Improvements in Tree Supports and Guards and in the Means for Erecting the same.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 3rd June, 1890
Complete Specification Left, 3rd Mar., 1891-Accepted, 11th Apr., 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Tree Supports and Guards and in the Means for
Erecting the same.
I, GEORGE PAICE CHILES, of No. 16, Salcombe Road, in the Parish of
Saint Mary, Stoke Newington, in the County of Middlesex, Commission Agent,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to the manufacture and erection of certain iron constructions
for supporting trees. These props are of such a character that they answer the two-
fold purpose of a tree-prop and a tree-guard. These combinations are so formed
that in use they do not damage either the bark or the roots of the trees.
To produce this apparatus I take four or more bars of wrought iron of such form
and length as I require, and at about two feet from one end of the bars, I make a
bend so as to form a leg to the prop.
I then make another bend so as to form a
foot. One half of the bars that I intend to use in the construction, I brace together,
this forming one half of the column. I also brace together the other half. The
erection of these cushion props is performed in the following manner, wiz.-The
operator in the first place digs a trench in the ground around the tree and at about
one foot six inches from it. This trench may be twelve inches deep by eight inches
wide. In this rough concrete has to be deposited to the depth of about 9 inches.
In the concrete iron sockets are inserted of a form corresponding to the feet of the
prop but somewhat larger or sockets can be formed of the concrete by inserting a
block, but the block must be withdrawn before the concrete has set; and after it
has set the erection may be proceeded with by fitting one half of the column to the
sockets and then the other half having the tree enclosed between them. The two
halves are then securely bolted together and the sockets plugged with lead or
cement. Instead of using concrete as a foundation for the guards, I may use stout
waterproofed piles of wood driven into the ground at about one foot six inches from
the tree and strongly wedged. To these piles I attach an iron ring containing in
itself sockets for the feet of the props. In cases where it is intended to use gratings
already laid down as a foundation for the columns, I make the feet of a different
and suitable shape. In the upper end of the props, I insert a ring or band of iron
in two parts. This band may be four inches in depth and enclose a space around
the tree of nine inches in diameter, more or less which may be octagonal or other-
wise in shape. To the inside of this ring or band I attach a cushion made of
india-rubber or other soft elastic and waterproof materials. At the upper end
of the column I make sockets the object of which is to receive the legs of an
additional column should it be required after some years growth of the sapling.
When laying the concrete, care must be taken to bridge over any roots that may
be in the way. This may be done by using three bricks: thus
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Tree Supports and Guards and in the Means for
Erecting the same.
1, GEORGE PAICE CHILES, of 16, Salcombe Road, Stoke Newington,
London, N., Commercial Traveller, do hereby declare the nature of this inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates to an improved form and construction of tree guards and
supports combined and in the manner of securing the same in the ground.

page_text: To enable this invention to be properly understood I will proceed to describe the
same with aid of the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1. sectional elevation showing tree guard and support in position.
Figure 1 detached view at line XY.
Figure 2. plan of same on line X. Y. with ground removed to show plan of
securing.
Figures 3, 4, and 5. detached views of modifications principally in the manner of
securing the support in the ground.
The essential features of this invention is the mode of securing the tree guard by
means of branches A. with a claw or other suitable end preferably embedded in
concrete B suitably let into the ground without the range of the roots of the trees.
The branches A. are carried up to the top of the support and bolted to bands C, D, E,
to which bands are bolted railings F. around the inside of band E, is attached in any
suitable manner a collar G, of soft material, preferably spongy india rubber.
This collar is to support the tree when moved from the perpendicular by wind
without injuring the bark and giving the tree perfect freedom in its growth,
and yet protecting it from being blown down, when gratings are arranged
round the roots of trees as is frequently done in towns, the branches A can be
bolted to them or secured to the underside of paving stones or asphalte, in the
latter case the ends of the branches may be spread out fan wise. The band E
is secured by suitable bolt to enable it to be taken off tree.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
:-
1. The manner of securing tree supports by branches A, preferably formed
with a claw and embedded in concrete or otherwise secured in or to the ground
as described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
2. In tree supports the combination with suitable upright parts secured to or
in the ground of a collar such as E for the tree to pass through lined inside
with a soft material, said collar being secured to the upright parts, as described
and illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 3rd day of March 1891.
FREDERIC PRINCE,
1, Quality Court, Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Agent for Applicant.