Linear, small diameter maple spile made of stainless steel or plastic with two o-rings

Abstract

This is an original design of a small diameter maple spile. It is designed to facilitate sap movement from any sap-producing tree into the tubing. Two o-rings provide additional sealing surfaces to safeguard against leaks and increase spile visibility. Design and material provide a more hygienic connection between the tree and tubing, compared to the connection of a larger spile, which is more easily contaminated. The small size diameter of the tap hole causes less damage to the tree and consequently allows swift healing. The smaller tap hole also promotes tree health by lessening risks of bacterial and fungal infection. The linear design of this spile allows for ease of cleaning by ultrasonic means and indefinite reuse.

Claims

1. A small diameter spile that facilitates the transfer of sap from a tree into a collecting receptacle or tubing system comprising: a continuous linear body, a grooved head, one or more o-rings, and a spout barrel. a) The spile of claim 1 wherein said body is composed of resilient material. b) The spile of claim 1 wherein said body is of sufficient length to accommodate the tapping of a range of tree sizes and tree species. c) The spile of claim 1 wherein said body has a centered hole lengthwise from the head to the end of the spout barrel. d) The spile of claim 1 wherein said head has rounded edges with one or more radius grooves wherein. e) Each groove is encompassed by one or more o-rings means provision for secure sealing surfaces to prevent micro leaks. f) The spile of claim 1 wherein said spout barrel has annular v grooves. g) The spile of claim 1 wherein said spout barrel tapers. h) The spile of claim 1 obtains sap via gravity, vacuum, siphon, capillary action, or any other mode.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] The accompanying drawings further illustrate the measurements and physical characteristics of this embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 1: shows a side view orientation of the embodiment with measurement specifications.

[0017] FIG. 2: shows another side view orientation with solid fill.

[0018] FIG. 3: shows o-ring specifications from front and side views.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0019] This embodiment pertains to a small diameter maple spile. The diameter is preferably 5/32 inch, but can be other sizes as well.

[0020] This spile is comprised of the following: [0021] Stainless steel or plastic body (FIG. 1, no. 1 & FIG. 2) [0022] Two silicone o-rings (FIG. 3)
This embodiment is anticipated to be made of stainless steel. However, it can be made of any other material including but not limited to ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, plastic, and resins.

[0023] This spile includes a stainless steel body with annular V grooves (FIG. 1, no. 3) and two-silicone o-rings. (FIG. 3)

[0024] The spout barrel (FIG. 1, no. 4) is tapered at the terminal end (FIG. 1, no. 5) after the onset of annular V grooves. (FIG. 1, no. 3)

[0025] The stainless steel body (FIGS. 1 & 2) is made in a machine shop with a turret lathe. A hole is drilled through the center running lengthwise and one o-ring is placed in each of the two radius grooves (FIG. 1, no. 2) at the 0.312 inch diameter end of the spile.