Supports – Staff type – Ground inserted
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-25
2001-10-09
King, Anita (Department: 3632)
Supports
Staff type
Ground inserted
C248S218400, C047S043000, C047S042000, C047S047000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06299125
ABSTRACT:
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the invention disclosed herein relates to apparatus for supporting a trunk portion on a tree growing in underlying soil which has a left stake with a lower portion for entering the underlying soil on one side of the tree and a right stake having a lower portion for entering the underlying soil at a distance from the left stake on the opposing side of the tree. A bracket is provided for spanning the distance between and connecting the left and right stakes. Means is provided on the bracket for adjusting the bracket to fit the distance between the stakes. Further, means for engaging the trunk portion is included together with means for securing the means for engaging to the bracket.
In another embodiment of the disclosed invention, apparatus is provided for supporting a trunk portion of a plant growing in underlying soil which includes an upper stake length, a lower stake length having an upper end, wherein the upper end is configured to receive the upper stake length in telescoped position. The upper and lower stake lengths have adjacent surface portions when assembled in the telescoped position. Means is also included for fixing the upper and lower stake lengths in infinitely adjustable telescoped position.
In yet another aspect of the invention, apparatus is provided for supporting a trunk portion of a plant, which is positioned adjacent to a supporting stake. A cushion is disposed between and in contact with the supporting stake and the trunk portion. Means is provided for securing the cushion rotationally on the supporting stake and means is also provided for securing the trunk portion in contact with the cushion.
In an additional embodiment of the invention, apparatus is disclosed for supporting a trunk portion on a plant which includes a supporting stake, wherein the supporting stake has a trunk portion receiving groove formed on the outside surface of and along a length of the stake. Further, means is attached to the supporting stake for retaining the trunk portion of the plant within the trunk portion receiving groove.
In still another embodiment of the invention, apparatus is disclosed for supporting a trunk portion of a plant extending upwardly from an underlying surface, wherein an upper stake portion has an upper end and a lower end. A lower stake portion has an upper end and a lower end. Means is provided for releasably connecting the upper stake portion lower end to the lower stake portion upper end, so that the upper stake portion also extends upwardly. In addition, means is provided extending laterally from the lower stake portion upper end for contacting the underlying surface to thereby provide a stabilizing feature for the upper stake portion when the upper and lower stake portions are connected together.
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Baxter Gwendolyn
King Anita
Stanley Henry M.
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