Modular ladder with removable rungs

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The proposed invention allows a user to climb many types of vertical objects.
One particular application of the invention is in the field of hunting, where tree stands are often employed to provide the hunter an elevated and stationary position.
FIG.
1 shows a prior art tree stand 12 attached to a tree 10.
As installing a tree stand requires considerable effort, hunters often wish to leave them in place.
This requires a device for climbing the tree.
FIG.
1 also discloses a prior art tree-climbing device.
A series of climbing sticks 14 are linked together and attached to tree 10.
Each climbing stick 14 has a series of fixed rungs 16.
FIG.
2 shows an individual climbing stick 14 in more detail.
The reader should be aware that the square vertical member is hollow, so that a second climbing stick 14 can be placed on top of the one shown and linked together using the smaller square section located on top of the climbing stick 14.
Two stand offs 20 are provided to separate climbing stick 14 from the tree 10, thereby allowing clearance for the user's boots on fixed rungs 16.
A pair of securing straps 18 are passed tightly around the tree 10 and locked in position by toggle clamps or other prior art means.
The prior art devices shown in FIGS.
1 and 2 are effective in allowing access to the tree stand 12.
Unfortunately, when the user leaves the tree stand 12 unattended, other persons may use the ready access to steal the tree stand.
In addition, many landowners are concerned about the safety of unsecured ladders in position on their property.
If children or persons unfamiliar with tree climbing climb the unsecured ladders, they may be injured.
Thus, it is desirable to create a ladder which cannot be climbed without specialized equipment.
FIG.
3 discloses one embodiment of the present invention.
Slotted stick 22 is similar in its general configuration to the prior art climbing stick 14, except that it includes no fixed rungs 16.
Two stand offs 20 are provided, along with securing straps 18