Telescoping prop particularly adapted for support or spreading of tree branches

A telescoping prop for support and/or spreading of tree branches comprising:

• at least two elongated prop sections, the second section being configured so that it can nest inside the first section, wherein at least one end of the telescoping prop has a notch or the like formed therein for maintaining contact with the branch which the prop is to support;
• and
• a first plurality of raised portions formed as an integral part of the interior surface of the first section and a second plurality of raised portions formed as an integral part of the exterior surface of the second section, said plurality of first and second raised portions being positioned at spaced intervals along the length of the first and second prop sections, respectively, said first plurality of raised portions being configured to mate with said second plurality of raised portions in a partially surrounding relationship when the two sections are in a first rotational relationship, in any one of a plurality of different longitudinally extended positions, so that in the first rotational relationship substantially any longitudinal movement which would tend to shorten the prop is prevented, said first plurality of raised portions being further configured so that there is a longitudinal path on the interior surface of the first section along which the second plurality of raised portions can move longitudinally when the two sections are in a second rotational relationship, so that in the second rotational relationship, longitudinal movement of the first and second sections relative to each other to change the length of the prop is permitted.