CA2224908A1 - Device for collecting sap - Google Patents
Device for collecting sap Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2224908A1 CA2224908A1 CA 2224908 CA2224908A CA2224908A1 CA 2224908 A1 CA2224908 A1 CA 2224908A1 CA 2224908 CA2224908 CA 2224908 CA 2224908 A CA2224908 A CA 2224908A CA 2224908 A1 CA2224908 A1 CA 2224908A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tree
- hollow body
- hole
- sap
- conical
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G23/00—Forestry
- A01G23/10—Tapping of tree-juices, e.g. caoutchouc, gum
- A01G23/14—Tapping-spouts; Receptacles for juices
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
- Ecology (AREA)
- Forests & Forestry (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Debarking, Splitting, And Disintegration Of Timber (AREA)
Abstract
A device for collecting sap from maple trees and directing the sap to a sap-collecting system operable under vacuum conditions comprises a hollow body and an extension for respectively engaging a bore defined in a tree and for connection to the sap-collecting system. The hollow body is equipped with a protuberance penetrating the outer layers of the tree which acts as a guide for adequate insertion of the device in the tree and also neutralizes the hydraulic forces existing, in season, during the frost-thaw cycle thereby preventing these forces from causing an outward movement of the device at least partly out of the tree and thus maintaining an adequate sealing between the device and the tree.
Description
DEVICE FOR COLLECTING SAP
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device for collecting the sap from maple trees and others.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device for collecting the sap from maple trees and others.
2. DescriPtion of the Prior Art The devices presently used to collect tree sap comprise a frusto-conical section which, when inserted into a hole pierced in the tree with the proper hitting tool, should provide hermetic sealing.
For adequate results, the device must be inserted coaxially with the hole, which turns out to be difficult with the device being often inserted at an angle to the hole's axis. Furthermore, the collecting of the sap taking place in the spring season, i.e. during frost-thaw cycles, it has been noticed that, since the sap freezes from outside in, the sap collecting system freezes prior to the sap in the tree itself such that the sap accumulated in the hole (which freezes last) exerts, by freezing, a pressure on the device (as the sap in the hole cannot, as it expands during freezing, escapes through the device as it is, along with the sap collecting system, already frozen) which dislodges slightly the device from its initial position and permit air to enter the tree.
To compensate for this phenomenon, the installers drive-in the device deeper in the tree, which contributes to reduce the quantity of sap collected from the tree and can also provoke splitting of the bark.
I have discovered that these two drawbacks can be eliminated by using a new device equipped with an extension which penetrates inside the hole and which includes a protuberance which fulfills two functions: first, to serve as a guide to obtain an adequate angle when the device is inserted in the tree; and second, to fill the cavity of the hole and, by its shape, neutralize the hydraulic forces in effect during a frost-thaw cycle.
SUMrlARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a novel device insertable in a tree for collecting sap therefrom.
It is also an aim of the present invention to provide a device for collecting sap which, includes a hollow body insertable in a bore defined in the tree and provided with a protuberance which, for one, acts as a guide when the device is inserted in the bore.
Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a device for collecting sap from trees, comprising a hollow body for at least partial insertion in a hole defined in a tree, a hollow extension member in fluid communication with sald hollow body and adapted for connection outside of the tree with a sap conveying means, said hollow body comprising a free end, a substantial conical section tapering towards said free end and an enlarged section intermediate said conical section and said free end, said conical section being adapted when said hollow body is driven in the hole to sealingly engage the tree at the hole, said enlarged section being slightly smaller than the hole so as to be closely slidable therein and having a peripheral surface defining at least one groove means to allow sap collected in the hole and outwardly of said conical section to flow through said enlarged section such as to then possibly enter into said hollow body through said free end.
Other objects and statements of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. It should be understood, however, that this detailed description, while indicating a preferred embodiment of the invention, is given by way of illustration only.
Furthermore, some changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
~ig. 1 is a perspective view of a device for collecting sap in accordance with the present invention;
~ig. 2 is a side elevational view of the sap collecting device engaged in a bore defined in the outer layers of a tree which is shown in cross section;
~ig. 3 is an end elevational view showing the open end of the sap collecting devicei ~ig. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a sap collecting device in accordance with the present invention;
~ig. 5 is a side elevational view of the sap collecting device of Fig. 4 engaged in a bore defined in the outer layers of a tree which is shown in cross sectioni and ~ig. 6 is an end elevational view showing the open end of the sap collecting device of Figs. 4 and 5.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Fig. 1 shows a sap-collecting device 10 that includes a hollow body 12 for insertion in a tree 50 (see Fig. 2) and a tube collecting extension 14 used to connect the device 10 to a flexible tube of a sap collection system or network. The hollow body 12 of the device 10 comprises an open end 16 and a closed end 18. The end part of the closed end 18 is cylindrical and solid, and is thus adapted to absorb the shocks when the device 10 is forced into the tree with the appropriate tool. Behind the cylindrical and solid part 18 there is provided a bulge 20, of square form, which the principal function is to facilitate the extraction of the sap-collecting device 10. A section 22 of the hollow body 12 is of conical form and its function is to seal the device 10 inside a hole 56 defined in the tree 50 (see Fig. 2). Adjacent to the open end 16 of the body 12 and at the end of the conical section 22, there is a parallel or cylindrical extension 24 of the hollow body 12 which ends in an enlarged cylindrical end section 26 having a diameter slightly inferior to the hole 56 and superior to the parallel extension 24. The cylindrical section 26 is provided with longitudinal grooves 28 which allow for the sap to circulate from the conical section 22 in contact with the tree 50 to the open end 16 of the hollow body 12.
Fig. 2 represents the sap-collecting device 10 installed into the tree 50. The conical section 22 in contact with the tree layers hermetically seals the sap-collecting device 10 thereto. The vessels 54 of the tree 50 produce the sap which circulates around the parallel extension 24 and inwardly through the longitudinal grooves 28 of the cylindrical section 26 before reaching the interior of the hollow body 12 through the open end 16 and to flow out towards the piping system outwardly through the extension 14. The cylindrical sections 24 and 26 being inserted into the hole 56 reduce the volume of sap present in the hole 56 when the sap freezes. The cy~indrical section 26, having a diameter larger than the parallel extension 24, acts as an anchor when the sap freezes and therefore, prevents the backward movement of the sap-collecting device 10 out of the tree 50. The enlarged cylindrical end section 26 also serves as a guide during insertion of the hollow body 12 in the hole 56 such as to maintain the hollow body 12 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hole 56.
Fig. 3 illustrates the open end tip 16 of the hollow body 12.
Figs. 4 and 5 represent a sap-collecting device 10' similar to the device 10 of Figs. 1 to 3.
However, in this second embodiment, the cylindrical section 26 and the parallel extension 24 of Figs. 1 and 2 are replaced by a conical section 30 which extends with a taper from the open end tip 16 to its merging point with the conical section 22 of the hollow body 12'. The device 10' functions as device 10 of Figs. 1 to 3, includin grooves 28' which allow for the sap to travel from around the conical section 30 towards the bottom of the hole 56 and then into the hollow body 12' through open end 16.
Fig. 6 is an end view of the open end tip 16 of the hollow body 12.
For adequate results, the device must be inserted coaxially with the hole, which turns out to be difficult with the device being often inserted at an angle to the hole's axis. Furthermore, the collecting of the sap taking place in the spring season, i.e. during frost-thaw cycles, it has been noticed that, since the sap freezes from outside in, the sap collecting system freezes prior to the sap in the tree itself such that the sap accumulated in the hole (which freezes last) exerts, by freezing, a pressure on the device (as the sap in the hole cannot, as it expands during freezing, escapes through the device as it is, along with the sap collecting system, already frozen) which dislodges slightly the device from its initial position and permit air to enter the tree.
To compensate for this phenomenon, the installers drive-in the device deeper in the tree, which contributes to reduce the quantity of sap collected from the tree and can also provoke splitting of the bark.
I have discovered that these two drawbacks can be eliminated by using a new device equipped with an extension which penetrates inside the hole and which includes a protuberance which fulfills two functions: first, to serve as a guide to obtain an adequate angle when the device is inserted in the tree; and second, to fill the cavity of the hole and, by its shape, neutralize the hydraulic forces in effect during a frost-thaw cycle.
SUMrlARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a novel device insertable in a tree for collecting sap therefrom.
It is also an aim of the present invention to provide a device for collecting sap which, includes a hollow body insertable in a bore defined in the tree and provided with a protuberance which, for one, acts as a guide when the device is inserted in the bore.
Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a device for collecting sap from trees, comprising a hollow body for at least partial insertion in a hole defined in a tree, a hollow extension member in fluid communication with sald hollow body and adapted for connection outside of the tree with a sap conveying means, said hollow body comprising a free end, a substantial conical section tapering towards said free end and an enlarged section intermediate said conical section and said free end, said conical section being adapted when said hollow body is driven in the hole to sealingly engage the tree at the hole, said enlarged section being slightly smaller than the hole so as to be closely slidable therein and having a peripheral surface defining at least one groove means to allow sap collected in the hole and outwardly of said conical section to flow through said enlarged section such as to then possibly enter into said hollow body through said free end.
Other objects and statements of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. It should be understood, however, that this detailed description, while indicating a preferred embodiment of the invention, is given by way of illustration only.
Furthermore, some changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
~ig. 1 is a perspective view of a device for collecting sap in accordance with the present invention;
~ig. 2 is a side elevational view of the sap collecting device engaged in a bore defined in the outer layers of a tree which is shown in cross section;
~ig. 3 is an end elevational view showing the open end of the sap collecting devicei ~ig. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a sap collecting device in accordance with the present invention;
~ig. 5 is a side elevational view of the sap collecting device of Fig. 4 engaged in a bore defined in the outer layers of a tree which is shown in cross sectioni and ~ig. 6 is an end elevational view showing the open end of the sap collecting device of Figs. 4 and 5.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Fig. 1 shows a sap-collecting device 10 that includes a hollow body 12 for insertion in a tree 50 (see Fig. 2) and a tube collecting extension 14 used to connect the device 10 to a flexible tube of a sap collection system or network. The hollow body 12 of the device 10 comprises an open end 16 and a closed end 18. The end part of the closed end 18 is cylindrical and solid, and is thus adapted to absorb the shocks when the device 10 is forced into the tree with the appropriate tool. Behind the cylindrical and solid part 18 there is provided a bulge 20, of square form, which the principal function is to facilitate the extraction of the sap-collecting device 10. A section 22 of the hollow body 12 is of conical form and its function is to seal the device 10 inside a hole 56 defined in the tree 50 (see Fig. 2). Adjacent to the open end 16 of the body 12 and at the end of the conical section 22, there is a parallel or cylindrical extension 24 of the hollow body 12 which ends in an enlarged cylindrical end section 26 having a diameter slightly inferior to the hole 56 and superior to the parallel extension 24. The cylindrical section 26 is provided with longitudinal grooves 28 which allow for the sap to circulate from the conical section 22 in contact with the tree 50 to the open end 16 of the hollow body 12.
Fig. 2 represents the sap-collecting device 10 installed into the tree 50. The conical section 22 in contact with the tree layers hermetically seals the sap-collecting device 10 thereto. The vessels 54 of the tree 50 produce the sap which circulates around the parallel extension 24 and inwardly through the longitudinal grooves 28 of the cylindrical section 26 before reaching the interior of the hollow body 12 through the open end 16 and to flow out towards the piping system outwardly through the extension 14. The cylindrical sections 24 and 26 being inserted into the hole 56 reduce the volume of sap present in the hole 56 when the sap freezes. The cy~indrical section 26, having a diameter larger than the parallel extension 24, acts as an anchor when the sap freezes and therefore, prevents the backward movement of the sap-collecting device 10 out of the tree 50. The enlarged cylindrical end section 26 also serves as a guide during insertion of the hollow body 12 in the hole 56 such as to maintain the hollow body 12 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hole 56.
Fig. 3 illustrates the open end tip 16 of the hollow body 12.
Figs. 4 and 5 represent a sap-collecting device 10' similar to the device 10 of Figs. 1 to 3.
However, in this second embodiment, the cylindrical section 26 and the parallel extension 24 of Figs. 1 and 2 are replaced by a conical section 30 which extends with a taper from the open end tip 16 to its merging point with the conical section 22 of the hollow body 12'. The device 10' functions as device 10 of Figs. 1 to 3, includin grooves 28' which allow for the sap to travel from around the conical section 30 towards the bottom of the hole 56 and then into the hollow body 12' through open end 16.
Fig. 6 is an end view of the open end tip 16 of the hollow body 12.
Claims (9)
1. A device for collecting sap from trees, comprising a hollow body for at least partial insertion in a hole defined in a tree, a hollow extension member in fluid communication with said hollow body and adapted for connection outside of the tree with a sap conveying means, said hollow body comprising a free end, a substantial conical section tapering towards said free end and an enlarged section intermediate said conical section and said free end, said conical section being adapted when said hollow body is driven in the hole to sealingly engage the tree at the hole, said enlarged section being slightly smaller than the hole so as to be closely slidable therein and having a peripheral surface defining at least one groove means to allow sap collected in the hole and outwardly of said conical section to flow through said enlarged section such as to then possibly enter into said hollow body through said free end.
2. A device as defined in Claim 1, wherein said hollow body is angled with respect to said extension member and is provided at an outer end thereof opposite said free end with a solid element adapted to absorb blows when said hollow body is driven in the tree.
3. A device as defined in Claim 2, wherein said outer end is further provided with a transversal enlarged element for facilitating the removal of said device from the tree.
4. A device as defined in Claim 1, wherein there is provided a substantial cylindrical extension between said enlarged section and said conical section, said enlarged section comprising a short substantially cylindrical element having an outside diameter slightly smaller than that of the hole and slighly larger than that of said cylindrical extension, said cylindrical element being adapted to guide said hollow body when inserted in the hole of the tree for retaining said hollow body substantially coaxial with the hole.
5. A device as defined in Claim 4, said cylindrical element is provided with a series of said groove means which extend axially and in spaced apart relationship along a periphery of said cylindrical element.
6. A device as defined in Claim 1, wherein said enlarged section comprises a conical element which flares from said conical section towards said free end, said conical element being adapted to guide said hollow body when inserted in the hole of the tree for retaining said hollow body substantially coaxial with the hole.
7. A device as defined in Claim 6, wherein said conical element is provided with a series of said groove means which extend axially and in spaced apart relationship along a periphery of said cylindrical element.
8. A device as defined in Claim 4, wherein said cylindrical element and said cylindrical extension when engaged in the hole and through outer layers of the tree serve to neutralize hydraulic forces.
9. A device as defined in Claim 6, wherein said conical section and said conical element serve to neutralize the hydraulic forces.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2224908 CA2224908A1 (en) | 1997-12-16 | 1997-12-16 | Device for collecting sap |
| CA 2256138 CA2256138A1 (en) | 1997-12-16 | 1998-12-15 | Device for collecting sap |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2224908 CA2224908A1 (en) | 1997-12-16 | 1997-12-16 | Device for collecting sap |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2224908A1 true CA2224908A1 (en) | 1999-06-16 |
Family
ID=29275406
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2224908 Abandoned CA2224908A1 (en) | 1997-12-16 | 1997-12-16 | Device for collecting sap |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2224908A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8677682B2 (en) | 2012-01-06 | 2014-03-25 | Le Groupe Dsd Inc. | Thin wall sap collecting device |
| US20160165816A1 (en) * | 2014-12-11 | 2016-06-16 | Eratube Inc. | Tree sap collecting device |
| CN114303875A (en) * | 2022-01-07 | 2022-04-12 | 邹林松 | Pine tree fat-collecting method and fat-collecting kit |
-
1997
- 1997-12-16 CA CA 2224908 patent/CA2224908A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8677682B2 (en) | 2012-01-06 | 2014-03-25 | Le Groupe Dsd Inc. | Thin wall sap collecting device |
| US20160165816A1 (en) * | 2014-12-11 | 2016-06-16 | Eratube Inc. | Tree sap collecting device |
| US10165740B2 (en) | 2014-12-11 | 2019-01-01 | Eratube Inc. | Tree sap collecting device |
| CN114303875A (en) * | 2022-01-07 | 2022-04-12 | 邹林松 | Pine tree fat-collecting method and fat-collecting kit |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |