Tree tap and method of using same.
OwnerFrededric Adaminventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A tree tap and a method of using same. Tree sap, such as birch or maple sap, is collected with the tree tap that has been inserted in the tree without forming a recess shaped to receive the tap prior to insertion.
Claims20
1- A tree tap for collecting sap from a tree, comprising:
- a blade insertable in the tree, the blade defining at least one sap collecting aperture;
- and
- a dispenser for dispensing the sap, the dispenser defining an outlet;
- the tree tap defining a passageway between the at least one sap collecting aperture and the outlet;
- wherein the blade is self-penetrating so that the blade is drivable into the tree by impacting the tree tap when the blade is abutted against the tree.
2- The tree tap as defined in claim 1, further comprising an anvil provided between the blade and the dispenser, the anvil defining an impact receiving surface, the blade having at least a portion thereof that tapers in a direction leading away from the impact receiving surface
3- The tree tap as defined in claim 2, wherein the blade defines a blade first surface and a blade second surface, the blade first and second surfaces merging together at a blade distal end substantially opposed to the anvil.
4- The tree tap as defined in claim 2, wherein the passageway defines a substantially rectilinear passageway main portion extending from the sap collecting aperture, the passageway main portion defining a passageway longitudinal axis.
5- The tree tap as defined in claim 4, wherein the passageway is substantially rectilinear between the sap collecting aperture and the outlet.
6- The tree tap as defined in claim 4, wherein the passageway also defines a passageway auxiliary portion extending from the passageway main portion at an angle relative thereto and leading to the outlet, the tree tap also defining an auxiliary aperture leading substantially coaxially into the passageway main portion substantially opposed to the sap collecting aperture.
7- The tree tap as defined in claim 6, wherein the passageway auxiliary portion extends from the passageway main portion between the sap collecting aperture and the auxiliary aperture, the passageway being substantially L-shaped between the sap collecting aperture and the outlet.
8- The tree tap as defined in claim 6, further comprising a cap for selectively obstructing the auxiliary aperture.
9- The tree tap as defined in claim 4, wherein the blade distal end is laterally offset relative to the passageway longitudinal axis.
10- The tree tap as defined in claim 9, wherein the blade first surface is substantially parallel to the passageway longitudinal axis and the at least one sap collecting aperture is defined in the blade second surface.
11- The tree tap as defined in claim 10, wherein the dispenser includes a tube through which the passageway extends, the tube extending from the impact receiving surface.
12- The tree tap as defined in claim 3, wherein the blade first and second surfaces merge together in a substantially straight edge at the blade distal end.
13- The tree tap as defined in claim 3, wherein the sap collecting aperture is proximally spaced apart from the blade distal end.
14- The tree tap as defined in claim 1, wherein the blade is configured and sized to be driven into the tree by spreading apart and deforming tree fibers without requiring removal of wood from the tree prior to being driven thereinto.
15- The tree tap as defined in claim 2, further comprising an auxiliary blade positionable in an abutment relationship relative to the blade and anvil, the auxiliary blade being configured for being removable from the tree with the blade remaining inserted in the tree.
16- The tree tap as defined in claim 2, wherein the anvil defines a flange protruding transversally relative to the blade.
17- A method for driving a tree tap in a tree defining a tree outer surface, the tree tap including a blade terminating at a blade distal end, a dispenser opposed to the blade, and a passageway extending between the blade and the dispenser, the passageway being open in the blade and in the dispenser, the method comprising:
- abutting the blade distal end against the tree outer surface;
- and
- impacting the tree tap to drive the blade in to the tree;
- wherein the blade penetrates the tree by spreading and deforming tree fibers.
18- The method as defined in claim 17, wherein the blade is self-penetrating so that no aperture or recess is formed in the tree to receive the blade prior to driving the blade into the tree.
19- The method as defined in claim 17, wherein the passageway includes a substantially rectilinear passageway main portion extending from the blade, the method further comprising drilling a cavity in the tree adjacent the blade distal end through the passageway main portion after the blade is inserted in the tree.
20- The method as defined in claim 17, further comprising collecting sap from the tree through the passageway.