Maple Tap With Sleeve

Abstract

Disclosed is a device for maple sap harvesting, which includes an assembly of a tubular sleeve which is removably mounted inside a tubular section of a tap. The tubular sleeve may be molded from a food-grade, anti-bacterial material. The tubular sleeve is inserted into the tap before the tap is driven into a maple tree. When the tap is removed from the tree at the conclusion of the sap harvest period, the sleeve may be discarded. The next season, a new sleeve is placed in the tap, with the new sleeve containing no residual bacterial contamination from the previous season of use.

Claims

1-4. (canceled)

5. A device for maple sap harvesting, comprising: a tap with a tubular cross-section; a first portion of the tap configured to attach to collection lines; a tubular sleeve with a first end and a second end, the sleeve configured to removably mount inside a second portion of the tap.

6. The device of claim 5, further including a flange on the first end of the sleeve, the flange abutting an end of the second portion of the tap when the sleeve is fully inserted into the tap.

7. The device of claim 5, in which the tubular sleeve and the tap are made of different materials.

8. The device of claim 5, in which the tubular sleeve is made from high-density polyethylene.

9. The device of claim 5, in which the tubular sleeve's material includes an anti-bacterial additive.

10. The device of claim 5, in which the tap includes a neck, with the second end of the sleeve abutting the neck when the sleeve is fully inserted into the tap.

11. The device of claim 5, in which the first portion of the tap is configured to attach to collection lines.

12. The device of claim 5, in which the first portion of the tap is configured to attach to a spout, and the spout is configured to attach to collection lines.

13. The device of claim 5, in which the tap includes a bend of approximately 90 degrees.

14. The device of claim 12, in which the spout includes a bend of approximately 90 degrees.

15. A device for maple sap harvesting, comprising: a tubular sleeve configured to removably mount inside a tubular tap; the sleeve having a first end and a second end; a flange on the first end of the sleeve, the flange abutting an end of the tap when the sleeve is fully inserted into the tap.

16. The device of claim 15, in which the tubular sleeve is made from high-density polyethylene.

17. The device of claim 15, in which the tubular sleeve's material includes an anti-bacterial additive.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0010] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present system

[0011] FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the present system

[0012] FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of the present system

[0013] FIG. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the present system

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the design includes a sleeve in conjunction with a tap and/or tap extension. Sleeve 3 slides into tap 2, with tap 2 in female configuration and sleeve 3 in a male configuration. Both are tubular in cross section. Thus, tubular sleeve 3 mounts into the tubular section of tap 2, together forming an assembly. Spout 1 then slides on to tap 3, with tubing (not shown) attached to spout 1 at 5, with the sap flowing in the direction of the arrows.

[0015] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment using identical components 2 and 3, but 1A is configured to attach different diameter tubing than that shown in FIG. 1. FIGS. 3 and 4 show additional variations. The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 uses a one-piece tap and spout piece 8, or combination tap 8, with sleeve 3 fitting directly into combination piece 8. FIG. 4 shows an additional embodiment configured to attach to different diameter tubing than that shown in FIG. 3.

[0016] In all cases, sleeve 3 preferably includes flange 10. In FIG. 1, when sleeve 3 is fully inserted into tap 2, flange 10 abuts end 15 of tap 2, with the left-end of sleeve 3 (as shown) abutting neck 12 of tap 2.

[0017] Known prior art shows arrangements of taps and lines, but lack a sleeve such as sleeve 3. Sleeve 3 provides numerous benefits, as will be explained. Each year, new holes are drilled in the tree, and the spout is then driven into the tree. The entire extension and spout is removed from the tree at the end of each sap season. The pieces are then either discarded, or the tap's sap passageway is cleaned to remove bacteria build-up that accumulates during the sap flow process. Therefore, one benefit of the present system is that the small, inexpensive sleeve may be discarded, but the entire tap may be re-used.

[0018] The clearance between the tap and the hole in a tree is tight enough such that the spout and/or extension must be driven into the tree, typically with a mallet. Thus, the spout/extension material must be strong enough to withstand hammering without being damaged. This limits the choice of plastic materials that may be used for a tap and/or spout. Typically, taps are made of nylon or polycarbonate to maintain sufficient strength. With the present system, sleeve 3 is not limited to materials that must withstand the force of be hammered into a tree. Thus, sleeve may be made of types of plastic which may be softer and smoother than that of the spout/extension, but that have desirable traits such as a greater resistance to bacteria growth, and/or a more slippery surface. Such traits reduce bacteria growth during the sap flowing season, and thus may increase sap yields. Examples of suitable materials for sleeve 3 include but are not limited to high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Further, anti-bacterial additives may be includes in the HDPE material.

[0019] The inner diameter of sleeve 3 is smaller than that of the inner diameter of a typical tap. Therefore, sleeve 3's smaller diameter may increase sap yields, by improving the natural vacuum effect of the system.

[0020] The dimensions of the sleeve system as shown by 3 may be configured to a new, dedicated tap, or may be configured to be compatible with any existing taps.

[0021] Although the present system has been described with respect to one or more embodiments, it will be understood that other embodiments of the present system may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present system. Hence, the present system is deemed limited only by claims and the reasonable interpretation thereof.