Device and method for securing a tree to be felled

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for securing a tree to be felled, comprising a rail device (12) which includes at least two rails (21) which are connected to each other by a joint (22) and are adjustable at an angle to each other, with tensioning elements (16) which can be attached to the rail device (12), with at least one working rope (16) which is designed to wrap around a tree trunk (36) in order to form a lower stop (41) on the tree trunk (36) and has a length to extend along the tensioning elements (16) for fixing the rail device (12) to the tree trunk (36) up to an upper stop (24) which is formed by wrapping around the tree trunk (36).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for securing a tree to be felled and a method for doing so.

[0002] The European Union has the Habitats Directive (FFH Directive), which aims to protect and preserve natural habitats and wild flora and fauna. Due to increasing infrastructure, it is necessary to construct new transport routes. If these routes pass through areas containing trees or stands of trees that provide habitat for an animal protected under the Habitats Directive, it is necessary to relocate these trees, also known as habitat trees, while respecting species conservation. This means that these habitat trees must not be destroyed. They must be felled in a controlled manner so that they can be safely relocated and replanted at a neighboring site. This ensures the continued habitat for the protected animal at the adjacent location.

[0003] Protected animals, such as those living in tree trunks, can weaken the trunk through cavities or similar features. Therefore, it is necessary to fell such habitat trees, which are at risk of breaking, in a safe manner so that the tree's structure is preserved and it can be replanted at a nearby location to fully maintain the habitat.

[0004] German patent DE 103 15 939 B3 discloses a tree hinge for the safe and controlled felling of trees. A lower plate with a clamping device is attached to a tree trunk. This lower plate is connected via a hinge to an upper plate, which can also be attached to a tree trunk with a clamping device. The tree hinge tilts the upper plate relative to the lower plate in a controlled manner around a horizontally oriented pivot axis of the hinge in a single direction, so that the sawn-off tree trunk is felled in only one direction.

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of proposing a protective device for securing a tree to be felled, by which the tree can be felled safely while maintaining its structure. Furthermore, the invention is based on the objective of proposing a method for securing a tree to be felled so that the tree to be relocated can be felled safely and relocated to another location while maintaining its existing structure.

[0006] This task is solved by a protective device with a rail device comprising at least two rails connected to each other by a joint and which can be changed at an angle to each other, and with tensioning elements attachable to the rail device, as well as with at least one working rope designed to wrap around a tree trunk to form a lower stop on the tree trunk and extending from there along the tensioning elements to fix the rail device to the tree trunk up to an upper stop on the tree trunk, wherein when a tensile force is applied to the at least one working rope, the lower stop, the tensioning elements, the rails and the upper stop are positioned firmly against the tree trunk.

[0007] This safety device has the advantage that the rail assembly can be positioned in the area of ​​the tree trunk where it is at risk of breaking, for example, where there is a hollow, in order to stabilize this area. Furthermore, this safety device has the advantage that the tree trunk or tree stump is held in an upright position, i.e., in a vertical orientation, below the lower stop until the end of the saw cut. This means that the tree trunk will not fall over after the saw cut and potentially be damaged.

[0008] Preferably, the rails of the rail device are designed as elongated or elongated rectangular rail elements with a contact surface. This contact surface allows the rails to rest against the tree bark without causing crushing or indentations that could further damage the tree trunk. Advantageously, the rail elements are made of wood, particularly wooden boards.

[0009] The joint of the rail device advantageously allows the rails to be adjusted within an angle range of at least 90 degrees relative to each other. This enables easy adaptation to different tree trunk diameters.

[0010] Preferably, the joint of the rail device is formed by a rod on which articulated arms are arranged to be slidable and / or rotatable along the longitudinal axis of the rod. This allows for a simple and robust design for receiving the rail elements.

[0011] Preferably, the articulated arms each have a rod section and a sleeve at one end of the rod section through which the rod can be passed to form the joint.

[0012] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that at least two articulated arms are connected to a rail. This allows for a sufficiently rigid design of the rail device to secure the fracture-prone area of ​​the tree trunk.

[0013] In particular, each rail is provided with retaining lugs positioned opposite the mounting surface, allowing the rail to be detachably and relatively slidably attached to the articulated arms. This, in turn, enables easy adjustment to the diameter of the tree trunk for fixing the rail device.

[0014] The tensioning elements of the protective device preferably consist of a retaining cable and a turnbuckle, pulley, or shackle. Firstly, a free end of the retaining cable can be easily attached to the joint, particularly the pole. Secondly, the working cable can be quickly threaded through the pulley, turnbuckle, or similar device to reduce the assembly time of the protective device on the tree trunk.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rail device is designed to consist of two rails connected by a joint, or of three rails connected by two joints, or of four rails connected by three joints, etc. Depending on the diameter of the tree trunk and the features to be secured on the tree trunk, it may also be necessary for the tree trunk to be almost completely supported by the rail device. Alternatively, this can be achieved by attaching two or more protective devices, each comprising one or more rails with joints positioned between them.

[0016] Preferably, the working rope is designed as a load-bearing rope, particularly with steel cables. This advantageously has a high load-bearing capacity, since such a tree trunk can weigh one ton or more.

[0017] Furthermore, the protective device preferably includes at least one tension strap by which the rail device can be pre-fixed against the tree trunk. This allows the protective device to be positioned quickly and easily, particularly with regard to a hollow in the tree trunk, and then pre-fixed with the tension strap until the working rope and the tensioning elements are connected.

[0018] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the upper stop, which is intended for fixing to the upper end of the tree trunk, is designed as an auxiliary pulley through which the working rope is guided away from the tree trunk after being wrapped around it to form the upper stop. This creates a lower stop and, further away, an upper stop along which the working rope extends and a tensile tension can be applied, so that the working rope can engage with tension at both the lower and upper stops, and at the same time the rail device can be securely held against the tree.

[0019] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the upper stop is designed as a rope pulley device with at least one rope brake. This rope pulley device enables, firstly, simple and quick attachment of the protective device to the tree trunk. Simultaneously, it provides increased safety when handling the tree trunk. Furthermore, the rope brake allows a set tension on the working rope to be maintained.

[0020] The cable-operated device advantageously has a support structure which includes a bearing surface on its underside that can be positioned on an end face of the tree trunk after a saw cut has been made. This allows, for example, the tree trunk to be subjected to a tensile force along its longitudinal axis on at least one working cable in order to handle the tree trunk in a vertically oriented manner.

[0021] The cable-operated device preferably has at least one receptacle on the supporting structure, to which or through which the rod of the at least one joint can be attached or guided. This has the advantage of enabling a secure connection between the upper stop and the at least one rod of the rail device.

[0022] The cable-operated device is equipped with at least two pulleys for the at least one working cable, between which the cable brake is positioned and attached to the support structure. This allows for simplified handling.

[0023] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that one of the at least two deflection pulleys is designed as a brake pulley, which is freely rotatable in one direction and blocked in the opposite direction. Preferably, the brake pulley has a length such that at least one, and preferably several, turns of the working rope encircle a circumferential surface of the brake pulley. This design of the at least one deflection pulley as a brake pulley has the advantage that when the cable-operated device is lifted, simple tensioning of the cable-operated device is possible, and when the cable-operated device is released, the holding force or braking force of the working rope can be maintained.This is achieved in particular by mounting the brake pulley on the support structure of the cable-operated device in such a way that free rotation is possible when the device is lifted, whereas the brake pulley locks when the device is released. Advantageously, a freewheel is provided in the brake pulley. Additionally, the width of the deflection pulley can provide further braking effect, allowing multiple turns of the working rope to wrap around its circumference. This also allows for a smaller brake mechanism to be used on the support structure. Specifically, it is provided that a deflection pulley is provided on the support structure for each working rope, with the two brake pulleys arranged in opposite directions to each other on the support structure with respect to free rotation.

[0024] The support structure of the cable-pulling device preferably features deflection pulleys centrally arranged on the support structure for the synchronous application of a tension force to several working cables. Particularly with tree trunks of very large diameter, two or more rail devices are preferably fixed to the tree trunk. The centrally arranged deflection pulleys on the support structure allow the at least two working cables to be guided upwards centrally, especially near the vertical longitudinal axis of the tree trunk, so that, for example, a crane hook can engage them.

[0025] According to a further preferred embodiment of the protective device, the rails of the rail system are pivotable into a transport position in which the articulated arms can be positioned between the opposing rails. This allows for a space-saving arrangement for transport.

[0026] The problem underlying the invention is further solved by a method for securing a tree to be felled with a protective device, which in particular employs a protective device according to one of the preceding claims. In this method for securing the tree to be felled, a rail device, comprising at least two rails connected by a joint and which are adjustable at an angle to each other, is positioned on the tree trunk so that the rails rest against the trunk. A working rope is positioned at a lower end of the tree trunk and above the saw cut to be made in order to form a lower stop. The working rope is then connected to tensioning elements attached to the rail device and further guided upwards to form an upper stop above the rail device or in an upper region of the tree trunk.From there, a free end of the working rope is led away. This method of securing a tree to be felled ensures that the tree trunk remains vertically aligned during and after the saw cut. The tree trunk can then be moved in this vertical orientation. Alternatively, the sawn-off tree trunk can subsequently be transferred in a controlled manner to a horizontal transport vehicle.

[0027] Preferably, the working rope, which is guided through the tensioning elements, fixes the rail device in contact with the tree trunk. Simultaneously, the working rope can fix the tree trunk at the lower stop to an upper stop, thus enabling vertical securing of the tree trunk even after the saw cut has been made.

[0028] In particular, the design provides for the working rope to be redirected via an auxiliary pulley at the upper stop in order to secure the free end of the working rope to a crane or crane arm. Alternatively, the auxiliary pulley can be mounted on the crane arm. This allows the log to be aligned while suspended freely after the saw cut has been made, and the auxiliary pulley facilitates the alignment of the log and the maintenance of tension in the working rope.

[0029] After the protective device is attached to the tree to be secured, the free end of the working rope is preferably fixed to a crane arm and held under tension by the crane arm, starting from the lower stop and running along the tensioning elements via the auxiliary stops. This enables a self-supporting arrangement of the protective device against the tree trunk.

[0030] In particular, the protective device is intended to be positioned in an area of ​​the tree trunk prone to breakage. Such prone sections of the tree trunk can be caused by cavities, for example, from a woodpecker hole or the like.

[0031] The invention, as well as further advantageous embodiments and developments thereof, are described and explained in more detail below with reference to the examples shown in the drawings. The features that can be derived from the description and the drawings can be applied individually or in any combination according to the invention. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a schematic view of a rail device of a protective device, Fig. 2 a schematic side view of a rail of the rail device according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a schematic front view of the protective device in a transport position, Fig. 4 a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of the rail device Fig. 1, Fig. 5 a schematic view of the protective device on a tree trunk, Fig. 6 a schematic side view of the rail device on the tree trunk, Fig. 7 a schematic side view of the tensioning elements of the rail device secured by a working rope, Fig. 8 a schematic view of the tree trunk according to Fig. 6, Fig. 9 a schematically enlarged view of the upper stop with an auxiliary roller, Fig. 10 a schematically enlarged view of the upper stop in an alternative embodiment to Fig. 9. Fig. 11 a schematic side view of the tree trunk with two rail devices, Fig. 12 a schematic side view of an alternative embodiment of an upper stop of the rail device, and Fig. 13 a schematic view from above of the upper stop according to Fig. 12.

[0032] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a protective device 11. This protective device 11 comprises a rail device 12, to which clamping elements 14 can be attached, and a working rope 16.

[0033] The rail device 12 comprises, for example, two rails 21 which are connected to each other by a common joint 22. The rails 21 are formed as elongated or elongated rectangular elements. In particular, the rails 21 consist of a wooden strip or wooden boards or of another suitable material. The joint 22 is formed by a rod 23 on which articulated arms 24 are arranged. The articulated arm 24 comprises a rod section 26 and a sleeve 27 arranged at one end of the rod section 26.

[0034] The sleeve 27 surrounds the rod 23. This allows the articulated arm 24 to be guided both slidably along the longitudinal axis of the rod 23 and rotatably arranged around the rod 23.

[0035] The rail 21 has a contact surface 28 on its front side. Retaining lugs 29 are arranged on the rear side, as shown in a side view according to [reference to figure]. Fig. Figure 2 shows the arrangement. The retaining lugs 29 are sized to allow the rod section 26 of the articulated arm 24 to pass through them. Preferably, two articulated arms 24 are provided to pivot a rail 21 to the joint 22. The retaining lugs 29 arranged on the rail 21 allow the rail 21 to be slidably mounted along the rod sections 26. This allows the two opposing rails 21, which are associated with the common joint 22, to be adjusted in distance from each other and / or in height relative to each other. The articulated arms 24 are independently slidable along the rod 23. In addition, the sleeve 27 of the articulated arm 24 is rotatably arranged relative to the rod 23. This allows the contact surfaces 28 of the rails 21 to be positioned at different heights and / or at different angles relative to each other.Alternatively, it could also be provided that the articulated arms 24 engage the rod 22 by means of a connecting element that differs from the sleeve 27, so that the articulated arm 24 can be aligned differently from a right-angled orientation to the rod 32.

[0036] The tensioning element 16 preferably consists of a retaining cable 31 and a pulley 32 arranged at one end of the retaining cable 31. The tensioning element 16 is detachably attached to the pole 23 by the retaining cable 31. Alternatively, a shackle connected to the retaining cable 31 can be provided to attach the tensioning element 16 to the pole 23. Advantageously, the retaining cable 31 is attached directly to the pole 23, which also allows the length of the retaining cable 31 to be adjusted to the diameter of the tree trunk, as will be described below.

[0037] The working rope 16 preferably has an eyelet 33 at one end. An attachment point can be provided at the opposite end. This attachment point can be designed such that it can be passed through the eyelet 33 as well as the tensioning elements 14, in particular rope pulleys 32.

[0038] In Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic view of the protective device 11 according to Fig. Figure 1 shows the rails in a transport position 19. In this transport position 19, the rails 21 are positioned with their backs facing each other. Due to the offset arrangement of the articulated arms 24 on the rails 21, they can be positioned adjacent to each other between the two rails 21. This allows for a small packing size for transport.

[0039] In Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of the rail device 12 according to Fig. Figure 1 shows the embodiment. In this embodiment, the rail device 12 comprises, for example, three rails 21, with a joint 22 positioned between each pair of adjacent rails 21. The design of the joint 22 and the construction of the rails 21 correspond to the rail device 12 shown in Figure 1. Fig. 1. This embodiment allows a larger wrap angle of a tree trunk 36 to be protected by the rail device 12. Alternatively, it can be provided that a further rail 21 can be added to the rail device 12 by means of an additional joint 22. It can also be provided that the widths of the rails 21 differ from one another. Accordingly, the joint arms 24 are shortened or lengthened.

[0040] This arrangement also allows the rails 21, which may differ in length and / or width, to be aligned at different heights to each other and / or overlapping each other.

[0041] It can also be provided that two or more rails 21 are arranged in a row one behind the other along the rod 22, so that a longer contact surface can be created from two or more rails 21 when viewed in the longitudinal axis of the tree trunk 36.

[0042] It can also be provided that, in the case of multiple joints 22, the length of the rod 23 and / or the length of the contact surface 28 of the rails 21 can differ from one another. This allows for simple and individual adaptation to the respective tree 35 to be transported.

[0043] Alternatively, it can be provided that, for example, the right and left joints 21 are fixed to the middle rail 21 and only the two outer rails 21 are adjustable in distance to the joint 21. The in Fig. The arrangement shown in Figure 4 is thus a modular structure in which several rails 21 can be joined together with a joint 22 to form the rail device 12. The length of each rail and / or the length of each rod can be individually selected to allow for optimal support of the tree 35. Furthermore, this allows several areas prone to breakage on a tree trunk 36 to be secured individually or as a whole.

[0044] In Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a tree 35, a so-called habitat tree. This tree 35 has, for example, a cavity 37. This could be a woodpecker hole. Such a tree 35 must be relocated in a structurally secure manner to preserve the habitat of the animal, in this example, the woodpecker. This tree 35 is at risk of breakage in the area of ​​the cavity 37. The protective device 11 according to the invention is used for relocating the tree 35 to comply with the Habitats Directive and various legal requirements.

[0045] First, the rail device 12 is aligned with the hollow 37 of a tree trunk 36 and pre-fixed. This pre-fixing can be done, for example, with a tension strap. Preferably, the rails 21 are aligned adjacent to the hollow 37. For example, the rod 23 can run within the hollow 37. Next, the working rope 16 is attached to a lower stop 41. This lower stop 41 is formed by wrapping the working rope 16 around the tree trunk 36. The working rope 16 is passed through the eyelet 33. Subsequently, the working rope 16 is passed through the tensioning elements 14 to fix the rail device 12 to the tree trunk 36. Advantageously, the retaining rope 31 of the tensioning elements 16 is fixed in length relative to the joint 21 such that the retaining eyelets 29 are aligned with a slight radial offset relative to each other when viewed vertically.The working rope 16 is then guided to an upper end region of the tree trunk 36. A stop 44 is formed above the rail device 12, particularly in an upper region of the tree trunk 36. This stop 44 is formed by the working rope 16 wrapping around the tree trunk 36. Preferably, an auxiliary pulley 45 is provided on the stop 44, through which the working rope 16 is guided after the stop 44 has been formed. The free end of the working rope 16 can then be attached to a crane arm 47, as is done, for example, in [reference to relevant document]. Fig. 8 and Fig. The crane arm 47 is then lifted at least slightly, so that a tensile stress is applied to the working rope 16.

[0046] The protective device 11 for securing the tree 35 to be felled is now positioned and fixed. A saw cut 48 can then be made into the tree trunk 36. After completion of the saw cut 48, the tree trunk 36 is held in its vertical orientation. The tree 35 can then be moved to a new location in this orientation. Alternatively, the tree 35 can be lowered in a controlled manner for subsequent transport in a horizontal position. The protective device 11 preferably remains attached to the tree trunk 36, allowing the tree 35 to be transported using the protective device 11, then erected and secured at its new location.

[0047] In Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic view of the rail device 12, which is positioned adjacent to the tree trunk 36. The contact surfaces 28 of the rails 31 rest against the tree bark. In particular, they also bridge the cavity 37 shown as an example laterally. The rails 21 are fixed adjacent to the tree trunk 36 by the retaining cables 31.

[0048] In Fig. 7 is the opposite side of the tree trunk 36 to Fig. Figure 6 shows the working rope 16 passing through the pulleys 32 of the tensioning elements 14. Preferably, the retaining ropes 31 of the tensioning elements 14 are adjusted in length such that the working rope 16 has a wave-like shape through the pulleys 32 in order to exert a tensile stress on the respective retaining rope 31 of the tensioning elements 14.

[0049] In Fig. Figure 8 shows a schematic top view of an end face 38 of a tree trunk 36 with a rail device 12 attached to it. The two rails 21 are aligned at an angle to each other and rest against the outer circumference of the tree trunk 36. This rail device 12 is held fixed to the tree trunk 36 by at least one tension strap 25. The tensioning elements 14 and the working rope 16 are still loosely positioned, as no tension or tensile force has yet been applied to the working rope 16.

[0050] In Fig. Figure 9 shows a schematically enlarged illustration of the stop 44 on the tree trunk 36 with the auxiliary pulley 45. The free end of the working rope 16 is, for example, attached to the crane arm 47.

[0051] In Fig. Figure 10 shows a schematically enlarged view of the stop 44 on the tree trunk 36. In contrast to Fig. 9 The auxiliary roller 45 is arranged on the crane arm 47. This allows the analogous effect to be achieved as in the embodiment according to Fig. 8 can be achieved.

[0052] The embodiments described above can also be combined to design the stop 44. It can also be provided that one or more working ropes 16 can be guided downwards along the tree trunk 36 by means of one or, for example, two deflection pulleys on the crane arm 47 in order to fix the corresponding number of protective devices 11 to the tree trunk 36.

[0053] The dismantling of the protective device 11 is carried out in the reverse order of the previously described attachment of the protective device 11 to the tree 35 according to Fig. 5.

[0054] In Fig. Figure 11 shows a schematic side view of a tree trunk 36, in which two protective devices 11 are positioned opposite each other on the tree trunk 36 and pre-fixed by the tension strap 25. The upper stop 44 is positioned on the upper end face 38 of the tree trunk 36. In this embodiment, the upper stop 44 is designed as a cable pull device 51. After a tensile force is applied to the at least one working cable 16 by, for example, a crane arm 47, the working cable 16 is tensioned and the rail device 12 as well as the upper stop 44 are fixed to the tree trunk 36.

[0055] In Fig. Figure 12 shows the cable pull device 51 in a side view. Fig. Figure 13 shows the cable pull device 51 in a top view.

[0056] This cable pulling device 51 includes a support structure 53. This can be made of metal, for example, it can be a welded construction or a cast construction.

[0057] A support surface 54 is provided on the underside of the support structure 53. For easy positioning of the cable pulling device 51, this support surface 54 can rest on the end face 38 of the tree trunk 36.

[0058] This cable-pulling device 51 is designed, for example, to receive and / or deflect one or more, in particular two, working ropes 16. At least one deflection pulley 56, preferably two deflection pulleys 56, is provided centrally on or in the support structure 53. These two deflection pulleys 56 are preferably located on a common axis. Extending from this central position, a right and left arm 57, 58 is formed on the support structure 53. Further deflection pulleys 59 are provided at the outer ends of each arm 57, 58. A cable-pulling brake 52 is provided between the central deflection pulleys 56 and the outer deflection pulleys 59. As soon as a tensile force is applied to the working rope 16, the cable-pulling brake 52 opens. If the working rope 16 moves in the opposite direction to the tensile force, the cable-pulling brake 52 closes automatically. The cable-pulling brake 52 can be released by actively actuating it.

[0059] Furthermore, it is preferable that the deflection pulleys 59 are designed as a so-called brake pulley. This brake pulley is freely rotatable in one direction and locks in the opposite direction. As soon as a tensile force is applied to the working rope 16, the respective brake pulley 59 is freely rotatable. If the working rope 16 moves in the opposite direction to the tensile force, the brake pulley 59 is locked. Advantageously, this brake pulley 59 has a length such that the working rope 16 is wrapped with at least one turn, preferably several turns, thus exerting an additional braking force on the working rope 16. To release the working rope 16 from the brake pulley, the operator can remove it.

[0060] The supporting structure 53 also includes arms 61 and 62. Each of these has a recess 63. This recess 63 is designed to allow the rod 23 of the rail device 12 to be guided and / or fastened to it.

[0061] Through the supporting structure 53 of the cable pulling device 51 according to the Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 The arrangement and positioning of two rail devices 12 on the tree trunk 36 can be securely aligned. Furthermore, this creates a stable protective device 11 to enable safe handling of the tree trunk 36.

[0062] After positioning the devices 12 on the tree trunk 36 and subsequently the cable winch 51 on the end face 38 of the tree trunk 36, the working cables 16 are guided through the respective tensioning elements 14. Following this, the working cables 16 are guided through the cable winch 51 so that they can be picked up and tensioned by a crane hook of a crane arm 47. A tensile force is initially applied to the working cables 16 to fix the at least one rail device 12 or rail devices 12 to the tree trunk together with the cable winch 51. Subsequently, after a lower saw cut 48 has been made, the tree trunk 36 can be lifted and transported away by the crane arm 47.

[0063] The upper stop 44, designed as a cable pull device 51, can only be used in conjunction with the single rail device 12.

[0064] For larger tree trunks 36, the rope pulling device 51 can be adapted to an increased number of working ropes 16 in the number of arms 57, 58, 61, 62 and pulleys 56. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 103 15 939 B3

[0004]

Claims

[1] Protective device for securing a tree to be felled (35) - with a rail device (12) comprising at least two rails (21) which are connected to each other by a joint (22) and are adjustable at an angle to each other, - with clamping elements (16) that can be attached to the rail device (12), - with at least one working rope (16) designed to wrap around a tree trunk (36) to form a lower stop (41) on the tree trunk (36) and having a length to extend along the tensioning elements (14) for fixing the rail device (12) to the tree trunk (36) up to an upper stop (24), wherein, when applied, a tensile force is positioned firmly around the tree trunk (36) on the at least one working rope (16), the lower stop (41), the tensioning elements (16), the rails (21) and the upper stop (24). [2] Protective device according to claim 1, characterized by, that the rails (21) are designed as elongated or elongated rectangular rail elements, each of which has a contact surface (28). [3] Protective device according to claim 2, characterized by , that the joint (22) allows the contact surfaces (28) of the rails (21) to be changed within an angle range of at least 90 degrees. [4] Protective device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the joint (22) is formed by a rod (23) on which joint arms (24) are arranged to be displaceable and / or rotatable in the longitudinal axis of the rod (23). [5] Protective device according to claim 4, characterized by , that the articulated arms (24) each have a rod section (26), and at one end of the rod section (26) comprise a sleeve (27) through which the rod (23) can be passed. [6] Protective device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by, that at least two articulated arms (24) are connected to the one rail (21). [7] Protective device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized by , that the rail (21) has retaining eyelets (29) by which the rail (21) is detachable and slidable along the articulated arms (24). [8] Protective device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the rail device (12) consists of at least two rails (21) connected by a joint (22), or is formed of at least two joints (22) with at least two connected rails (21). [9] Protective device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the working rope (16) is designed as a load-bearing rope, in particular as a steel rope or Dyneema rope. [10] Protective device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the tensioning elements (14) are formed from a retaining rope (31) and a pulley (32), a turnbuckle or a shackle provided at one end of the retaining rope (31). [11] Protective device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one tension strap (25) is provided by which the at least one rail device (21) can be pre-fixed against the tree trunk (36). [12] Protective device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the upper stop (44) is designed as an auxiliary pulley (45) through which the working rope (16) is guided away from the tree trunk (36) after it has been wrapped around it. [13] Protective device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by , that the upper stop (44) is designed as a cable pull device (51) with at least one cable pull brake (52). [14] Protective device according to claim 13, characterized by, that the cable pulling device (51) comprises a support structure (53) which has on an underside a bearing surface (54) for placement on an end face (38) of the tree trunk (36) produced by a saw cut (48). [15] Protective device according to claim 14, characterized by , that the supporting structure (53) of the cable pulling device (51) has at least one recess (63) to which or through which the at least one rod (23) of the rail device (12) can be attached or passed. [16] Protective device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized by , that at least two deflection pulleys (56, 59) are provided on the rope pulling device (51) for the at least one working rope (16), wherein the rope pulling brake (52) is positioned between the two deflection pulleys (56, 59). [17] Protective device according to claim 16, characterized by, that one of the deflection pulleys (59) of the at least two deflection pulleys (56, 59) is designed as a brake pulley which is designed to rotate freely in one direction of rotation and blocks a rotational movement in the opposite direction, and preferably the brake pulley has a length such that at least one turn of the working rope (16) wraps around a circumferential area of ​​the brake pulley. [18] Protective device according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized by , that several deflection pulleys (56) are provided centrally on the support structure (53) at the upper stop (44) for a synchronous and / or central application of a tension force to at least one working rope (16). [19] Protective device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the rails (21) of the rail device (12) can be pivoted into a transport position (19) in which the articulated arms (24) are positioned between the opposing rails (21). [20] Method for securing a tree to be felled (35) with a protective device (11), - in which a rail device (12), comprising at least two rails (21) connected by a joint (22) and which are adjustable at an angle to each other, is positioned on the tree trunk (36) so that the rails (21) are in contact with the tree trunk (36), - in which a lower stop (41) is formed with a working rope (16) at a lower end of the tree trunk (36) and above a saw cut (48) to be made, - in which the working rope (16) is connected to tensioning elements (14) attached to the rail device (12), and - in which an upper stop (44) is formed with the working rope (16) above the rail device (12) or in the upper area of ​​the tree trunk (36), or is passed through an upper stop (44). [21] Method according to claim 20, characterized by, that the working rope (16) passed through the tensioning elements (14) is held fixed against the rail device (12) in relation to the tree trunk (36). [22] Method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized by , that the at least one working rope (16) is deflected over at least one auxiliary pulley (45) designed as an upper stop (44), or over at least one auxiliary pulley (45) on a crane arm (47), or is guided or deflected through a rope pulling device (51) designed as an upper stop (44). [23] Method according to claim 22, characterized by , that the free end of at least one working rope (16) is fixed to a crane arm (47) and is held under tension by the crane arm (47) starting from the lower stop (41) along the tensioning elements (14) beyond the upper stop (44). [24] Method according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized by, that the rail device (12) is positioned extending above and below a section of the tree trunk (36) that is at risk of breaking.

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