Device for staking a tree

Abstract

A device for staking a tree into the earth has a ring suitable for extending around the trunk of the tree. A plurality of brackets are connected to the ring. The plurality of brackets have aperture formed therethrough suitable for receipt of stakes, which secure the ring to the earth. A support is connected to the ring and extends upwardly therefrom. A collar is connected to the support and positioned in spaced relation to the ring. The collar also has a diameter suitable for extending around the trunk of the tree.

Claims

1. A device for staking a tree into the earth, the device comprising: a ring having a diameter, said ring being formed of a pliable rod, said ring suitable for extending around a trunk of the tree; and a plurality of brackets directly connected to and circumferentially spaced around said ring, said plurality of brackets extending radially a substantial distance outwardly of said ring, said substantial distance being at lest one half of said diameter of said ring, each of said plurality of brackets defining an aperture of a size suitable for receiving a stake therethrough so as to secure said ring in a position adjacent the root ball and residing adjacent a surface of the earth, each of said plurality of brackets having a generally U-shaped configuration, said plurality of brackets being coplanar with said ring.

2. The device of claim 1, said ring being split so as to define an opening, said opening having a size suitable so as to allow the trunk of the tree to be passed therethrough and into an interior of said ring.

3. The device of claim 1, said plurality of brackets comprising three brackets each being equally circumferentially spaced from an adjacent bracket.

4. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of stakes extending downwardly through respective apertures of said plurality of brackets, said plurality of stakes suitable for insertion into the earth.

5. The device of claim 4, each of said plurality of stakes comprising: a flat head having a size suitable for preventing said stake from fully passing through said aperture; and a shaft having a pointed tip, said shaft affixed to a bottom surface of said flat head, said pointed tip being opposite said flat head.

6. The device of claim 5, each of said plurality of stakes further comprising: a cleat positioned between said flat head and said pointed tip, said cleat having a first end affixed to said shaft and a second end facing inwardly of said stake.

7. An assembly for positioning a tree relative to the earth, the assembly comprising: a root ball having a diameter, said root ball having a trunk of the tree extending upwardly therefrom; a ring having a diameter less than said diameter of said root ball, said ring being formed of a pliable rod, said ring positioned onto a top of said root ball, said ring extending around said trunk of the tree; a plurality of brackets connected to and circumferentially spaced about said ring, said plurality of brackets extending radially a substantial distance outwardly of said ring, said substantial distance being at least one half of said diameter of said ring, each of said plurality of brackets defining an aperture of a size suitable for receiving a stake therethrough so as to secure said ring in a position against the earth, said plurality of brackets being generally coplanar with said ring; and a plurality of stakes extending downwardly through said apertures of said plurality of brackets, said plurality of stakes suitable for insertion into the earth.

8. The device of claim 7, each of said plurality of stakes comprising: a flat head having a size suitable for preventing said stake from fully passing through said aperture; a shaft having a pointed tip, said shaft affixed to a bottom surface of said flat head, said pointed tip being opposite said flat head; and a cleat positioned between said flat head and said pointed tip, said cleat having a first end affixed to said shaft and a second end facing inwardly of said stake.

9. The device of claim 7, the device being formed of a biodegradable plastic material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is perspective view of the tree staking device of the present invention.

(2) FIG. 2 is a plan view of the preferred embodiment of the tree staking device of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the tree staking device of the present invention as applied to a tree.

(4) FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the collar of the tree staking device of the present invention, wherein the collar is in an open configuration.

(5) FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the collar of the tree staking device of the present invention, wherein the collar is in an closed configuration.

(6) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the tree staking device of the present invention designed, in particular, for below-grade application.

(7) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 5 having a double ring.

(8) FIG. 7 is a side elevational view showing the alternative embodiment of the tree staking device of the present invention as applied in a below-grade application.

(9) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(10) Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown the tree staking device 10 in association with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The tree staking device 10 includes a ring 12 having a diameter suitable for extending around the trunk of a tree. A plurality of supports 20, 22 and 24 are connected to the ring and extend upwardly therefrom. A collar 26 is connected to the supports 20, 22 and 24 and positioned in spaced relationship to the ring 12. The collar 26 also has a diameter suitable for extending around the trunk of the tree.

(11) As can be seen in FIG. 1, the collar 26 has a diameter that is less than a diameter of the ring 12. The collar 26 extends in a plane that is substantially parallel to a plane in which the ring 12 extends.

(12) In FIG. 1, brackets 13 are connected to and spaced about the ring 12. The brackets 13 extend radially outwardly from the ring 12. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the brackets 13 are of a U-shape, defining an aperture therethrough. Stakes 14, 16 and 18 are shown as extending through the respective apertures 13. Each of the stakes has a flat head 15, being generally square, that prevents the stake from fully passing through the aperture of the bracket 13. The stakes 14, 16 and 18 each have a shaft connected to the flat head and a pointed end 17 opposite the flat head 15.

(13) As will be described hereinafter, the ring 12 has a diameter that is less than a diameter of the root ball so that the ring 12 can be positioned directly upon the top of the root ball. As such, the present invention is effectively able to avoid any damage to the root ball since the stakes 14, 16 and 18 are inserted into the earth in an area beyond the root ball.

(14) In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there are three brackets 13. Each of the U-shaped brackets 13 are equally circumferentially spaced from each other. Each of the U-shaped brackets 13 can be welded to, or otherwise formed with, the ring 12.

(15) Each of the supports 20, 22 and 24 is a rod which is affixed to the ring 12 at one end thereof and to the collar 26 at an opposite end thereof. The supports 20, 22 and 24 are actually three rods that are equally circumferentially spaced from each other at the ring 12 and equally circumferentially spaced from each other at the collar 26. Each of the supports 20, 22 and 24 extends at an angle upwardly and inwardly from the ring 12. The collar 26 will be arranged so as to be in a plane that is in spaced parallel relationship to a plane in which the ring 12 resides. The collar 26 will be generally concentric with the ring 12.

(16) FIG. 2 is a plan view of the tree staking device 10 of the present invention. The ring 12 has a split 34 formed therein. The split 34 is suitable for allowing the trunk of the tree to be inserted into the interior 36 of the ring 12. The collar 26 also has a split 38 formed therein. The split 38 defines a slot through which the trunk of the tree can be inserted so that the trunk of the tree can reside in the interior 40 of the collar 26. The U-shaped brackets 13 extend radially outwardly from the collar 26 and are connected to the ring 12.

(17) It should be noted that the collar 26 can be somewhat pliable. For example, it is possible that the collar 26 can be suitably squeezed so that the ends adjacent to the opening 38 can be moved toward one another so as to enclose the trunk of the tree. Additionally, the pliability of the collar 26 can also allow the opening 28 to be suitably widened so as to allow larger diameters of tree trunk to be placed therein.

(18) FIG. 3 shows the application of the tree staking device 10 in association with a tree 50. The tree 50 has a root ball 52 received within an excavation 54 in the earth 56. The ring 12 has a diameter that is less than a diameter of root ball 52. Stakes 14 and 18 are illustrated as positioned in the earth 56 in a location beyond the outer periphery of the root ball 52. Importantly, the stakes 14 and 18 are shown extending into undisturbed earth 57. The ring 12 will be positioned above the earth 56. The trunk 58 of the tree 50 extends upwardly through the interior of the ring 12 and through the interior of the collar 26. As such, it can be seen that the collar 26 allows the tree 50 to effectively sway in the wind. This serves to stimulate the tree. There are no wires or cables that are connected to the tree staking device 10. As such, there are no protruding elements that can cause potential risk to persons passing thereby. There are no wires that can potentially injure or kill those riding on bicycles, or motorized vehicles, in the vicinity of the tree staking device 10. The tree staking device 10 stabilizes the tree 50 by anchoring the root ball 52. It does not bind the tree so as to avoid any negative effects of artificial stabilization. The device 10 allow the tree to sway and promote proper root development. The device 10 has a custom designed appearance so as to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the device 10 and to make the property therearound appear finished. The present invention greatly enhances curb appeal. The device 10 can be installed in less than one minute. Other than a hammer or mallet, no tools are required. The device 10 will not interfere with mowing. The device 10 has a relative low initial cost. It is reusable. Because of the easy installation, the present invention is not labor intensive.

(19) The present invention has several advantages over the Applicant's previous invention, application Ser. No. 12/854,515. Notably, in the previous application, if the canopy of the tree was low, the top collar could capture the branches making it difficult for placement and centering of the tree staking device. It was also difficult to center the trunk to the root ball anchor ring not having the top collar. The configuration of the present invention with the stakes makes it easier to center the tree stake device. Additionally, freight costs for the device of the previous application was quite high. With the new stake configuration, freight costs are quite low, saving as much as half the cost of freight.

(20) FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of the collar 26 of the present invention wherein the components of the collar 26 are shown. As can be seen, the collar 26 has an annular shape and includes first collar piece 42 and second collar piece 43. The first collar piece 42 is secured to the tree staking device. The second collar piece 43 is received by the first collar piece 42. Specifically, the first collar piece has cutouts 44 which matingly correspond to the cutouts 46 on the second collar piece 43. This configuration makes the collar 26 easy to install.

(21) A two-piece elastomeric strip 62 is affixed to an inner wall of the collar 26 so as to extend inwardly therefrom. This annular section of elastomeric material is positioned in proximity to the trunk of the tree. It serves to cushion any potentially damaging contact between the trunk of the tree and the collar 26.

(22) FIG. 5 shows a plan view of an alternative embodiment 70 of the tree staking device of the present invention. This alternative embodiment of the tree staking device 70 is designed for application in below-grade applications. The tree staking device 70 includes a ring 72 having a split 74 therein. Split 74 defines an opening into the interior 76 of the ring 72. The split 74 should have a suitable size so as to allow the trunk of the tree to be inserted therethrough. U-shaped brackets 77 are affixed to the ring 72 so as to extend radially outwardly therefrom. Each of the brackets 77 has a respective stakes 78, 80 and 82 positioned therethrough.

(23) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of variation on the alternative embodiment of the tree staking device 70. FIG. 6 shows the tree staking device 90. Importantly, in FIG. 6 the tree staking device 90 is shown to have a first ring 92 and a second ring 94. The second ring 94 has a diameter greater than the diameter of the first ring 92. This alternative embodiment 90 is also useful in below grade applications. Additionally, the alternative embodiment 90 shows the stake 78 to have a shaft 96 and a cleat 98. The cleat 98 (also shown in as reference numeral 84 in FIG. 5) is present on each of the stakes may also be used in the preferred embodiment 10 of the present invention (although not shown in FIG. 1). The cleat 98 has one end connected to the shaft 96 and an opposite end facing inwardly of the stake 78. The cleat 98 prevents movement of the stake once it is driven into the earth.

(24) In FIG. 7, it can be seen that the tree staking device 70 is applied in a below grade application. Ring 72 and bracket 77 are shown in FIG. 7. Importantly, in FIG. 7 it can be seen how the stakes 78 and 82 extend below the excavation level of the earth 56 into undisturbed ground 57.

(25) A grate (not shown) may be affixed to the surface of the earth 56. The grate can have an opening therein so as to allow the trunk of the tree to extend therethrough. The tree staking device 70 has its ring 72 positioned on the top surface of the root ball. The legs 80 and 82 extend into the earth 56 beyond the outer periphery of the root ball. Through the use of this below-grade device, the appearance of the tree is greatly improved.

(26) FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the tree staking device 100 of the present invention. The tree staking device 100 is used for trees with trunks that split closer to the ground. Similar to the other embodiments, the tree staking device 100 has a ring 102 with brackets 104 connected thereto. Support rods 106, 108 and 110 extend upwardly and outwardly from the ring 102 so as to accommodate the multi-trunk trees. Eyelets 114, 116 and 118 are positioned at the top of respective support rods 106, 108 and 110. The eyelets 114, 116 and 118 can be used to attach to the multiple trunks or to define a boundary about the trunks.

(27) The tree stake device of the present invention, or portions thereof, may be constructed of a biodegradable material. The material may be a biodegradable plastic material. The material would ideally not degrade until the use of the tree stake device is no longer necessary. Thus, below grade parts of the tree stake device would not interfere with the roots of the mature tree.

(28) The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the details of the illustrated construction can be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the true spirit of the invention. The present invention should only be limited by the following claims and their legal equivalents.