Props Patents (Class 47/43)
  • Patent number: 11723320
    Abstract: In one embodiment of an arbor stake stabilization member, a body includes an annular ring of a biodegradable material having an axial passageway therethrough. A locking member is coupled to the annular ring and extends radially inward into the axial passageway. A plate of a biodegradable material extends circumferentially outwardly from the annular ring. The perforated plate includes multiple openings. In use, the arbor stake stabilization member may be placed underground and on or above a rootball of a tree. The locking member is sized to accept an arbor stake therethrough in an interference fit. The arbor stake may extend from the top of the rootball through the rootball and into the undisturbed soil at a point below the rootball. Over time, the arbor stake stabilization member biodegrades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Inventor: Kristopher M. Brown
  • Patent number: 11209122
    Abstract: Devices and methods for attaching objects to living trees. Various forms of the devices employ a flexible member and mounting member that are configured to be looped and secured around a tree portion at a beginning of a predetermined time period. The mounting member and flexible member are configured to slide relative to each other to accommodate growth of the tree portion such that the device remains secured to the tree portion for at least the duration of the predetermined period of time without the need for human intervention. In other embodiments, the mounting member is integrally formed with the object or no mounting member is employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas J. Edgington, Bradley T. Edgington
  • Patent number: 10779481
    Abstract: A tree anchoring apparatus, a tree anchoring kit and a method of anchoring of a tree on a roof deck is provided consisting of three tree cabling systems attached to a tree. Each tree cabling system can exist in one of two states, depending on whether there is slack in the system or whether there is resistance due to movement of the tree from a vertical position to a horizontal position. In a wind event that causes the tree to move from a vertical position to a horizontal position, one or more of the tree cabling systems will experience resistance that keeps the tree in a horizontal position. When the wind event is over, the tree can be returned to a vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: The Shredded Tire, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard P. Spreen, Stephen W. Warter
  • Patent number: 10440901
    Abstract: A plant support for supporting a garden plant such as a flower, bush, tree, and the like. The plant support includes a first tube having an interior volume and a second tube slidably disposed within the interior volume of the first tube. A locking mechanism is disposed on the second tube and is configured to maintain the first tube in a particular position with respect to the second tube. A cable stop is disposed on the second tube. The plant support further includes a cable having a first end and a second end, each of the first and second end being removably secured to the cable stop, wherein the cable is securable around a portion of a plant. The plant support is configured to support a plant in an upright position to facilitate proper growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Inventor: Roxanna Eaton
  • Patent number: 8640382
    Abstract: A stable cable system and method are disclosed. The stable cable system comprises at least two stakes, at least one cable, wherein the at least one cable is coupled to the at least two stakes, wherein the at least one cable has at least one loop and at least one connector, wherein the at least one connector is inserted through the at least one loop and around an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Zip-It Tree Ties
    Inventor: Thomas J. Decker
  • Patent number: 8341878
    Abstract: A tree tie and method of use is disclosed. The tree tie comprises a member. The tie member including a first end portion; a first tab coupled to the first end portion; a middle portion and one end of a middle portion coupled to the first tab. The tie member also includes an opposite end of the middle portion coupled to a second tab, a second end portion coupled to the second tab and a head portion coupled to the second end portion. The tree tie including a flexible hose surrounding the middle portion of the first member and being substantially held in place by the first and second tabs. Only flexible hose contacts the tree when the first member surrounds the tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Zip-It Tree Ties
    Inventor: Thomas J. Decker
  • Patent number: 8336252
    Abstract: A deep root watering and stabilization assembly and method for supporting, irrigating, and fertilizing plantings, such as trees, shrubs, or root balls is described herein. The assembly can include a harness disposed around the planting and a perforated tube adapted to receive water and nutrients from above the surface and pass the water and nutrients to the roots or root ball. The assembly can include an attachment assembly with adjustable engagement locations and a fastener affixed to the attachment assembly. The fastener can be structured to tighten or loosen a first connector as it engages one of a plurality of positions between the harness and the perforated tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: James Ammons
  • Publication number: 20120240459
    Abstract: A re-usable tree stanchion designed to provide temporary safe support to a newly transplanted tree, while allowing it a full range of movement sufficient for the tree to develop a healthy and strong trunk base and root system. It prevents the tree from being uprooted or blown over in a strong wind until it can stand on its own without causing damage to the tree trunk. The support is supplied by a thin leg of supple material set in the ground adjacent to the newly planted tree. The leg curves over to meet the tree encircling it with a collar of soft, pliant material. These components together provide two stage shock absorption. When the tree moves with pressure from the wind it is first held softly by the collar which gives under pressure from the moving tree, then its movement is further decelerated by the spring action of the leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Stephen O'R. Curtis, Nicholas O'R. Curtis
  • Patent number: 8132361
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for supporting newly planted trees or other upright for use with a plurality of stakes that have been positioned adjacent and around the tree to be supported. In one aspect of the invention, the individual stakes are rigidly secured together by elements which are vertically movable along the stakes and releasably secured to the stakes at desired vertical positions. In another aspect of the invention, flexible tie members interconnect the tree trunk with a vertical stake. The connection between the tie member and its associated stake is such that the connection may be releasably locked to the stake at different vertical positions along the stake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventor: Robert W. Poyas
  • Publication number: 20120011769
    Abstract: A stable cable system and method are disclosed. The stable cable system comprises at least two stakes, at least one cable, wherein the at least one cable is coupled to the at least two stakes, wherein the at least one cable has at least one loop and at least one connector, wherein the at least one connector is inserted through the at least one loop and around an object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas J. DECKER
  • Patent number: 7908793
    Abstract: A tree tie and method of use is disclosed. The tree tie comprises a member. The tie member including a first end portion; a first tab coupled to the first end portion; a middle portion and one end of a middle portion coupled to the first tab. The tie member also includes an opposite end of the middle portion coupled to a second tab, a second end portion coupled to the second tab and a head portion coupled to the second end portion. The tree tie including a flexible hose surrounding the middle portion of the first member and being substantially held in place by the first and second tabs. Only flexible hose contacts the tree when the first member surrounds the tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Zip-It Tree Ties
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Decker
  • Patent number: 7661224
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for supporting newly planted trees in which a plurality of stakes are positioned adjacent and around a supported tree. In one aspect of the invention, the individual stakes are rigidly secured together by elements which are vertically movable along the stakes and releasably secured to the stakes at desired vertical positions. In another aspect of the invention, flexible tie members interconnect the tree trunk with the stake. The connection between the tie member and its associated stake is such that the connection may be releasably locked to the stake at different vertical positions along the stake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Poyas
  • Publication number: 20100031565
    Abstract: One of the more common causes of plant rot and pest infestation is low-hanging branches and heavy blossomed stems lying on the ground, encouraging rot and fungus and providing pests a way to climb to the core of the plant or bush. The Branch Support Invention lifts these problem branches and stems and supports them safely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventor: Sheldon H. Beugen
  • Publication number: 20090255175
    Abstract: Pairs of tree ties are made from a section of flexible tube, each comprising a shorter tube head section at one end and a longer half tube tail extending from the tube head section and terminating at a threading tip at the opposite end of the tail for making a self tie loop through the tube head section for securely holding a tree to a support. Two parallel units in a tree tie pair are temporarily joined along a score line in a diametrically opposite orientation with respect to each other, wherein a cycle of die cutting forms a kiss cut that creates the score line and a separation indenture between a leading tree tie pair and a trailing tree tie pair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Joe Fitzgerald, Rosendo Guerrero
  • Publication number: 20090235582
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a Christmas tree platform for mounting a full-sized Christmas tree in a Christmas tree stand. The platform has wheels, can fold in half and forms a storage compartment when folded in half. The storage compartment is capable of holding removable decorations on the platform. In one embodiment of the invention there is a means for mounting a Christmas tree stand in a fixed position on the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: John Samuel Kidwell
  • Patent number: 7533489
    Abstract: A system for supporting lines of trees growing in pots includes poles supported in an upright position, with a first cable running between pairs of poles. Tree trunks are attached to the first cable with a device that includes a length of helical cable, a second cable, that is adapted for mating with the first cable, formed into a ā€œVā€ shape. A pair of deformable cylinders, one having a longitudinal slit, are included. The slit cylinder is positionable over the first cable on a first side of the tree trunk. The second cylinder is threaded onto the second cable into a notch section thereof, and placed on a second side of the tree trunk. The two arms of the second cable are wound about the first cable on opposite sides of the tree trunk to prevent slippage therebetween, leaving at least one end free for ease of disconnect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Pierson Supply Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Delwood Nelson, Thomas R. Dean, David A. Monk, William Bartow Mercer
  • Publication number: 20090119984
    Abstract: An adjustable trunk support system which restrains a tree trunk within a specified containment area without permanently attaching to the trunk. One or more trunk supports are vertically adjustable to allow multiple trunk supports to be embedded in the ground at different heights on a slope while restraining the tree at the same height on the trunk. Adjustable arms laterally extend from the trunk supports such that the size of the containment area can be adjusted to accommodate tree growth. Adjustable locking ties secure to the adjustable arms to provide increased stability, and to provide pressure for the purpose of restraining, and/or training, a tree trunk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: Ibrahim Nabhan
  • Publication number: 20090031623
    Abstract: A tree tie and method of use is disclosed. The tree tie comprises a member. The tie member including a first end portion; a first tab coupled to the first end portion; a middle portion and one end of a middle portion coupled to the first tab. The tie member also includes an opposite end of the middle portion coupled to a second tab, a second end portion coupled to the second tab and a head portion coupled to the second end portion. The tree tie including a flexible hose surrounding the middle portion of the first member and being substantially held in place by the first and second tabs. Only flexible hose contacts the tree when the first member surrounds the tree.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas J. DECKER
  • Patent number: 7251911
    Abstract: A leg support apparatus comprising a leg comprising a first support and a second support. The leg comprising a pivot end and a spike end. A base comprising a lug side, a ground contact side, and a surrounding wall connecting between the lug side and ground contact side, with lugs extending from the lug side. A pin used for pivotally connecting the lugs to the pivot end of the leg. A spike extending from the spike end of the leg. The spike used for engaging a wire basket surrounding the root ball of a plant or used for engaging the lip of a container holding a plant, so that the plant is supported by the leg support apparatus and ground and does not tip over. A leg support apparatus comprising a body comprising a rocker bottom base from which extends a leg, and wherein a spike extends from the spike end of the leg, and the spike is used for engaging a wire basket surrounding a root ball and preventing the plant from tipping over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Robert A. Goltz
  • Patent number: 7246463
    Abstract: A Christmas tree support assembly includes a base that includes a pair of legs and a central member that is attached to and extends between the legs. The legs are orientated parallel to each other. A post is attached to and extends upwardly from the central member. A sleeve is attached to an upper end of the post. The sleeve has an opening extending therethrough. The opening has an axis that is orientated parallel to a longitudinal axis of a first of the legs. A rod is positioned in the sleeve and has a proximal end and a distal end with respect to the sleeve. A hook is attached to the rod and extends downwardly from the rod. The hook may be secured to a coupler attached to an upper end of a pine tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas M. Arnot
  • Patent number: 7204055
    Abstract: A leg support apparatus comprising a leg comprising a first support and a second support. The leg comprising a pivot end and a spike end. A base comprising a lug side, a ground contact side, and a surrounding wall connecting between the lug side and ground contact side, with lugs extending from the lug side. A pin used for pivotally connecting the lugs to the pivot end of the leg. A spike extending from the spike end of the leg. The spike used for engaging a wire basket surrounding the root ball of a plant or used for engaging the lip of a container holding a plant, so that the plant is supported by the leg support apparatus and ground and does not tip over. A leg support apparatus comprising a body comprising a rocker bottom base from which extends a leg, and wherein a spike extends from the spike end of the leg, and the spike is used for engaging a wire basket surrounding a root ball and preventing the plant from tipping over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Robert A. Goltz
  • Patent number: 6964126
    Abstract: An assembly includes a plurality of elongated and rectilinear support posts having opposed end portions. The assembly further includes a plurality of U-shaped fastening members removably positional through a primary support member. The primary support member is provided with first and second pairs of arcuate indentations formed along the front face of the primary support member. A bracket including attachable first and second sections is medially situated between the support posts. The first section has opposed end portions conjoined to the front face of the primary support member, and the second section has opposed end portions conjoined to the first section end portions wherein the second section protrudes forwardly of the first section. The first and second pair of indentations are juxtaposed side-by-side and are laterally opposed from the end portions of the first and second sections such that the support posts can abut the bracket during operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventor: Dennis L. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6742300
    Abstract: A system and method for anchoring a tree is disclosed. A free end of an anchored guyline is looped around a tree. The guyline has been received through openings in the tension bar such that the tension bar is located between the anchored end of the guyline and tree. Tension is created within the guyline by pulling the tension bar. The tension bar and guyline are squeezed together and the guyline tied off at the tension bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: Andrew Sellers
  • Patent number: 6442891
    Abstract: A tree brace applies corrective forces to a part of a tree, such as the trunk, to straighten undesired bends or other deformities. A turnbuckle device applies force at a desired point of application, and is held by flexible lines that extend to locations above and below the application point. The turnbuckle is adjusted as the tree responds to the forces exerted thereon. The tree brace does not require a pole or stake for support, and can be placed on a tree wherever a bend or other deformity needs to be straightened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: James Roy
  • Patent number: 6408569
    Abstract: A plant support assembly for rigidly supporting a plant in an upright position in various types of soil conditions. The inventive device includes a base, a tubular member attached to the base and extending upwardly, a shaft positionable within the base, and a locking strap for securing a plant to the shaft or tubular member. The shaft is preferably constructed of a material that is easily severed for allowing support for various heights of plants. The base is shaped for fitting within the lower portion of a conventional pot for plants. In an alternative embodiment, the tubular member includes an upper spiked end for inserting through the roots of the plant and thereafter receiving the adjusted shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Raymond P. Obregon
  • Patent number: 6389743
    Abstract: A tree supporting system includes a non-elastic flexible tree collar belt which encircles the tree trunk with movable belt loops thereon, adjustable cables attached at one end to the loops, and ground anchors at the other end that are driven lengthwise into the ground and pulled into a flat transverse position in the ground. The belt and the belt loops are formed flat non-elastic webbing. The belt loops having an upper loop eye at an upper end slidably mounted on the belt and a lower loop eye at a lower end sized and shaped to receive an end of the cable. A cam type or ratchet type cinching buckle on the belt allows passage of one end of the belt therethrough for tightly cinching the belt about the circumference of the tree trunk and releasably grips the belt in the encircled position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Grant L. Stephenson
  • Patent number: 6370817
    Abstract: A manual and tool adjustable, reusable tree bracing assembly to support a tree in a substantially vertical position, being specifically structured to allow mounting and removal of the assembly about a tree trunk by a single worker wherein the assembly comprises padded support members movably positionable at spaced apart locations from one another about the circumference of a tree trunk along a length of two adjustable straps and further including at least three brace members and at least three padded support members accommodating the straps wherein one support member is adjustably configured to provide virtually non-slip strap attachment with lock-down option and wherein the distal end of each brace member engages a base member removably fixed to the ground or to a tree grate substantially adjacent the tree trunk and the proximal end of each support member is disposed in abutting engagement with the outer surface of the grooved, padded support members so as to exert a supportive, bracing force on the tree tru
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventors: Alvin E. Brooks, Dean R. Ferrie
  • Patent number: 6363655
    Abstract: The young tree support comprises a flexible polymer tube having its end staked by a first stake close to the tree. The flexible polymer tube is wound up the tree to a point between one-third and one-half the distance up the trunk of the tree. From that point, the second end of the tube is pulled to the windward. The second end of the tube has a spring by which the second end is connected to a second stake driven into the ground so that the second end is resiliently connected to the second stake. This provides adequate support for a young tree to permit flexure of the trunk during early growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Divid Napolitano
  • Patent number: 6301830
    Abstract: A tree guy line system including a plurality of guy lines with each line having a first and second end and a limited extension spring assembly disposed between the ends to allow a limited extension of the lines to absorb large forces due to wind gusts, etc. A plurality of anchors are adapted to be inserted into the ground at spaced locations around the tree with the second end of each line being secured to a respective anchor. A line adjacent the first end thereof forming a collar for placement around the trunk or limb of a tree where the line extends from both ends of the collar. A tension bar has a line engaging end slidably mounted on the line below the collar and another end of the tension bar secured to the first end of the line so that the line engaging end can be moved along the line to remove slack and place the line in tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Gaylord C. Whipple
  • Patent number: 6299125
    Abstract: Structure is disclosed for supporting immature plants and small trees to assure straight and healthy stem and trunk growth until the stem and/or trunk reaches a growth phase where it is self-supporting. Several embodiments of two part stakes are discussed including detachable upper and lower portion stakes and telescoping upper and lower portion stakes. Plant feeding features in the stakes are described and structure for providing cooperating stake pairs with novel interconnecting straps and stem/trunk engaging apparatus is disclosed. Stabilizing structure for the stakes is also disclosed, so that stem trunk support is strong enough to accomplish the intended purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Esmail Zayeratabat
  • Patent number: 6282836
    Abstract: An adjustable support system for trees for stabilizing limbs and a trunk of a tree. The system includes a stake portion having a tapered lower end and a planar upper end. The tapered lower end penetrates a recipient surface adjacent to a tree. A support pole couples with the planar upper end of the stake portion. A plurality of support collars are slidably coupled with the upper section of the support pole. Each of the support collars have a peripheral flange extending outwardly thereof. The peripheral flange has a plurality of circumferentially spaced apertures therethrough. A plurality of support cables are provided with each having inner ends securable to the apertures of the peripheral flange of the support collars. Outer ends of the support cables are looped with rubber hosing disposed thereon for engaging a tree limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventors: Clifford E. Goode, Sadie M. Goode
  • Patent number: 6216997
    Abstract: A Christmas tree stand comprises a base and a clamping mechanism which has a pair of opposed jaws with generally v-shaped clamping faces and the jaws being disposed to clamp a tree at circumferentially and longitudinally spaced locations and means for moving the jaws towards and away from each other to clamp and release the tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Northwave Designworks
    Inventor: David Short
  • Patent number: 6032408
    Abstract: A tree trunk restraint collar for supporting young or transplanted trees or restraining established trees to a desired position. The preferred round collar is flexible and split at one place so that it may be twisted apart to be installed around the trunk. Thus placed, it is allowed to reform to its natural, circular shape. Some form of cord or wire is then looped through collar eyelets and around the outside middle of the collar, to secure the collar within its closed and circular condition at the one end of the cord and to secure the collar to support posts at the other end. The ring fits loosely around the trunk to allow growth and flow of natural fluids within the trunk. At the same time the ring guides and restrains the tree when forces such as wind, gravity, or the attraction of sunlight are exerted upon it. The device is economical to make and install and is effective in its function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Roger B. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 5970655
    Abstract: A Christmas tree support apparatus and method is disclosed wherein a collar member is provided around a base portion of a Christmas tree. A radial extension member is removably connected to the collar and to a rod at one end thereof which connection between the radial extension member and the rod can be adjusted. The other end of the rod is connected to the Christmas tree above the center of gravity point thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Jerry K. M. Freeman
  • Patent number: 5950359
    Abstract: A staking assembly designed to support a tree in a substantially upright position and being specifically structured to allow operative installation or mounting of the assembly about a tree trunk by a single worker wherein the assembly comprises a plurality of support members movably positionable at spaced apart locations from one another about the circumference of a tree trunk along a length of an attachment assembly, and further including a plurality of brace members at least equal in number to the number of support members wherein each brace member includes a distal end engaging the ground substantially adjacent the tree trunk and a proximal end disposed in abutting, force exerting engagement with an outer surface of one of the plurality of support members so as to exert a supportive, bracing force on the tree trunk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Ross Pivnik
  • Patent number: 5867936
    Abstract: The tree guy includes a loop of resilient tubular synthetic polymer composition material which engages around the tree trunk. Separate tension members engage in the two ends of the loop and extend from loop end closures into tubular legs which extend toward the ground at which they are anchored. The legs preferably have compression springs therein and tension members connect the compression springs with the loop so that when the legs are anchored, springs are deflected to provide support to the tree. In a similar tree tie tension members can be attached to a support post while the loop engages around the tree. The loop contains separate compression springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Wonder Tree Tie, Inc.
    Inventor: Alex Napolitano
  • Patent number: 5839222
    Abstract: An apparatus for increasing plant root density and measuring plant growth having an inverted T-shaped retaining wall forming a substantially elliptic area into which nutrient rich material may be placed and covered in order to keep the nutrient rich material moist and encourage the growth of a fibrous root mass. Mounted onto the apparatus is one or more feeding pockets which allow watering and fertilizing of the nutrient rich material without removal of the cover and one or more growth indicators which allow for measurement of the progress of plant growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Jess Sittner
  • Patent number: 5702965
    Abstract: A highly efficient split-gate type flash memory cell with an insulation spacer of an ONO or ON structure formed at the side walls of the floating gate according to the present invention can improve program and erasure capabilities of the cell by preventing reduction of the coupling ratio and leakage of electrons through the floating gate and the control gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Hyundai Electronics Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeoung Woo Kim
  • Patent number: 5568700
    Abstract: A stand-off device for yieldingly supporting a tree to a tree support stake has an elongated body and an elastomeric cord which extends through the body and which has a tie end extending from the body's distal end so that can be tied to the trunk of a tree either directly, or by means of an intermediate tree tie. By attaching the stand-off device to a tree support stake, a tree can be held upright at the end of the device win a windless condition, yet being allowed to sway in the wind so that the growth and health of the tree will be stimulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Inventors: Michael Veneziano, Mark Icanberry
  • Patent number: 5492302
    Abstract: A tree stand, as for a Christmas tree and the like, capable of assembly and disassembly and for holding a tree in a vertical orientation when the stand is assembled and erected. The stand comprises at least three legs, two of which are each longer in length than the remaining legs. The stand is equipped with a central member that provides a mount for receiving the trunk of a Christmas tree. The central member and mount is oriented with respect to the legs so that the connection of the legs to the central member in combination with the lengths of the legs will orient the lower end of each of the legs approximately equidistant from the lower ends of the remaining legs and approximately equidistant from the axis of a Christmas tree installed within the mount. A clamp is provided to retain the tree within the mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Inventor: Harold A. Odom, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5444939
    Abstract: A plant tie including an elongate strip of flaccid or cloth material having flexible cloth fastener elements on the opposed ends thereof for selective engagement with each other to secure the strip about a plant stem. A mounting element is positioned centrally of the strip and includes an enlarged pressure-receiving head engaged with one face of the strip and an elongate pin shaft engaged through the strip and projecting beyond the other face thereof for manually driving into engagement with a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Inventor: Brian Cullen
  • Patent number: 5439196
    Abstract: A new and improved tree stand for securing a cut tree in an upright position, the tree stand comprising a container adapted to receive the butt of a tree trunk and hold it in an upright position, a clamp adapted to hold a tree trunk, and a mechanism for locating the clamp at a position offset from and aligned with the container where it holds a tree trunk upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Inventor: Vincent L. Widman
  • Patent number: 5435097
    Abstract: A tree stabilizer device for supporting young trees, shrubs, etc. The device includes a post adapted to have one end thereof inserted into the ground so as to extend upwardly substantially vertically therefrom; and an elongated support member having a first adjustable securing mechanism for securing the member to the post, and a second mechanism for securing the member to a tree. The first securing mechanism includes a slot defined through the member and shaped substantially to match a cross-section of the post, for insertion of the post therethrough. The second securing mechanism includes a substantially wedge-shaped section and a wedge for adjustable insertion therein so as to secure a portion of the tree between the wedge and the wedge-shaped section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Inventor: Doug O. Harper
  • Patent number: 5402600
    Abstract: A support collar for a growing tree or plant including two arcuate plastic halves integrally hinged on a first longitudinal side and snap lock elements on the second longitudinal sides. The collar halves have an inwardly projecting support shelf for holding a foam liner in place. The liner is cylindrical in shape with a longitudinal opening to allow placement around a tree trunk. Loops for fastening grip ropes to the collar halves are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Inventor: Keith P. Tompkins
  • Patent number: 5301464
    Abstract: Horticulture, particularly limb spreaders. Applicant's variable length limb-spreader may be interposed between the tree central leader and the outwardly extending limbs at a variety of lengths, for example, 3", 6", 9", 12", 15", 18" and 22". Applicant's molded plastic device includes an elongate shaft having pairs of divergent tree-engaging arms at each end and a plurality of outwardly extending limb-engaging struts extending from the top and bottom of the shaft. Tree-engaging spikes may be molded so as to extend between the pairs of arms, as well as between the struts and the top and bottom of the elongate shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Inventors: M. Lee LaVanway, Edward Dorstewitz
  • Patent number: 5159780
    Abstract: A method to hold a potted or planted plant or rooted tree in a vertical upright position, comprising a flexible circular collar (22) joined to a plurality of two piece adjustable elongated support members (26). Further, having the means for the plurality of two piece adjustable elongated support members (26) to be placed upon the upper lip of a pot by means of the plurality of forked elongated support member holders (38) or secured directly into the soil by means of the plurality of the shovel head elongated support member (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Inventor: Robert M. Molthen
  • Patent number: 4974361
    Abstract: Yield of harvested trees is increased by cutting the harvested trees superadjacent to a lowermost whorl of tree limbs and supporting such tree limbs in a manner and until such supported tree limbs generate sprouts that are mature enough to be either re-planted or harvested themselves. The sprouts can also be harvested in the same manner to generate further sprouts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Inventor: Charles A. Rogers
  • Patent number: 4897956
    Abstract: A three point tree bracing collar is formed of a planar, elongate plastic material including a slot near one end through which the other end is passed in order to wrap the collar around a tree to be braced. The other end includes a reinforced eyelet for attaching an anchoring line with the other anchoring lines being disposed around the outside of the collar. A two point tree bracing collar includes first and second ends and a slot in said collar intermediate said ends through which one of said ends is passed in order to wrap the collar around a tree. Each end includes an eyelet for attaching an anchoring line thereto. Both embodiments include notches along the extent to the end to be passed through the slot so that the collar holds itself in place when it is initially positioned on the tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Inventor: Robert M. McGuire
  • Patent number: 4870781
    Abstract: A combination tree support and feeder stake is provided for use in groups to simultaneously support and nourish transplanted trees. Each said stake includes a tapered and reinforced body portion formed from plastic with an anchoring unit to be attached to a transplanted tree and a hollow core to receive fertilizer which escapes through holes providing communication between the hollow core and the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1989
    Inventor: Timothy D. Jones
  • Patent number: 4848027
    Abstract: The invention concerns a trunk holding ring 1. A trunk holding ring 1 of such a kind serves for the support of young trees, which extend through the region 3. The trunk holding ring 1 is made fast by means of adjustable stake holders 21 to tree stakes, not shown.For the support of the tree, support spokes 2 are provided, the ends of which are adjustable relative to the axis 3a of the ring. Owing to this capacity for adjustment, an adaptation of the support of the young tree to the tree's growth can take place in very simple manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Inventor: Bernhard Skierwiderski