FR2974599A1 - Fixing chain for fixing solar energy driven lighting device on tree in e.g. city, has interface module comprising engagement element, where end of engagement element is fixed with object to be fixed or another interface module - Google Patents

Abstract

The chain has an insertion unit (1) comprising a threaded part (2) to be fixed in a woody structure of a tree. An interface module (10) comprises an engagement element, where an end of the engagement element is fixed with an object to be fixed or another interface module. Another threaded part of the insertion unit remains outside the tree during fixation of the insertion unit in the tree. The interface module comprises another engagement element, where an end of the latter engagement element is connected with an engagement element of the latter part of the insertion unit. An independent claim is also included for a fixing device.

Description

The present invention relates to a fastening chain for a shaft, intended for fixing an object on a shaft. It also relates to a tree fixing device comprising a plurality of attachment chains, as well as a system comprising an object fixed to a shaft using at least one such chain of attachment.

The tree is often used as a natural support. Indeed, it is common to find objects attached to a tree, such as lighting, baffles, trash, a mailbox, an advertising insert, whether in town, in campsites, on a shady terrace. a coffee, at a private house, etc. These objects can take large dimensions to form acrobatic courses in height to move from tree to tree on different media.

To implement the attachment of objects in the shafts, all kinds of means are currently used, such as steel nails, screws, screws, threaded rods and finally other means imaginable for fixing systems for inert support, brackets for example. Not adapted (not evolutive), these systems eventually lead to injuries or deformations that are problematic and damaging to the tree. Such a solution is for example described by the document FR2928670.

To prevent drilling of the shaft, a current fastening means is based on the principle of strapping, for example using elements of links such as straps, ropes, cables, wire, metal belts , etc., as well as more complex caliper systems. These strapping eventually cause a strangulation of the part of the tree concerned (branch, trunk or root), which induces an irreversible injury, even fatal. Indeed, such a constriction causes a strong disruption of sap flow, likely to weaken all or part of the tree. The documents

US5218982 and US2007130875 disclose various solutions for attachment to a tree all resting on at least one strapping.

Finally, all these existing solutions used to make fasteners on a tree have the common peculiarity of not taking into account the fact that a tree is alive and continues to develop all his life. Moreover, all these fastening means used are the same as those used on inert supports. It appears that all existing solutions have the following drawbacks: - They do not take into account the growth of the tree and there is a rapid conflict between the shaft and the fixing means and / or the fixed object, which is manifested by the deformation or even the breakage of the fastener or the object and / or the injury of the tree; With the growth of the tree, the attachment means or the object ends up being covered by the wood and becomes difficult to dismantle; The deformations of the shafts induced by the fastening means used lead to a modification of their mechanical property, and in particular a loss of their mechanical strength, which poses security problems, since part of the shaft is liable to break and fall; - Finally, they are not ecological because they do not respect the natural specificity of a tree and induce a weakening of the health of the tree.

Thus, there is a need for an improved solution for attaching objects to a tree.

More specifically, an object of the invention is to provide a solution for fixing an object on a shaft to achieve a reliable mechanical fastening and performance, suitable for large weights and volumes, while respecting the health of the tree.

In addition, a further object of the invention is to provide a solution for fixing an object on a tree achieving an attractive aesthetic appearance for economic cost.

For this purpose, the invention is based on a shaft fixing chain, characterized in that it comprises: an implant comprising a first threaded portion intended for attachment in the woody structure of the shaft, and at least one interface module and a second cooperating element towards its second end for attachment of an object or other interface module.

The implant may include a second portion intended to remain out of the shaft upon fixation of the implant in the shaft and comprising a cooperating member for attachment with an interface module and the interface module may comprise a first cooperating element towards its first end capable of being connected to the cooperation element of the second part of the implant. The implant and an interface module may form a single monolithic element and the interface module may have a larger section than the implant. The interface module may comprise an at least partially cylindrical portion, including a thread on its outer periphery to form a male-type engagement member and / or a thread in an inner cylindrical portion to form a female-type engagement member. The second interface element of the interface module may have the same format as a cooperation element of the implant. The interface module may have on its outer surface reliefs, such as threads, grooves, rings, ribs, grooves, perforations, pins, roughness, and / or beveled shape, to allow good cooperation with the tissues of the shaft when the latter covers it, and allow to achieve a high resistance to tearing and / or the interface module may have a cutting edge towards its end facing the shaft and a recessed surface by report to this judgment. The tree attachment chain may comprise at least one tubular interface module. The end of the implant and / or the end of an interface module may comprise an actuating means such as a transverse slot. The cooperation element of the implant and / or an interface module may be of the thread or clipping or magnet type. The implant and / or interface module may be of stainless metal or of plastic or composite material. The shaft fixing chain may comprise an object fixing element adapted to cooperate with the second cooperation element of the last interface module positioned at the end of the fixing chain, this object fixing element being a bolt. , a ring, or a hook.

The invention also relates to a fastening device for a shaft, characterized in that it comprises at least two fastening chains as defined above.15 The fastening device for a shaft may comprise several fastening chains ending in an element fixing object capable of maintaining an electric cable.

The shaft fixing device may comprise several attachment chains at different heights and whose ends are connected by a connecting element.

The shaft fastener may comprise at least one fastener chain which includes an angled interface module.

The invention also relates to a system comprising a lighting device, characterized in that the lighting device is powered by at least one solar cell and in that it is fixed by at least one fixing chain 15 such that previously defined for attachment to a tree.

These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in detail in the following description of particular non-limiting embodiments in connection with the accompanying figures among which:

Figures la to 1f show different fastening chains in side view according to embodiments of the invention.

Figures 2a to 2f show different perspective fastening chains according to embodiments of the invention.

Figures 3b to 3f 'show different side fixing chains with sight of hidden parts according to embodiments of the invention. Figures 4a to 4d show an interface module respectively in side view, in front and rear perspective, and in side view with view of hidden parts according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 shows a side view of a fastening chain attached to a tree trunk according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 represents a side perspective view of a tubular type fixing chain according to one embodiment of the invention. Figures 7a to 7e show different perspective fastening chains terminating with different object attachment members according to embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 8a to 8d show the evolution of a chain of fixation as a function of the growth of a tree according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figures 9a to 9c show the evolution of a chain of fixation 20 maintaining an electric cable according to the growth of a shaft according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 10a and 10b also show the evolution of a fastening chain holding an electric cable according to the growth of a shaft according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 shows a fastening device by the combination of attachment chains on a tree trunk according to one embodiment of the invention. Figures 12a to 12c show detail side views of the fastener of Figure 11.

FIG. 13 represents a view of a tubular structure fastening device according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figures 14a to 14c show detail side perspective views of the fastener of the structure of Figure 13.

In the different figures, the same references are used for identical or equivalent components, to simplify the description.

The device for fixing an object on a shaft according to the embodiments of the invention is based on the use of at least one modular attachment chain.

Such a fixing chain, examples of which are shown in Figures 1 to 3, comprises first an implant 1, for attachment within a tree. Advantageously, this implant is in a grooved cylindrical shape, a first portion 2 is intended to be housed in the woody structure of a tree, for example within a trunk or a branch. The end 7 of this first part has a tapered tip shape favoring penetration into the wood. The second part 3 remaining outside the shaft during attachment of the implant is intended for a connection with an interface module 10. For this, it comprises a cooperation element 4, which is advantageously in the form of a thread .

The implant is preferably of stainless metal, to withstand significant efforts, resist oxidation despite its presence in the tree and fulfill its function of supporting an object with reliability and safety. Alternatively, it may be any other composite alloys. Its first part 2 comprises a first thread type wood screw, to allow good maintenance of the implant in the tree and a good resistance to tearing. Its second part 3 comprises a second bolt-type thread that allows the attachment of an interface module. Finally, the end 5 of the implant or "implant head" disposed on the side of its second portion 3 comprises a particular shape, which allows its actuation for its positioning in the shaft, for example by screwing using of a tool. According to an exemplary embodiment, this implant head is a hex head.

The implant and in any case its first part is advantageously cylindrical, may have a diameter of small size, less than 5 millimeters, for example for implantation in a young tree, and up to 5 cm in diameter for large size and for heavy loads. He will always be looking for a good compromise between his effective fixation and a negligible injury of the tree; for this, the smallest insert possible will be chosen preferably. Alternatively, the implant may have another shape, have a smooth surface, a non-circular section and a non-cylindrical shape. The figures described below will show for this purpose different examples of implants. First, the two parts of the implant can have different dimensions. The second part of the implant may comprise any other element of cooperation than a thread, as any mechanical means of fixation.

The chain of attachment then comprises at least one interface module 10, of which a first end 12 comprises a first cooperation element 11, intended to cooperate with the cooperation element 4 of the second part 3 of an implant 1 or with a Another interface module 10. An interface module then comprises a second end 14 provided with a second cooperation element 13, able to link with another interface module 10 or a final element for fixing an object, such as a nut, a bolt, a clip, a fixing magnet, etc., allowing the fixation of an object. The interface module 10 furthermore has an outer surface 16 intended to be covered by the tissues of the tree during the growth of the latter, which advantageously comprises reliefs, such as threads, grooves, ribs, grooves, perforations, pins, or a simple roughness, a conical shape, etc., to allow good cooperation with the tissues of the tree when the latter covers it, and allow to achieve including significant resistance to tearing. As a variant, this outer surface 16 may have a smooth surface, in particular for attaching objects that are not or only slightly sensitive to tearing phenomena, such as lightweight objects of small dimensions, as represented for example in FIGS. 9a to 10b.

The interface module 10 has a generally cylindrical shape, made of stainless metal, or alternatively, it can be any other composite alloy.

This combined approach of an implant and one or more interface modules makes it possible to form a chain of attachment adapted to the growth of the shaft, the diameter of which increases and progressively covers one or more interface modules, as will be illustrated by the after. The modularity of the attachment chain allows the addition of interface modules as the tree grows and makes it scalable. Thus, when an interface module is covered over a long length by the tissues of the tree, a user can fix a second interface module 10 on the previous one, to provide an additional length of growth of the tree, while maintaining the same possibility of fixing an object on its second end.

Thus, the first end 11 of an interface module 10 comprises a cooperation element which is preferably adapted for cooperation with an implant or with another interface module. This means that, according to an interesting embodiment, the second cooperation element 13 of each interface module 10 is identical to the cooperation element 4 of an implant 1.

Alternatively, interface modules 10 may have different formats, or even different elements of cooperation, to allow a change over time of the attachment, as will be illustrated below by the various figures that will be described.

The elementary fixation chain comprises an implant and a single interface module, since the functions of these two elements are complementary, as was presented above.

According to a first variant embodiment, this elementary fixation chain is formed by a single element, is presented as an inseparable, monolithic whole, comprising the first part 2 of the implant and the second part 14 with its cooperation element 13 of the module interface 10. In this first variant, the cooperation between the cooperation elements 4 and 11 of the implant and the interface module respectively is of indissociable type. This first variant is illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 1a to 1d, on which the separation between the first portion 2 corresponding to that of an implant and the second portion 10 of larger diameter, corresponding to a module, is clearly distinguished. interface.

According to a second variant embodiment, for example visible in FIG. 1 e, the implant 1 is in an elongate form so that its end 5 projects beyond the interface module connected to it, and thus forms the end of this chain. elementary attachment, ie the second end 14 of the interface module. In addition, as an option, the fixing chain comprises intermediate elements such as protection washers of deformable material, to represent an ultimate barrier before the object is covered by the tree.

This solution for fixing an object on a tree has the following advantages: - The placement of an implant does not generate any disorder on the health of the tree. It is preferable to take precautions when fixing it as previously alcohol disinfection, and to drill a high speed of the woody structure to get warm up before the integration of the implant. The loss of woody tissue during such perforation of wood is quickly compensated by the development of new tissue; - The overlap of an interface module by the woody tissues is done naturally, and does not generate any loss of mechanical strength of the area of the tree concerned because the tree naturally compensates the peculiarity of the area by the establishment of reaction tissues in this area; - The relatively small size of the implant and the fixation chain makes the solution discreet and aesthetic.

The concept described above thus allows the implementation of a fastening chain, composed of several interface modules attached to each other as the tree grows, from an implant fixed in the tissue. woody tree. These different interface modules can take different forms and include various elements of cooperation, to form any type of mechanical fastening. At the end of the chain, an object is finally fixed, since the attachment chain has the purpose of fixing an object on a tree. This chain of fixation releases a space allowing the growth of the tree during a chosen, determinable and known period, which ensures the secure fixation of an object without risk of breakage or deterioration during this chosen period, while allowing the normal growth of the tree, without causing injury during this period. Thus, any chain of attachment corresponds to a predefined period of years of growth of a tree.

By way of example, FIGS. 1a-1f, 2a-2f, and 3b-3f illustrate a few possible fastening chains according to embodiments of the invention, which comprises an elementary chain composed of an implant and a first interface module, then additional interface modules before an object attachment element 20 at the end of the chain.

It thus appears in these examples that the two parts 2, 3 of an implant 1 may consist of two cylindrical parts of the same diameter, with a different threaded portion on their outer surface, as explained above. These embodiments, illustrated by FIGS. 1a and 1e, 2e and 2f, 3e, 3f and 3f ', finally rest on a male-type cooperation element 4, obtained by threading on the outer surface of the second part 3.

In the first variant already mentioned above, the second part 3 of the implant 1 can be integrated in an interface module 10, of larger diameter, in which case its end 5 has no real existence. On the embodiments represented by FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1d, 2a, 2b, 2d, 3b, and 3d, the cooperation element 13 of the interface module is of the female type, obtained by internal threading. In a variant, the elementary chains represented by FIGS. 1c, 2c, and 3c show a male-type cooperation element 13 in the form of a threaded rod.

As a remark, FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 represent a second variant, mentioned above, in which the second part 3 of the implant 1 completely traverses the interface module 10, by its two cooperation elements 11, 13, so that the protruding part finally represents both the cooperation element 4 of the implant and 13 of the interface module vis-à-vis a future interface module 10 or an object. This achievement is equivalent to other achievements.

As a remark, the elementary chain may comprise any cooperation element 13 for making a mechanical fastening, such as a thread that is widely represented, such as a clip as illustrated in FIGS. 1d, 2d and 3d, a magnet, etc.

Similarly, an interface module 10 can be in a multitude of possible forms. It is advantageously cylindrical, and its two elements of cooperation 11, 13 can be in the form of internal or external threads, of greater or lesser diameters, to form respectively female or male elements of cooperation. As a variant, any element of cooperation other than a thread may be envisaged, such as a clip, a magnet, etc. It should also be noted that a cooperation chain may associate several identical interface modules, as shown in FIGS. 1c, 2c, 3c, or different interface modules 10, to adapt over time to the growth of the shaft.

FIGS. 4a to 4d show in detail an embodiment of an interface module 10, which is in an annular cylindrical form, comprising an internal thread for forming two female-type cooperation elements 11, 13. Its outer surface 16 comprises ribs 17 in the form of rings 17 of larger diameters, to allow a better connection with the woody tissue when the latter comes to cover the interface module. This outer surface 16 has an annular shape towards its first end 12, directed towards the shaft, whose extreme annular end 48, which may optionally be toothed, is intended to cut the bark up to the first fibers of the wood, cambium included, like a saw. The end 12 of the interface module 10 has a flat face 47 set back from this stop 48, intended to bear against the bark. For this, this recessed face is chosen according to the tree concerned and its depth of shrinkage varies according to the type of tree: it can be less than 3 mm for trees with smooth or thin bark and 3 mm to a few centimeters for trees with rough or thick bark. Finally, the outer surface of the interface module at this first end 12 forms an inclined surface 18 which forms a cover ramp, facilitates its recovery by the shaft, and finally its attachment. Towards its second end 14, the interface module comprises a transverse slot 19 which allows its actuation by a tool such as a screwdriver, to implement its attachment to an implant or other interface module. This form for actuation may be of any other type, such as a cruciform shape, hexagon, etc. Naturally, these features shown here in detail can be reproduced on all other forms of interface modules 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.

Figure 5 schematically illustrates a chain of attachment formed by the combination of an implant 1 and an interface module 10, similar to that described above, integrated within a tree trunk in growth phase. The first part 2 of the implant 1 is therefore within the trunk, while its second part, invisible, is fixed within the interface module 10.

The stop 48 at the end of the interface module 10 has pierced the bark 31 and reaches the cambium 32 of the tree. The flat face 47 set back from the interface module rests on the bark 31. Note that the interface module 10 here has rings 17 on its lateral surface which have an inclined surface to promote the recovery of the shaft, according to FIG. same principle as its bevelled end 18.

Figure 6 shows in more detail another possible form of an interface module 10, which is a hollow tube, which may be of great length, having an internal thread on its ends or its entire length.

Finally, when the fastening chain according to an embodiment of the invention, comprising an implant 1 and at least one interface module 10 is fixed on a shaft, it serves as a base for forming a fastening device for any object, at least 1 by means of an object fixing element 20 which cooperates with the second cooperation element of the last interface module 10 positioned at the end of the fixing chain. This object attachment member 20 may be of any type, for example a bolt, a ring, a hook, etc., as shown in FIGS. 7a-7e. This object fastening element 20 thus comprises a first end 21 with a first cooperation element allowing its attachment to an interface module 10, and a second cooperation element 22 to fulfill the object attachment function.

A chain of fixation according to the invention therefore represents an evolutionary solution which makes it possible to follow the growth of a tree, as illustrated by FIGS. 8 to 10.

FIG. 8a shows a chain of fixation comprising an elementary chain of which a front part of an implant 2 is fixed inside a trunk 30a while an interface module 10a is outside. The interface modules 10b and 10c are envisaged but not necessary at this initial time.

After four years, the tree has grown and its trunk 30b reaches the end of the interface module 10a. Another interface module 10b is then attached to the elementary chain.

After eight years, the trunk 30c reaches the second end of the second interface module and a third interface module 10c is attached, to achieve the representations of Figures 8b and 8c. After twelve years, the trunk 30d reaches again the end of the last interface module 10c, as shown in Figures 8c and 8d.

As an interesting remark, the principle advantageously allows the growth of the tree to be monitored from a young age, by means of an implant whose front part 2 is of very small diameter, less than 5 mm, for example of the order of 3 mm. As the tree grows, interface modules of larger diameters are added, to allow the construction of a chain as integrated as possible within the tree, the strongest possible, and the least offensive. for the tree.

A fastener chain can be used to attach a very simple object such as a mailbox, an electric cable, a birdhouse, in which case a single chain may suffice, or to attach heavier and bulky objects. in which case several chains of fasteners may be used in combination.

FIGS. 9 and 10 represent, by way of example, the implementation of the solution for fixing an electric cable 40 along a tree trunk 30, or a branch, by several fixing chains according to the invention . At the initial moment represented by FIG. 9a, an elementary fixing chain suffices, which holds an object fixing element 20 adapted to clipping the cable 40.

After four years, an additional interface module 10 was added because the trunk almost completely covers the first interface module 10.5 as shown in FIG. 9b. Similarly, after eight years, the trunk manages to cover a large portion of the second interface module, as shown in Figure 9c.

FIG. 10a is another view of the situation of FIG. 9a, whereas FIG. 10b shows the evolution phase of the fixing chain, when after about four years the addition of a new interface module is necessary to achieve the configuration shown in Figures 9b to 9c.

Another advantageous implementation of this fixation concept is its combination with a lighting component based on photovoltaic solar cells, allowing it to offer autonomous lighting, without requiring power supply. The interest of such a combination is to form a completely autonomous and ecological lighting system solution, in symbiosis with nature since working with the sun and taking support on a tree without conflict with the latter which continues to grow normally. Such a lighting system is particularly suitable for public lighting, avoids the ground fixing streetlights.

The concept of the invention more naturally allows the attachment of more complex devices on a tree, for example to form platforms of a device type "tree climbing". For this, various fixing principles can be used on the basis of several attachment chains as described above. By way of example, FIG. 11 illustrates a construction which comprises a first relatively short fastening chain, ending in a hook 23, more particularly visible in FIG. 12a, positioned above a second fastening chain, fixed on the same trunk 30, using a tube 25 of great length, ending in a ring 24, more particularly visible in Figures 12b and 12c. A cable 33 connects the ring 24 to the hook 23 to reinforce the maintenance of the tube 25 on the shaft.

FIG. 13 represents another example of a more complex construction, in which the fixing device comprises several tubular elements belonging to several fixing chains, mounted on the same shaft 30 and interconnected. More precisely, FIG. 13 shows two superimposed fastening chains at different heights on the same tree trunk 30. The upper fastening chain, a detail of which is shown in FIG. 14a, comprises an implant with a co-operating element. 4 adapted to receive a tubular interface module 10 in a substantially horizontal orientation, similar to the geometry of Figure 6. The lower attachment chain, shown in Figures 14b and 14c, comprises a tubular interface module 10 of smaller length, which receives at its end an elbow tube 10 'whose inclination allows its upper end to be connected in a fastening node 34 to the tubular interface module 10 of the upper fastening chain to form a reinforcement to the fixing device as a whole globally able to withstand significant weight. This support geometry composed of two superimposed fixing chains can be multiplied in several zones on the periphery of the tree trunk 30, for example to support a platform extending over all or part of this periphery.

Of course, the attachment chains described may take other forms than those shown, and may be combined differently to support any type of objects on a tree. They are particularly adapted to so-called "cambium" trees whose diameter of the trunk, branches, and roots increases. 5 10 2. 15 20 3. 25 4. 30