Tree sap collection apparatus
OwnerMarius J. Morininventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A tree sap collection system which comprises a main conduit extending through a grove of trees with branch conduits extending from the main conduit to each tree. Each branch conduit is connected to the main conduit through a coupling. The coupling includes a plurality of equiangularly spaced-apart connectors with each connector to engage with a separate branch conduit. Each branch conduit terminates in a spout. The spout is to be inserted within a hole formed within a tree. The spout is to be connectable with a closure device when the spout is not in use. The closure device includes a frame which connects with a plug which is located within the access opening of the spout and extends around the exterior of the spout for tightly retaining the plug within the access opening of the spout.
Claims12
In combination with a tree insertable spout for sap collection, said spout having an internal passage through which liquid is to flow, the outer end of said passage terminating in an access opening to the ambient, the inner end of said passage being closed at the aft end of said spout, a connecting passage extending through the wall of said spout which connects with said internal passage, a closure means for said access opening of said spout, said closure means comprising:
- a plug for tightly fitting in said access opening, said plug being attached to a locking device, said locking device to tightly engage through engagement means with said aft end of said spout thereby securing the position of said plug in said access opening, with said locking device disengaged from said aft end of said spout the said plug is removable from said access opening;
- said locking device including a frame, said frame having a front end and a back end, said plug being located at said front of said frame, said engagement means being located directly adjacent said back end of said frame, said back end of said frame also including handle means to facilitate installation and removal of said plug from said access opening;
- and
- said front end also including a ring, a branch conduit connected with said connecting passage of said spout, said branch conduit to extend through said ring in a loose fitting manner.
A tree sap collection system comprising:
- a main conduit having a first longitudinal center axis;
- a first branch conduit extending from said main conduit, said first branch conduit having a first inner end and a first outer end, a coupling connecting said main conduit and said first inner end of said first branch conduit for conducting of liquid therebetween, said coupling having a plurality of separate connectors, each said connector having a second longitudinal center axis, said second longitudinal center axis of said connectors being located in a single plane, said single plane being spaced from said first longitudinal center axis, a second branch conduit having a second inner end and a second outer end, said second inner end of said second branch conduit being connected to a said connector, said connectors being equiangularly spaced apart;
- and
- a spout connected to said outer end of said first branch conduit, said spout having an access opening connecting said first branch conduit to the ambient, liquid adapted to be moved through said access opening into said spout and into said first conduit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.