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US 12,270,507 B2Granted
Fastener for attaching structures to a tree
OwnerGerhard Komenda, Lukas Scheurerinventors
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A fastener for attaching structures to a tree employs, in an embodiment, a hanger bolt, a protective collet, and a mounting bracket for attaching a support structure to a tree in a way that minimizes damage to the tree. In some embodiments, an extending member adds length to the bolt. The mounting bracket attaches to the bolt. The bracket serves to affix hardware and separate support structures to a tree.
Claims11
An apparatus for attaching a structure to a tree comprising:
- an elongate cylindrical main shaft having a first end and a second end and a long central axis;
- and
- said first end having wood screw threads thereon;
- and
- said second end having a threaded hole coaxial with said long central axis;
- and
- said main shaft having a threaded portion on its surface proximal to said second end;
- and
- a faceted portion on said main shaft proximal to said threaded portion furthest from said second end;
- and
- a portion of smooth shank residing between said faceted portion and said wood screw threads;
- wherein said faceted portion is configured to receive a wrench to drive the wood screw threads into a tree, and said threaded portion is configured receive threaded nuts to affix hardware.
9 more elements
An apparatus for attaching a structure to a tree comprising:
- an elongate cylindrical main shaft having a first end and a second end and a long central axis;
- and
- said first end having wood screw threads thereon;
- and
- said second end having a threaded hole coaxial with said long central axis;
- and
- said main shaft having a threaded portion about its surface proximal to said second end;
- and
- a faceted portion on said main shaft proximal to said threaded portion furthest from said second end;
- and
- a portion of smooth shank residing between said faceted portion and said wood screw threads;
- a cylindrical end-piece having a first end and a second end;
- said first end being faceted;
- and
- said second end threaded and configured to thread into said threaded hole;
- and
- a collet having an inner diameter configured to fit on said portion of smooth shank;
- and an outer diameter configured to fit into a hole drilled into the sapwood of a tree;
- wherein said faceted portion is configured to receive a wrench to drive the wood screw threads into a tree, and said threaded portion is configured receive threaded nuts to affix hardware;
- and a provided power tool may be engaged with said faceted end of said end-piece to drive said wood screw threads of said main shaft further into a tree;
- and cambium and bark grow over said collet such that the collet provides lateral and vertical support against movement of said main shaft when it is embedded in a tree.
18 more elements
An apparatus for attaching a structure to a tree comprising:
- an elongate cylindrical main shaft having a first end and a second end and a long central axis;
- and
- said first end having wood screw threads thereon;
- and
- said second end having a threaded hole coaxial with said long central axis;
- and
- said main shaft having a threaded portion about its surface proximal to said second end;
- and
- a faceted portion on said main shaft proximal to said threaded portion furthest from said second end;
- and
- a portion of smooth shank residing between said faceted portion and said wood screw threads;
- a cylindrical end-piece having a first end and a second end;
- said first end being faceted;
- and
- said second end threaded and configured to thread into said threaded hole;
- and
- a collet having an inner diameter configured to fit on said portion of smooth shank;
- and
- an outer diameter configured to fit into a hole drilled into the sapwood of a tree;
- and
- an extension member configured to extend the length of said main shaft comprising:
- an elongate cylindrical form of similar diameter to said main shaft having a first end and a second end;
- said first end having a threaded post configured to engage with said threaded hole;
- said second end having a threaded hole;
- the outer surface of the extension member, elongate cylindrical form being threaded;
- wherein said faceted portion is configured to receive a wrench to drive the wood screw threads into a tree, and said threaded portion is configured receive threaded nuts to affix hardware;
- and a provided power tool may be engaged with said faceted end of said end-piece to drive said wood screw threads of said main shaft further into a tree;
- and cambium and bark grow over said collet such that the collet provides lateral and vertical support against movement of said main shaft when it is embedded in a tree;
- and as a tree grows over said main shaft, the main shaft may be extended by threading said threaded post into said main shaft threaded hole to continue use of the apparatus.
26 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.