hunter;
providing a opening in the rigid frame for affording a hunter secure ingress and egress to the rigid frame;
securing a ladder to the rigid frame for providing access to the opening in the rigid frame; and
positioning a step below the opening in the rigid frame wherein upon ingress through the opening to the rigid frame, or egress from the rigid frame through the opening, a hunter has a stable support on which to stand and turn, thereby accessing the frame to assume a hunting position.
15. A method of constructing a tree stand, comprising the steps of:
forming a rigid frame defining a platform positionable above the ground and capable of supporting a hunter;
forming an opening in the rigid frame for affording a hunter secure ingress and egress to the rigid frame;
positioning a seat on the rigid frame;
securing a safety frame to the rigid frame for protectively retaining a hunter on the rigid frame;
extending the safety frame forwardly of the rigid frame and the opening forming an extended passageway for affording a hunter protective ingress and egress to the hunting frame;
affixing a ladder to the frame in alignment with the extended passageway and opening for providing access by the hunter through the extended passageway and the opening to the rigid frame; and
positioning camouflage material for concealing the rigid frame, the safety frame, the extended passageway and the hunter from game animals.
16. The method of construction as set forth in claim 15, further comprising the step of providing a rectangular frontal opening in the rigid frame for affording a hunter secure ingress and egress to the rigid frame;
17. The method of construction set forth in claim 15, further comprising the step of providing a rigid frame comprising a rectangular perimeter.
18. A tree stand, comprising:
a rigid frame forming a platform for supporting a hunter;
an opening in the rigid frame for providing access to the rigid frame by the hunter; and
a ladder in alignment with the opening for providing access for a hunter to the rigid frame.
19. The tree stand as set forth in claim 18, wherein the ladder is fixed to the rigid frame.