Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
1
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
Tree tap and method of using same.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to tree sap collection and is more
particularly
concerned with a tree tap and a method of using same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Tree sap, such as maple and birch sap, is collected to make edible
products. For
example, maple sap may be collected and then concentrated by evaporation to
produce
maple syrup. Conventional taps are inserted in the tree by first drilling a
hole that may
be for example about 7/16 of an inch in diameter and 2 to 2 1/2 inches long.
Then, a
cylindrical tap is hammered in the aperture and tree sap can enter the tap for
collection.
A major disadvantage of this tapping technique is that after the tap is
removed, typically
8-12 weeks after insertion, the hole is left open. This constitutes an injury
to the tree.
[003] It may take many years for the tree to repair the damage caused by the
drilling
process. This causes stress to the tree and can facilitate further damage,
such as those
caused by diseases or insects. Even if the tree heals properly, the tissue
filling the hole
in which the tap was inserted will be dead. Therefore, after many sap
collection
seasons, the flow of sap in the tree is highly impeded and the tree can no
longer be
used for sap collection, and may eventually die prematurely.
[004] Against this background, there exists a need in the industry to provide
novel
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-12-03
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methods and devices for tapping trees.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[005] In a broad aspect, there is provided 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; a dispenser for dispensing the sap, the dispenser defining an
outlet; and an
anvil provided between the blade and the dispenser. The tree tap defines a
passageway
between the at least one sap collecting aperture and the outlet.
[006] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the blade has at least a
portion
thereof that tapers in a direction leading away from the anvil.
[007] There may also be provided a tree tap 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.
[008] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the passageway is
substantially
rectilinear and defines a passageway longitudinal axis.
[009] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the blade distal end is
laterally
offset relative to the passageway longitudinal axis.
[0010] There may also be provided a tree tap 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.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-12-03
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[0011] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the anvil defines an
impact
receiving surface extending substantially perpendicular to the passageway
longitudinal
axis.
[0012] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the dispenser includes a
tube
through which the passageway extends, the tube extending from the impact
receiving
surface.
[0013] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the blade first and
second
surfaces merge together in a substantially straight edge.
[0014] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the sap collecting
aperture is
proximally spaced apart from the blade distal end.
[0015] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the blade includes a
substantially
wedge-shaped portion.
[0016] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the dispenser includes a
tube
through which the passageway extends.
[0017] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the tube defines a ribbed
tube
outer surface.
[0018] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the blade is configured
and sized
to be driven into the tree by spreading apart and deforming tree fibers
without requiring
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-12-03
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removal of wood from the tree prior to being driven thereinto.
[0019] There may also be provided a tree tap 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.
[0020] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein wherein the anvil defines
a flange
protruding transversally relative to the blade.
[0021] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the blade is self-
penetrating.
[0022] In an other broad aspect, there is provided a method for driving a tree
tap in a
tree defining a tree outer surface, the tree tap defining an impact receiving
surface, a
blade extending away from the impact receiving surface and terminating in a
blade
distal end, a dispenser extending away from the impact receiving surface
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 impact
receiving surface towards the blade to drive the blade in to the tree; wherein
the blade
penetrates the tree by spreading and deforming tree fibers.
[0023] There may also be provided a method wherein the blade is self-piercing
so that
no aperture or recess is formed in the tree to receive the blade prior to
driving the blade
into the tree.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-12-03
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[0024] There may also be provided a method wherein the passageway is
substantially
rectilinear, the method further comprising drilling a cavity in the tree
adjacent the blade
distal end through the passageway after the blade is inserted in the tree.
[0025] There may also be provided a method further comprising collecting sap
from the
tree through the passageway.
[0026] In yet another broad aspect, there is provided 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.
[0027] There may also be provided a tree tap further comprising an anvil
provided
between the blade and the dispenser.
[0028] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the blade has at least a
portion
thereof that tapers in a direction leading away from the anvil.
[0029] There may also be provided a tree tap 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.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-12-03
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[0030] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the passageway is
substantially
rectilinear and defines a passageway longitudinal axis.
[0031] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the outlet and the sap
collecting
aperture are both substantially centered relative to the passageway
longitudinal axis.
[0032] There may also be provided a tree tapwherein the blade distal end is
laterally
offset relative to the passageway longitudinal axis.
[0033] There may also be provided a tree tap 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.
[0034] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the anvil defines an
impact
receiving surface extending substantially perpendicular to the passageway
longitudinal
axis.
[0035] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the dispenser includes a
tube
through which the passageway extends, the tube extending from the impact
receiving
surface.
[0036] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the blade first and
second
surfaces merge together in a substantially straight edge at the blade distal
end.
[0037] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the sap collecting
aperture is
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-12-03
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proximally spaced apart from the blade distal end.
[0038] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the dispenser includes a
tube
through which the passageway extends, the tube defining a ribbed tube outer
surface.
[0039] There may also be provided a tree tap 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.
[0040] There may also be provided a tree tap 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.
[0041] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the anvil defines a
flange
protruding transversally relative to the blade.
[0042] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the passageway is
substantially
rectilinear between the sap collecting aperture and the outlet.
[0043] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the passageway also
defines a
passageway auxiliary portion extending from the passageway main portion at an
angle
5relative 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.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-12-03
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[0044] There may also be provided a tree tap 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.
5[0045] There may also be provided a tree tap further comprising a cap for
selectively
obstructing the auxiliary aperture.
[0046] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the blade distal end is
laterally
offset relative to the passageway longitudinal axis.
[0047] In yet another broad aspect, there is provided 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.
[0048] There may also be provided a method 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.
[0049] There may also be provided a method wherein the passageway is
substantially
rectilinear, the method further comprising drilling a cavity in the tree
adjacent the blade
distal end through the passageway after the blade is inserted in the tree.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-12-03
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[0050] There may also be provided a method further comprising collecting sap
from the
tree through the passageway.
[0051] In yet another broad aspect, there is provided a tree tap for
collecting sap from a
tree, comprising: a blade insertable in the tree, the blade defining opposed
blade first
and second surfaces and first and second sap collecting apertures respectively
in the
blade first and second surfaces, the blade being self-penetrating so that the
blade is
drivable into the tree by impacting the tree tap when the blade is abutted
against the
tree; and a dispenser for dispensing the sap, the dispenser defining an
outlet; the tree
tap defining a passageway between the sap collecting apertures and the outlet;
the first
and second sap collecting apertures being accessible from outside the tree tap
to allow
insertion of a drill bit along a rectilinear path through passageway to allow
drilling in the
tree in succession through both the first and second sap collecting apertures
once the
tree tap has been inserted into the tree.
[0052] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the passageway is a
forked
passageway including a substantially rectilinear proximal portion in fluid
communication
with the dispenser and a substantially V-shaped distal portion extending
between the
proximal portion and the first and second sap collecting apertures; and the
proximal and
distal portions are accessible from outside the tree tap to allow insertion of
a drill bit
along a rectilinear path through the proximal and distal portions to allow
drilling in
succession through both the first and second sap collecting apertures once the
tree tap
has been inserted into the tree.
[0053] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the distal portion is
shaped as a
Boolean union of two cylinders each extending between a respective one of the
first and
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-12-03
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second sap collecting apertures and the proximal portion acutely angled
relative to the
proximal portion.
[0054] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the cylinders have
cylinder
longitudinal axes that intersect in the proximal portion.
[0055] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the cylinders are smaller
in
diameter than the main portion.
[0056] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the proximal portion is
substantially cylindrical.
[0057] There may also be provided a tree tap 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.
[0058] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the blade first and
second
surfaces merge together at a blade distal end substantially opposed to the
anvil.
[0059] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the passageway also
defines a
passageway auxiliary portion extending from the proximal portion at an angle
relative
thereto and leading to the outlet, the tree tap also defining an auxiliary
aperture leading
substantially coaxially into the proximal portion.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-12-03
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[0060] There may also be provided a tree tap further comprising a cap for
selectively
obstructing the auxiliary aperture.
[0061] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the proximal portion is
substantially cylindrical, the auxiliary aperture is substantially circular,
and the auxiliary
aperture and proximal portion have substantially equal diameters.
[0062] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the diameters are
substantially
equal to a maximal distance between projections of cross-sections of the
distal portions
at the auxiliary aperture.
[0063] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the blade distal end is
laterally
centered relative to the passageway.
[0064] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the dispenser includes a
tube
through which the passageway extends, the tube extending from the impact
receiving
surface.
[0065] There may also be provided a tree tap wherein the blade first and
second
surfaces merge together in a curved edge at the blade distal end.
[0066] There may also be provided a tree tap 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.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-12-03
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[0067] There may also be provided a tree tap defining a flange formed between
the sap
collecting apertures in the blade to act as a drill bit guide for guiding the
drill bit to each
of the first and second sap collecting apertures.
[0068] Advantageously, the tree is less injured using the proposed tree tap
than when
the conventional tapping procedure is used. This leads to an increase in the
useful life
of the tree. Also, since injury to the tree is reduced, one may even have more
taps
inserted in the tree than when using conventional taps, thereby increasing the
productivity of the sap collection.
[0069] Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will
become
more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of
preferred
embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0070] In the appended drawings:
[0071] Figure 1, in a perspective view, illustrates a tree tap in accordance
with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0072] Figure 2, in a top elevation view, illustrates the tree tap of FIG. 1;
[0073] Figure 3, in a side cross-sectional view midway therethrough,
illustrates the tree
tap of FIG. 1;
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-12-03
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[0074] Figure 4, in a perspective view, illustrates a tree tap in accordance
with another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0075] Figure 5, in a perspective view, illustrates a tree tap in accordance
with yet
another embodiment of the present invention;
[0076] Figure 6, in a perspective view, illustrates a tree tap in accordance
with yet
another embodiment of the present invention;
[0077] Figure 7, in a perspective cross-sectional view, illustrates the tree
tap of FIG. 6;
[0078] Figure 8, in a perspective view, illustrates an auxiliary blade usable
with the tree
taps of FIGS. 4 to 7;
[0079] Figure 9, in top plan view, illustrates the auxiliary blade of FIG. 8;
[0080] Figure 10, in a perspective view, illustrates a tree tap in accordance
with yet
another embodiment of the present invention;
[0081] Figure 11, in an alternative perspective view, illustrates the tree tap
of FIG. 10;
[0082] Figure 12, in side elevation view, illustrates the tree tap of FIGS. 10
and 11;
[0083] Figure 13, in top cross-sectional view midway therethrough, illustrates
the tree
tap of FIGS. 10 to 12;
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-12-03
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[0084] Figure 14, in a top cross-sectional view, illustrates a step in an
example of use of
the tree tap of FIGS. 10 to 13;
[0085] Figure 15, in a top cross-sectional view, illustrates an other step in
an example of
use of the tree tap of FIGS. 10 to 13;
[0086] Figure 16, in a top cross-sectional view, illustrates yet an other step
in an
example of use of the tree tap of FIGS. 10 to 13;
[0087] Figure 17, in a top cross-sectional view, illustrates yet an other step
in an
example of use of the tree tap of FIGS. 10 to 13;
[0088] Figure 18, in a perspective view, illustrates a tree tap in accordance
with yet
another embodiment of the present invention;
[0089] Figure 19, in an alternative perspective view, illustrates the tree tap
of FIG. 18;
[0090] Figure 20, in a side cross-sectional view midway therethrough,
illustrates the tree
tap of FIGS. 18 and 19;
[0091] Figure 21, in a perspective view, illustrates a tree tap in accordance
with yet
another embodiment of the present invention;
[0092] Figure 22, in a perspective view, illustrates the tree tap of FIG. 21;
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-12-03
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[0093] Figure 23, in a top elevation view, illustrates the tree tap of FIGS.
21 and 22;
[0094] Figure 24, in a rear elevation view, illustrates the tree tap of FIGS.
21 to 23;
[0095] Figure 25, in a side elevation view, illustrates the tree tap of FIGS.
21 to 24;
[0096] Figure 26, in a front elevation view, illustrates the tree tap of FIGS.
21 to 25;
[0097] Figure 27, in a top cross-sectional view midway through the blade
thereof,
illustrates the tree tap of FIGS. 21 to 26; and
[0098] Figure 28, in a side cross-sectional view midway therethrough,
illustrates the tree
tap of FIGS. 21 to 27;
[0099] Figure 29, in a perspective view, illustrates a tree tap in accordance
with yet
another embodiment of the present invention; and
[00100] Figure 30, in a side cross-sectional view midway therethrough,
illustrates the tree tap of FIG. 29;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00101] Terms such as "substantially", "about" and "essentially" are
used
throughout this document to indicate variations in the thus qualified terms.
These
variations are variations that do not materially affect the manner in which
the invention
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-12-03
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works and can be due, for example, to uncertainty in manufacturing processes
or to
small deviations from a nominal value or ideal shape that do not cause
significant
changes to the invention. These variations are to be interpreted from the
point of view of
the person skilled in the art.
[00102]
Also, directional terminology, such as bottom, top, distal and
proximal, refers to the tree tap of the invention when used in a typical
orientation,
inserted in a tree growing generally vertically. In this case, distal refers
to parts of the
tree tap that are deeper in the tree. This reference configuration is for
reference and
convenience purposes and should not be used to restrict the scope of the
claims unless
explicitly required by the structure of a specific claim. Notably, the
proposed tree tap is
usable in non-vertically growing trees or non-vertical portions of trees, such
as for
example branches.
[00103]
Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a tree tap 10 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. The tree tap 10 includes a blade 12
insertable in a
tree 13 (shown in FIGS. 14 to 17), a dispenser 16 for dispensing the collected
sap (not
shown in the drawings) and an anvil 20 extending therebetween. In use the
blade 12
may be completely or only partially inserted in the tree 13. The blade 12 has
at least a
portion thereof that tapers in a direction leading away from the anvil 20. For
example,
the blade 12 includes a substantially wedge-shaped distal portion, and in some
embodiments is entirely substantially wedge-shaped.
[00104]
As seen in FIG. 3, the tree tap 10 defines a passageway 22 between
the blade 12 and dispenser 16. The blade 12 defines one or more sap collecting
apertures 24 leading to the passageway 22. In some embodiments, the blade 12
tapers
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-12-03
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in a direction leading away from the anvil 20 and is configured and sized to
be driven in
the tree by spreading apart and deforming the tree fibers without requiring
removal of
wood from the tree. In other words, the tree tap 10 is self-penetrating, or
self-piercing. In
other embodiments, only a small portion of the tree may be removed, that is
smaller
than the tree tap 10, prior to driving the blade 12 in the tree 13. In yet
other
embodiments, an incision is made in the tree prior to insertion.
[00105] As better seen in FIG. 2, the blade 12 is for example generally
flattened, that is one of its transversal dimension is much larger than the
other one, and
defines a pair of opposed blade first and second surfaces 26 and 28 extending
from the
anvil 20. The sap collecting apertures 24 are provided in the blade first and
second
surfaces 26 and 28. The blade first and second surfaces 26 and 28 merge
together at a
blade peripheral edge 30, extending generally along the top, distal and bottom
portions
36, 38 and 40 of the blade 12. In some embodiments, the blade first and second
surfaces 26 and 28 merge together at an acute angle relative to each other. In
some
embodiments, the blade peripheral edge 30 is relatively sharp so as to
facilitate
insertion of the blade 12 in the tree. However, the blade peripheral edge 30
may be a
dull edge or, in some embodiments, flat or curved so that the blade first and
second
surfaces 26 and 28 don't merge directly at an acute angle relative to each
other (not
shown in the drawings). Other shapes for the blade first and second surfaces
26 and 28
are also within the scope of the invention.
[00106] In some embodiments, the blade 12 is relatively narrow in a
sideways
direction when inserted in the tree, so as to minimize interference with sap
flow through
the tree once the blade 12 has been removed. The blade 12 may be relatively
tall
however, to facilitate sap collection. In some embodiments, the blade 12 is
however
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-12-03
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relatively wide and/or relatively short vertically. One or more of the blade
first and
second surfaces 26 and 28 may be generally convex, either with a relatively
smooth
surface, or with a few substantially planar facet that define a generally
convex shape.
Other shapes for the blade first and second surfaces 26 and 28 are also within
the
scope of the invention. For example, as detailed below, one or both of the
blade first
and second surfaces 26 and 28 may be substantially flat.
[001071 Returning to FIG. 1, the blade 12 extends from the anvil 20.
The anvil
20 is shaped to receive impacts thereonto to drive the blade 12 into the tree.
For
example, the anvil 20 defines an impact receiving surface 32 substantially
opposed and
perpendicular to the blade 12. The impact receiving surface 32 is typically
substantially
flat, but other shapes are within the scope of the invention.
[001081 The dispenser 16 extends from the anvil 20, for example at the
bottom
thereof. In some embodiments, the dispenser 16 takes the form of a tube having
a
ribbed tube outer surface 17 and defining an outlet 14 in fluid communication
with the
passageway 22 for securely receiving thereonto a conventional collection tube
(not
shown in the drawings). Thus, as seen in FIG. 3, the passageway 22 extends
between
the at least one sap collecting aperture 24 and the outlet 14. In other
embodiments, the
dispenser 16 includes a hook or other means for suspending a conventional
bucket
below the outlet 14. In yet other embodiments, the dispenser 16 takes any
other
suitable form allowing collection of sap from the passageway 22.
[001091 The passageway 22 has any suitable shape. In some embodiments,
the passageway 22 is provided with one or more internal reinforcement ribs 34
extending thereacross, especially in the blade 12. In other embodiments, the
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-12-03
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reinforcement ribs 34 are omitted. In a specific embodiment, the passageway 22
has a
generally L-shaped configuration, but other configurations are within the
scope of the
invention.
[001101 In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3, the tree tap 10 does not
require
any other device except for a hammer or mallet (now shown in the drawings) to
be used
and driven into the tree. In such embodiments, the tree tap 10 is made of a
material that
is sufficiently tough to withstand the insertion process detailed below, such
as a suitable
metal or polymer, among other possibilities. In such embodiments, the distal
portion 38
is positioned abutting against the bark 19 of the tree to tap, with the top
and bottom
portions 36 and 40 substantially vertically aligned relative to each other,
for a tree
having a generally vertical trunk. Then, using the hammer or mallet, the
impact surface
is repeatedly hit with enough force that the blade 12 penetrates in the tree
13 by
spreading apart and deforming the wood fibers. In some embodiments, no recess
or
aperture needs to be formed in the tree prior to this process. However, in
some
embodiments, a small slit or other aperture or recess may be formed to guide
insertion
of the tree tap 10. This recess or aperture has however a much smaller volume
than the
blade 12. Other means of providing the impacts required for penetration of the
blade 12
in the tree are also usable, such as, non-limitingly, an impact drill.
[001111 Once inserted, sap will be collected through the sap collecting
apertures 24. After the sap collecting season is over, the tree tap 10 is
simply removed
from the tree. Fiber resiliency and internal pressure in the tree may then
cause
complete or partial closing of the aperture left by the tree tap 10.
[001121 FIGS. 4 to 7 illustrate alternative tree taps 10', 10" and
10'",
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-12-03
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respectively in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 and 7. These tree taps 10', 10" and 10"
could, if made
of a suitable material, be used similarly to the tree tap 10. However, in some
embodiments, the tree taps 10', 10" and 10" are usable in combination with an
auxiliary
blade 42, seen in FIGS. 8 and 9. The auxiliary blade 42 allows using the
invention with
tree taps 10', 10" and 10" that are made of softer or more brittle materials
and which
could not by themselves withstand the impacts required to insert the tree taps
10', 10"
and 10" in the tree 13. As such, the auxiliary blade 42 is typically made of a
suitable
metal.
[00113] The auxiliary blade 42 is positionable in an abutment
relationship
relative to the blades 12', 12" and 12" and anvils 20', 20" and 20" of
respectively the
tree taps 10', 10" and 10". The auxiliary blade 42 is configured for being
removable
from the tree 13 with the blade 12', 12" and 12" remaining inserted in the
tree 13. The
auxiliary blade 42 includes an auxiliary blade portion 44, an anchoring
portion 46
extending from the auxiliary blade portion 44, and a stem 48 extending from
the
anchoring portion 46 for coupling to an impact drill or a similar tool. The
stem 48 is
typically axially rotatable relative to the anchoring portion 46. The
auxiliary blade portion
44 is for abutting against the blade 12', 12" or 12" of respectively the tree
taps 10', 10"
and 10" and extending substantially parallel thereto. The anchoring portion 46
is
configured for anchoring the auxiliary blade 42 to the tree taps 10', 10" and
10", for
example by fitting over and abutting against the respective anvils 20', 20" or
20"
thereof. The stem 48 extend perpendicular to the impact receiving surface 32.
[00114] For example, the auxiliary blade 42 takes the form of a
substantially
rectangular strip of metal that has been suitably folded and to which the stem
48 is
secured. The strip of metal has been folded to form a generally U-shaped
anchoring
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-12-03
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portion 46 that conforms to the shape of the anvil 20', 20" or 20", from which
a
substantially flat auxiliary blade portion 44 extends from one of the sides of
the U-
shaped anchoring portion 46. An aperture 50, seen in FIG. 9, is provided in
the
anchoring portion 46, in the portion thereof facing the impact receiving
surface 32, and
the stem 48 is mounted in the aperture 50 to be rotatable thereabout. For
example the
stem 48 defines a pair of flanges 52 of diameter larger than the aperture 50,
the flanges
52 being provided on a respective side of the aperture 50.
[00115] Returning to FIGS. 4 to 7, in some embodiments, the blade first
surface 26', 26" and 26" of respectively the blades 12', 12" and 12" is
substantially flat.
A notch 56 is provided in the anvils 20' and 20" and receives the part of the
anchoring
portion 46 that is in prolongation of the auxiliary blade portion 44 to
maintain alignment
between the tree tap 10 and the auxiliary blade 42. In the anvil 20", as seen
in FIGS. 6
and 7, the notch 56 is replaced by an aperture 58 extending from the impact
receiving
surface 32 to the blade 12" that is shaped similarly to a portion of the
anchoring portion
46 to be inserted thereinto. In both cases, the goal is to maintain the blade
12', 12" and
12" substantially parallel, adjacent and in abutment with the auxiliary blade
42. To that
effect, the notch 56 or aperture 58 has typically a height and a thickness
substantially
similar to that of the auxiliary blade 42. For example the notch 56 or
aperture 58
receives the auxiliary blade 42 substantially snugly. In use, the stem 48 is
inserted in an
impact drill with the auxiliary blade 42 positioned over the tree tap 10', 10"
or 10", and
the impacts made by the hammer or mallet are replaced by the impacts of the
impact
drill. Once the tree tap 10', 10" or 10" has been properly inserted, the
auxiliary blade 42
is removed.
[00116] The number and shape of sap collecting apertures 24 can vary.
For
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-12-03
22
example the tree taps 10 and 10' have 6 round sap collecting apertures 24. The
tree
taps 10" and 10" have 4 oval-shaped sap collecting apertures 24'. Other
numbers and
shape of sap collecting apertures are also within the scope of the invention.
[00117]
FIGS. 10 to 13 illustrate yet another embodiment of a tree tap 10a. In
this tree tap 10a, the blade first and second surfaces 26a and 28a of the
blade 12a
merge together at a blade distal end 29a substantially opposed to the anvil
20a .For
example, the blade first and second surfaces 26a and 28a merge together in a
substantially straight edge at the blade distal end 29a. In other examples,
the blade may
be pointed. Accordingly, in some embodiments the term "blade" is to be
construed
broadly as including pointed or otherwise shaped portions of the claimed tree
tap that
enters the tree 13 in use. As seen in FIG. 13, the passageway 22a of the tree
tap 10a is
substantially rectilinear and defines a passageway longitudinal axis 23a. In
some
embodiments, the sap collecting aperture 24a is proximally spaced apart from
the blade
distal end 29a. To that effect, the blade distal end 29a is laterally offset
relative to the
passageway longitudinal axis 23a. For example, the blade first surface 26a is
substantially parallel to the passageway longitudinal axis 23a and the at
least one sap
collecting aperture 24a is defined in the blade second surface 28a. Also, the
dispenser
16a takes the form of a tube through which the passageway 22a extends, the
tube
extending from the impact receiving surface 32a. In this embodiment, a
straight
passage is created between outside the tree 13 and inside the tree 13. In some
embodiments, the anvil 20a defines a flange 33a protruding transversally
relative to the
blade 12a and the dispenser 16a, the flange 33a defining part of the impact
receiving
surface 32a. Typically, the impact receiving surface 32a is substantially
perpendicular to
the passageway longitudinal axis 23a.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-12-03
23
[00118] FIGS. 14 to 17 illustrate a method for driving the tree tap 10a
in a tree
13 defining a tree outer surface 15, typically defined by the bark 19 of the
tree. As seen
in FIG. 14, the method starts by abutting the blade distal end 29a against the
tree outer
surface 15 and then impacting the impact receiving surface 32a towards the
blade 12a
to drive the blade 12a in to the tree 13. For example, a hollow shank 60 is
mounted to
an impact drill 62, the latter being represented schematically in the
drawings, and the
shank 60 is inserted over the dispenser 16a until the shank 60 abuts against
the impact
receiving surface 32a. The impact drill 62 can then be used to repeatedly
impact the
impact receiving surface 32a. Other manners of driving the blade 12a into the
tree 13
are also within the scope of the claimed invention, for example the
alternatives
mentioned hereinabove with respect to the other versions of the tree tap. The
blade 12a
then penetrates the tree 13 by spreading and deforming tree fibers. Typically,
the blade
12a is self-piercing so that no aperture or recess is formed in the tree 13 to
receive the
blade 12a prior to driving the blade 12a into the tree 13. However, in some
embodiments, a small slit of a volume and depth much smaller than the blade
12a may
be made to guide insertion of the blade 12a, as mentioned above.
[00119] Referring to FIG 15, in some embodiments, after the blade 12a
has
been driven into the tree 13, a bit 64 mounted to a drill 66 is then inserted
through the
passageway 22a to drill a cavity 62 (seen in FIG. 16) in the tree 13 adjacent
the blade
distal end 29a through the passageway 22a.lt should be notes that the bit 64
only
removes tree tissues from the tree 13 from within the tree 13. Closer to the
tree outer
surface 15, most or all the tree tissues have only been spread apart, not
removed, from
the tree 13, in opposition to conventional tree tapping techniques. Also, the
diameter of
the cavity 62 can be smaller than the diameter of tree tapping holes drilled
conventionally. Indeed, in conventional drilling, the aperture must match the
outside
diameter of the tree tap, while in the present invention, is it this inside
diameter, ie the
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-12-03
24
diameter of the passageway 22a that is matched. It was discovered that
removing small
portion of tree tissue adjacent the sap collecting aperture 24a resulted in
better sap
collection performance. This removal is made possible because of the
rectilinear shape
of the passageway 22a and of the alignment between the sap collecting aperture
24a
and the outlet 16a. Sap will then fill the cavity 62 and can be removed from
the tree
through the passageway 22a.
[00120] Once the sap collecting season is over, a hammer or a similar
tool can
be used to pry the tree tap 10a out of the tree 22a, for example by inserting
the hammer
between the tree 13 and the flange 33a. In some embodiments, the bark 15 is
protected
with, for example, a rubber panel during this operation. Then, as seen in FIG.
17, the
aperture made in the tree 13 by the blade 12a can close and only the cavity 62
remains
open in the tree. Since this cavity 62 is away from the tree outer surface 15,
insects and
other tree parasites will not easily occupy the cavity 62 and the tree 13 can
heal faster
than when a conventional tree tap is used.
[00121] For example, and non-limitingly, the tree tap 10 can be
inserted so
that the sap collecting aperture 24a has its proximal end about 1cm deep into
the tree
13. In a specific embodiment, the passageway 22a has a diameter of about 4.8
mm, the
overall length of the tree tap 10a is about 70 mm, the longitudinal extension
of the sap
collecting aperture 24a is about 17.3 mm and the blade 12a tapers over a
length of
about 25.4 mm. The cavity 62 may have a length of about 30 to 50 mm. However,
other
dimensions for the tree tap 10 and the cavity 62 are within the scope of the
invention.
[00122] FIGS. 18 to 20 illustrate yet another example of a tree tap
10b.
Referring more specifically to FIG. 20, in the tree tap 10b, the passageway
22b defines
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-12-03
25
a substantially rectilinear passageway main portion 70b extending from the sap
collecting aperture 24b, the passageway main portion 70b defining a passageway
longitudinal axis 23b. The passageway main portion 70b is therefore similar to
the
passageway 22a of the tree tap 10a. However, instead of being rectilinear from
the sap
collecting aperture 24b to the outlet 14b, the passageway 22b also defines a
passageway auxiliary portion 72b extending from the passageway main portion
70b at
an angle relative thereto and leading to the outlet 14b. The tree tap 10b
further defines
an auxiliary aperture 74b leading substantially coaxially into the passageway
main
portion 70b substantially opposed to the sap collecting aperture 24b. The
passageway
22b is therefore similar to the passageway 22a to which the passageway
auxiliary
portion 72b has been added.
[00123] It should be noted that designating portions of the passageway
22b as
"main" and "auxiliary" portions does not mean that one is longer than the
other
necessarily, although the passageway main portion 70b is typically longer than
the
passageway auxiliary portion 72.
[00124] The passageway 22b is substantially L-shaped between the sap
collecting aperture 24b and the outlet 14b. To that effect, the passageway
auxiliary
portion 72b is perpendicular to the passageway main portion 70b. However, any
other
angle between the passageway auxiliary portion 72b and the passageway main
portion 70b is within the scope of the appended claims. Also, both rectilinear
and non-
rectilinear passageway auxiliary portions 72b are within the scope of the
appended
claims.
[00125] In some embodiments, a cap 76b for selectively obstructing the
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-12-03
26
auxiliary aperture 74b is provided. The cap 76b may be in the form of a plug
that
obstructs the auxiliary aperture 74b when inserted thereinto, as seen in FIGS.
18 and
19. The cap 76b is removed from the auxiliary aperture 74b in FIG. 20.
Typically, when
sap is collected through the outlet 24b, the cap 76b obstructs the auxiliary
aperture 74b.
The cap 76b may be removed for cleaning the and/or sanitizing the tree tap 10b
once
sap collection has been completed. The cap 76b may frictionally engage the
passageway 22b of may be screwed thereinto, among other possibilities. The cap
76b
may also protrude from the auxiliary aperture 74b in some embodiments to
facilitate
removal of the cap 76b from the auxiliary aperture 74b.
[00126] FIGS. 21 to 28 collectively illustrate yet another example of a
tree tap
10c. The tree tap 10c is similar to the tree tap 10b except that the blade 12c
thereof is
laterally symmetrical and defines two laterally opposed sap collecting
apertures 24c
leading into the passageway 22c. The blade 12c may be distally curved, instead
of
defining a straight edge. Only the differences between the tree taps 10b and
10c are
described in details herein.
[00127] The passageway 22c defines a passageway main portion 70c that
is
not rectilinear along its whole length. The passageway main portion includes a
proximal
portion 80c, formed in the anvil 20c, leading to a distal portion 82c, formed
in the blade
12c. The proximal portion 80c is for example of cylindrical configuration with
a relatively
large diameter to allow a drill bit (not shown in FIGS. 21 to 28) to reach the
sap
collecting apertures 24c. Indeed, due to their placement on the side surfaces
of the
blade 12c, the sap collecting apertures 24c are off the longitudinal axis of
the proximal
portion 80c. Therefore, a drill bit reaching and exiting through the sap
collecting
apertures 24c will be angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the blade
12c, and will
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-12-03
27
therefore need a passageway main portion that extends laterally over a
distance large
enough to allow the drill bit to reach the distal portion 82c at an angle
through the
auxiliary aperture 74c, which can be capped similarly to what has been
described
above. A flange 84c is formed between the sap collecting apertures 24c in the
distal
portion 82c to defines distal portion first and second halves 86c and 88c,
each located
in a respective side of the blade 12. The flange 84c acts as a guide for the
drill bit when
the latter is used to drill cavities, similar to the cavity 62, each adjacent
a respective one
of the sap collecting apertures 24c.
[00128] In some embodiments, the auxiliary aperture 74c and the
proximal
portion 80c have similar diameters so that the auxiliary aperture 74c is the
end of a
cylindrical proximal portion.
[00129] In some embodiments, the distal portion 82c is substantially V-
shaped, such as similarly to the Boolean union of two cylinders each extending
between
a respective one of the sap collecting apertures 24c and the proximal portion
80c,
typically of a diameter smaller than the proximal portion 80c. The cylinders
have, in
some embodiments, their longitudinal axes intersecting in the proximal portion
80c. The
cylinders have a diameter similar to the diameter of a drill bit that is used
to drill the
cavities 62 adjacent the sap collecting apertures 24c. In some embodiments,
when
these cylinders are projected to continue up to the auxiliary aperture 74c,
the maximal
distance between the outer edges of these cylinders at the auxiliary aperture
74c is
similar or equal to a diameter of the auxiliary aperture 74c.
[00130] In use, the tree tap 10c is inserted in the tree similarly to
the tree tap
10b and two cavities are then drilled in the tree, one adjacent a respective
one of the
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-12-03
28
sap collecting apertures 24c. When the drill bit is used to drill cavities 62,
the drill bit is
at an angle relative to the symmetry axis of the blade 12.
[00131] In yet other embodiments, as seen in the tree tap 10d of FIGS.
29 and
30, a sap collecting aperture 24d if provided at the blade distal end 29d,
longitudinally
aligned with the passageway 22d.
[00132] Example
[00133] 4 to 5 feet long maple tree trunk segments were collected in
the winter
and brought at room temperature upstanding with their bottom portion in water.
Trunks
were tapped using conventional taps and with the tree tap 10a with and without
drilling
the cavity 62. Sap was collected using negative pressure provided by
commercial
equipment with all cases. Initially, all samples provided sap at similar
rates. However,
then the cavity 62 was absent, a gradual reduction in the sap flow was
observed in the
tree taps 10a over a period of a few days. This reduction was not observed
with the tree
tap 10a with the cavity 62a present.
[00134] Although the present invention has been described hereinabove
by
way of exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be readily appreciated that many
modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially
departing
from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, the
scope of the
claims should not be limited by the exemplary embodiments, but should be given
the
broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-12-03