FR3080432A1 - APPARATUS, DESIGNED TO BE PLACED ON A SHAFT BRANCH, WITH A PERCH OR DRONE, EQUIPPED WITH AN INTERCHANGEABLE ACCESSORY - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus designed to be placed on a tree branch with a boom or drone and take with it an interchangeable accessory. The apparatus according to the invention can be placed in places that are difficult to access by other means. This apparatus comprises four pieces (2) (4) which pivot on axes (3) (6). This apparatus comprises one or more springs or elastics (10) (11) which strongly close the clamp on the branch, while the mechanism allows a relatively low traction to recover the assembly. The apparatus, according to the invention, comprises a movable piece (8) which holds the clamp open, it closes at the time of laying on the branch, by the shock caused on said moving part. This apparatus comprises a piece (12) for placing and orienting an interchangeable accessory. The apparatus according to the invention will be very useful for placing a camera or a hornet trap for example.

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus designed to be placed on a tree branch, with a pole or a drone.

The device according to the invention is designed to take with it an interchangeable accessory and can be taken back at the desired time.

This device does not have a motor and must be detached from the pole or drone as soon as it is put down.

The device according to the invention can be placed by the pole or the drone at heights which are difficult to reach by other means. It can take with it and be equipped, for example: with a camera, with a caterpillar trap, with a device to scare away unwanted birds and without risk to the user, with a wasp, hornets or wild bee trap.

The apparatus, according to the invention, is placed and recovered using a junction mechanism with the pole or the drone.

When the mission of the device according to the invention is completed, the user can take it back and take it elsewhere with the same accessory or change accessories, it is enough to tighten the clamp beforehand.

There are drones equipped with clamps that can perch on a tree branch.

This solution mobilizes the drone fully and permanently, which is very expensive.

The trap cameras are placed on the tree trunks with a strap or a support with screws but cannot, therefore, easily film the birds in their usual environment.

The low cost of the device according to the invention makes it possible to place it for the desired time and to place a large quantity of it, while momentarily mobilizing only one pole or one drone.

Before placing the device, according to the invention, the branch must be chosen in relation to its size and direction.

The clamp can be closed on branches of different diameters. This remains possible, however, for diameters which are not too far apart.

The low cost of the device, according to the invention, will make it possible to have a set of devices with pliers of different sizes, making it possible to choose all the sizes of branches, while remaining, however, in reasonable sizes.

The drone that can fly clearly over the branches does not risk catching.

The device according to the invention comprises, according to a first characteristic, a simple mechanism for joining with the pole or the drone for hanging or detaching it.

The device according to the invention comprises four parts, which are connected by pins, two of which each have a clamp jaw.

The four parts pivot on these axes and when the two central axes are moved aside, the clamp opens and conversely when these two central axes are brought together, the clamp closes.

One or more springs and or one or more elastics tightly close the clamp.

This assembly allows the clamp to hold securely on the branch, while a pull

-2 relatively weak is enough to open it.

A moving part placed between the jaws keeps the pliers open and triggers its closing by a shock, at the time of contact with the branch.

A special piece allows you to place and direct an interchangeable accessory, chosen beforehand.

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention:

Figure 1 shows the device with the clamp open, the junction mechanism with a drone and the moving part that holds the clamp open.

Figure 2 shows the device with the clamp closed, the springs and the moving part which was released after the impact on the branch.

Figure 3 shows the device with the half open clamp, the junction mechanism with a drone and the part which supports the interchangeable accessory.

Figure 4 shows the device with the clamp half open, the junction mechanism with a pole to place it under the horizontal branches and on the vertical branches, the moving part which keeps the clamp open, the part which supports the interchangeable accessory and elastics.

Figure 5 shows the device with the clamp open, the junction mechanism with a pole to place it on top of the horizontal branches, the spare for use with a drone and all: small pointed rods, the spring and his guide.

With reference to the drawings, the apparatus according to the invention comprises a junction mechanism (1) with a pole or a drone, which will be used to raise or lower the assembly: apparatus and accessory.

This joining mechanism (1) is connected to the end of two parts (2) by a central axis (3), these two parts (2) are connected at the other end to two other parts (4) by two axes side (5), these two other parts (4) are interconnected by a central axis (6) and each has a clamp jaw (7), the axes allowing the assembly to pivot.

A movable part (8) allows the clamp (9) to remain open and to be closed by a shock on the branch. This moving part (8) is to be placed between the jaws (7).

One or more springs and or one or more elastic bands (10) (11) allow the clamp (9) to be closed tightly on the branch.

The device according to the invention comprises a part (12) designed to place and orient interchangeable accessories.

When the two central axes (3) (6) are moved apart or brought closer, the clamp opens or closes.

The springs and or the elastic bands must be placed on the clamp (9) and or on the two central axes (3) (6).

To place a relatively heavy accessory or place two accessories at the same time, the device according to the invention can be paired. The spacing between the two parts is adjustable, which allows a better balance if the branch is regular.

The moving part (8) will release the jaws (7) at the time of the impact on the branch. The springs will partially relax, until the jaws come into contact with the branch.

-3 As an example, this part can be a blade (13) connected at one end to one of the two jaws by a pin (14) and placed at the other end against a small suitable part (15 ) on the other jaw, allowing the release necessary to close the clamp.

This moving part (8) must be placed on the side opposite the part (12) which supports the interchangeable accessory, so that the blade (13) can be released completely.

The jaws (7) have a shape which makes it possible to surround the branch, when they close.

For use with a drone, for horizontal branches, where the weight is placed above the clamp, the apparatus, according to the invention, comprises one or more elements which prevent it from tipping and turning on the branch .

As an example, not shown, the part which supports and directs the accessory has a quarter-circle part, which will be placed on the branch, when the clamps close. This quarter-circle part is provided with small pointed rods, provided so that the points sink slightly into the bark.

This quarter-circle part must be placed as close as possible to the accessory, especially if it is far from the clamp, in order to avoid the reduction force.

The part (8) must hold enough not to trigger when it encounters leaves or twigs. The shock on the branch must be strong enough to trigger the closure of the pliers and for the tip of the small stems to sink well into the bark.

It will be important to check, before hanging up with the drone and after having triggered the closing of the clamp, if the assembly fits well on the branch.

When laying on the branch, following the impact on the part (8), the jaws (7) released will tighten strongly on the branch, the two central axes (3) (6) will come together.

To recover the device, according to the invention, traction will be exerted on the clamp blocked at the inner end by the branch, it will open gradually and automatically, offering little resistance.

Indeed, the two parts (2), connected to the junction mechanism (1), by pulling on the two lateral axes (5) rotate the two parts (4) which support the jaws via their central axis ( 6), opening the clamp and removing a large part of the pressure of the jaws on the branch.

Under the same conditions, with the pliers tightened as tightly, using an ordinary pliers or using the central axis (6) where the accessory is placed, it would take a strong pulling power to pull the pliers, with the risk of twist or break a piece.

The accessories are to be placed on the central axis (6) of the parts which include the clamp.

By way of example, the device according to the invention comprises a part (12) which makes it possible to place and orient an interchangeable accessory. This piece (12) can be a vertical plate which allows you to place different accessories chosen as you go along for a mission.

A fork-shaped part (16) serves as a guide to prevent the assembly from tilting and turning on the axis (6) where the part (12) has been placed. This fork slides on the central axis (3) which supports the joining mechanism, as the two central axes (3) (6) approach or move away.

-4To place and retrieve it with a drone, the device according to the invention includes a junction mechanism. For example, this mechanism consists of a ring or a hook, the drone must be provided with a cord and either a ring or a hook, the reverse of what is placed on the joining mechanism.

To ensure maximum grip of the ring by the hook of the drone, this junction mechanism comprises a ring (17), a junction piece between the ring and the axis (18), a horizontal stop (19) which keeps the ring horizontally when it is off the hook. A slight counterweight (20) or a weak spring returns the ring horizontally when it is released by the hook. This joining mechanism also has a vertical stop (21) to prevent it from tipping over to the opposite side.

For use with a drone, the central axis (3) is located at the top. According to a description not illustrated, this central axis must be long and can be placed on each side of the parts (2) which are connected to the joining mechanism, in order to be able to place said joining mechanism adequately.

For horizontal branches, the junction mechanism with a drone must be placed on the axis (3) on the same side as the accessory, so as to create a balance in relation to the weight and the distance from said accessory.

For vertical branches, the junction mechanism with a drone must be placed on the axis (3) on the side opposite the accessory. The weight of the accessory tilts the device according to the invention, which is put in a horizontal position and the accessory is found below. However, if the accessory is far enough and heavy enough, placing the joining mechanism on the same side as the said accessory will suffice to tip the assembly. This, if it is placed very close to the junction point of the parts (2) and the axis (3). For vertical branches, to trigger the clamp a slight rocking may be necessary.

The distance between the joining mechanism (1) and the point where the pieces pivot (2) must be calculated in relation to the more or less vertical position of the branch.

The unhooked ring automatically switches to the horizontal position, by its own weight and is stopped by the vertical stop (21) which is found in the horizontal position after the tilting of the assembly.

The drone will be pulled vertically in this case, while the device according to the invention will be in a horizontal position. The effectiveness of opening the clamp will, however, be the same.

To place and retrieve it with a pole, the device according to the invention includes a joining mechanism.

For example, this mechanism consists of a vertical part (22), placed on the central axis (3), a stop (23) placed in the part (16) in the form of a fork, in order to prevent it from tipping over.

A disc mechanism with notches (24) and locking allows the apparatus according to the invention to be oriented in relation to the direction of the branch.

The junction mechanism with a pole also has a screwing part (25), allowing the pole to be screwed or unscrewed when the assembly is installed on the branch.

According to a variant, the vertical part (22) comprises a horizontal part (26) having an opening (27) which makes it possible to pass a blade (28) this blade turned by the pole, will unite the two parts.

-5This junction mechanism with a pole allows the device, according to the invention, to be placed under the horizontal branches and on the vertical branches, but it does not allow it to be placed above the horizontal branches.

When the spacing between the branches is sufficient, the apparatus according to the invention includes a junction mechanism with a pole which makes it possible to place the assembly above the horizontal branches.

For this, the junction mechanism with a pole comprises, for example, a part (29) connected at one end to the central axis (3) and at its other end, this part (29), comprises a part (30) placed vertically, where the pole is screwed.

The part (29) placed horizontally must protrude outside the clamp (9).

A stop (31) which slides in the fork-shaped part (16) makes it possible to balance the assembly.

The user must pass the assembly above the branch, by the side of said branch, then descend to trigger the closure of the clamp.

This joining mechanism also includes a second part (32) where the pole can be screwed, placed above the first, in the opposite direction.

This will allow, if the assembly were to tip over and turn on the branch, due to an unforeseen event, recovery from the other side of the branch.

There are poles that extend well over five meters, they are used for weirs and for washing windows.

For distant branches, where visibility is more difficult, the part where the pole is screwed can start in the form of a funnel.

For use with a drone, the cord can rotate. To remedy this, it is possible to provide a hook which has several branches.

The small pointed rods intended to prevent the assembly from tipping over and turning on the branch may include a compressible element which allows them to run when the clamp is closed. This will allow, if necessary, to place them directly on the parts which comprise the jaws. This stroke will allow each small rod to have the same pressure whatever the point of impact due to the irregularity of the branch. For example, a spring (33), placed in a small tube (34) closed at one end and which serves as a guide, will make it possible to apply this pressure to said small rod (35).

The same result can be achieved using a compressed air system.

However, by a violent storm or by contact with a large bird, the assembly can tip over and turn on the branch.

The accessory, which can be a camera, will be of great value in this case.

A drone can allow the device, according to the invention, and its accessory to be placed at heights which will not allow them to be recovered by other means than with said drone.

For these extreme cases, it is necessary to provide a backup solution.

By way of example, the apparatus according to the invention comprises a blade (36) which pivots at one end

-6on the central axis (3) where the junction mechanism is placed and has at its other end a small ring (37) which protrudes outside one of the two lateral axes (5).

This blade (36) is held on one of the two parts (2) by a small clamp with spring (38).

One of the two jaws of the small clamp with spring (38) is fixed on the blade (36).

After tilting, the ring (37) is on the opposite side. The drone, with its hook, can again begin to exert its traction to return the assembly to its initial position.

As the weight of the accessory pulls down, the needles no longer exert their pressure.

The small clamp with spring (38) will release automatically when the blade (36) takes an upright position, then, traction and recovery will be normal.

This spare part, can allow, exceptionally, with a little help, to tilt the assembly, in order to place the accessory under the branch. In this case, it will be necessary to temporarily remove everything that has been planned to prevent it from turning on the said branch.

The fork-shaped part (16) can be closed at its end in order to reinforce it, particularly to prevent the two parallel elements from moving apart.

The device according to the invention is not limited in its size and dimensions, nor is it limited in its proportions.

It can be very discreet, by camouflage, for example, in the shape of a bird or by artificial leaves. In addition, placed at a height, a device is much less likely to be stolen.

The device, according to the invention, could be very useful for cameramen, ecologists, owners and tenants of agricultural land, forests, parks and pleasure gardens, as well as for game wardens.

Claims (10)

1) Apparatus carrying an interchangeable accessory, designed to be placed on a tree branch, with a pole or a drone, characterized in that this apparatus comprises a junction mechanism (1) with a pole or a drone, that this mechanism junction (1) is connected to the end of two parts (2) by a first central axis (3), that these two parts (2) are connected to the other end, to two other parts (4) by two lateral axes (5), that these two other parts (4) are interconnected by a second central axis (6) and each comprises, a clamp jaw (7), the axes allowing the assembly to pivot; in that a movable part (8) allows the clamp (9) to remain open and to be closed by a shock on the branch; in that one or more springs and or one or more elastic bands (10, 11) make it possible to close the clamp strongly on the branch, so that this device can be fixed on a branch of a tree, equipped with an interchangeable accessory and release the pole or drone as soon as the assembly is installed. 2) Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the jaws (7) have a shape which allows to surround a tree branch, when they close. 3) Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that this apparatus comprises small pointed rods, designed and placed so that the points can sink into the bark; that a compressible element allows a stroke to these small rods, so that each can have the same pressure, regardless of the irregularity of the branch. 4) Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the movable part (8) which keeps the clamp open comprises a blade (13) connected at one end to one of the two jaws by an axis (14) and placed at the other end against a suitable small piece (15) on the other jaw. 5) Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a part (12) which supports and directs interchangeable accessories, mounted on the second central axis (6) and comprising a part (16) in the form of a fork which slides on the first central axis (3), so that this part (12) cannot tilt. 6) Device according to claim 1, characterized in that this device is paired, with an adjustable spacing, in order to be able to place a heavier accessory or two accessories at the same time. 7) Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the junction mechanism (1) with a drone comprises a ring (17), a junction piece (18) between the ring and the first central axis (3), a horizontal stop (19) and a vertical stop (21), as well as a spare part composed of a blade (36), a small ring (37) and a small clamp with spring (38). 8) Apparatus according to claim 1 and according to claim 7, characterized in that the first central axis (3) is long and can be placed on each side of the parts (2) which are connected to the junction mechanism, in order to be able to place the said joining mechanism in relation to the direction of the branch and establish a balance with the accessory. 9) Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the junction mechanism with a -8 pole has a vertical part (22) placed on the first central axis (3), carrying a stop (23) placed in the fork-shaped part (16), a disc mechanism with notches and blocking (24), as well that a part where the pole is fixed (25), in particular by screwing, this assembly making it possible to place the device under the horizontal branches and on the vertical branches, the junction mechanism possibly comprising a 5 horizontal piece (29) for offset the part where the pole is fixed relative to the first central axis (3) and two parts where the pole is screwed (30, 32) placed vertically and in opposite directions, allowing the device to be placed above the horizontal branches. 10) Apparatus according to claim 1 and according to claim 9, characterized in that the part where a pole is screwed comprises a horizontal piece (26) having an opening (27) which allows to pass a 10 blade (28) intended to be turned by the pole where it was fixed.