AU2004200939B1 - A Termite Intrusion Early Warning Device - Google Patents

Description

A TERMITE INTRUSION EARLY WARNING DEVICE Field of the Invention.

The present invention relates to devices for identifying the presence of termites in a structure and in particular to low-impact reusable devices for early warning of termite intrusion into a structure.

Background Art.

Subterranean termites otherwise known as white ants are a major problem for household owners in Australia and particularly in sub-tropical areas such as South East Queensland. These termites have a habit or predisposition for infesting structures containing timber frames such as the average home and eating away at timber in the structure including the timber frame. The problem is exacerbated by the fact the termites often enter a structure without being detected. Further once established inside a structure they often do not show any visible external signs of their presence. As a result they can cause extensive damage to a structure by eating timber, eg of a timber frame, before their presence is noticed.

Termites often enter a structure by coming up from the ground through or around cracks in a concrete slab or timber members forming the floor. Once they have passed upwardly through any opening to a position where they are above the floor they have unlimited access to the timber frame of the structure. The frame comprises a plurality of rectangular frames comprising rectangular members that are plates and vertical members that are studs covered by internal wall sheeting and an external wall cladding. Timber frames are generally made out of a variety of different timbers. The termites can move along the plates, in particular the lowermost plate and up and down the studs.

Existing management protocols typically rely on regular inspection of structures by pest control inspectors to endeavour to identify the existence of termites early on and before they have caused damage to the structure. Typically these inspectors inspect the concrete slab, roof and wall cavities and general garden area of a house to look for evidence of termite invasion. These inspections might typically be conducted once a year. Inspectors use infra red detectors, moisture detectors and pin head cameras inserted into a wall cavity to find the termites. These techniques are well known in the art and do not form part of this invention.

Regular inspections of a structure for evidence of termite presence are

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very important. Left unchecked termites will literally eat the entire underlying frame structure of a house.

However the cost and effort of having an annual termite inspection conducted by a pest control professional is too high for many people. In fact many home owners have never had a termite inspection conducted. In addition this practice of having annual inspections has its limitations. Termites can affect a lot of damage in the time between annual inspections.

One prior art device aimed at assisting a homeowner identifying the presence of termites includes a termite bait element which includes material which is typically eaten by termites, the bait element being removably insertable into a wall having a wall frame so that the material is accessible to termites located in the wall frame.

Often there is a wall cavity associated with the wall frame, eg adjacent the frame.

The essence of the prior art device resides in inserting a termite bait element into a wall frame where it will attract the attention of any termites present in the wall frame. The termites will consume or attack the bait element thereby indicating the presence of termites when the termite bait element is withdrawn from the wall frame and inspected. The element is positioned in the space between the various members making up the frame.

The inventor of this prior art device envisaged that this element will be inspected at regular intervals for evidence of termite activity, hence the need for the bait element to be removable. The inventor of the prior art device suggests a system allowing for very frequent checks, eg every month or every fortnight in high risk areas.

Clearly therefore identifying the early presence of termites in a structure remains a challenge in termite control. Clearly it would be desirable if a system could be devised to enable home owners to recognise or be alerted to the presence of termites in between regular pest control inspections. Such a system would best include a set-and-forget type alert means, as it is well recognised that homeowners may forget or neglect to perform inspections if the system requires active checking by the homeowner.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

Summary of the Invention.

The present invention is directed to a termite intrusion early warning device, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

In a broad form, the invention resides in a termite intrusion early warning device including a shaft, the shaft having a retracted and forward condition being biased to the forward condition and a termite bait element positioned relative to the shaft to maintain the shaft in the retracted condition until the termite bait element is compromised by termite activity.

Suitably the device further comprises a means to move the shaft from the retracted condition to the forward condition including the termite bait element and a biasing means wherein the termite bait element maintains the indicator means in the retracted condition until the structural integrity of the termite bait element is compromised due to termite activity.

The device will suitably be releasably secured in an opening in a wall or the like in a structure that a user wishes to protect from termites.

The shaft may be associated with an indicating means to catch the attention of a user when in the forward condition.

The means for moving the shaft from the retracted condition to the forward condition in response to termite activity may preferably include a termite bait element and a biasing means wherein the termite bait element maintains the shaft in the retracted condition until the structural integrity of the termite bait element is compromised due to termite activity.

In a second form the invention resides in a termite intrusion early warning device comprising means to releasably secure the device relative to a wall, a sacrificial termite bait element, an indicator means having a forward condition and a retracted condition, and a biasing means to bias the indicator means into the retracted condition until the termite bait element is compromised by termite activity.

The device will suitably be inserted into a wall in a structure that a user wishes to monitor and may be provided with a means to releasably secure the device relative to a wall. The wall will typically have an opening formed in the wall in order to insert the device. More than one device will suitably be used in any one wall in order to more accurately monitor termite activity in the structure. It is particularly preferred that a network of devices be used in walls of a structure. The devices may be located in a lower portion of a wall adjacent to but spaced from the floor. The spacing between adjacent devices may be in the region of 2 to 4 metres, preferably about 2 to 3 metres, although these distances may be varied.

The network of devices when properly located will suitably be spaced around the periphery of the structure. An increased concentration of the devices may be used around particular areas such as damp areas, bathrooms, ensuites, laundries and other areas where termites are likely to sub-nest.

The device may be any shape suited to the purpose but preferably, the device will be cylindrical having a longitudinal dimension and a radial dimension.

Suitably, the radial dimension will correspond to the dimension of a standard drill bit such that a drill can be used to form an opening in a wall. The device may then be inserted into the opening and retained there.

The means for releasably securing the detector device relative to a wall will preferably be a housing. The housing may suitably be cylindrical and hollow.

The housing may also contain the biasing means to bias the indicator means into the retracted condition. The housing may suitably be cylindrical and hollow. It may be manufactured from any suitable material but it is preferred that it manufactured from a rigid material such as a light metal or plastic.

The housing will suitably take the form of a cylinder. The housing or cylinder will suitably have a cylindrical sidewall and a basewall. The housing will generally have at least one opening at either end, and preferably a large opening at a first end and a small opening through the basewall. The external diameter of the housing may suitably be sized to allow the device to be fitted into an opening in a wall formed by standard drill bit sizes.

The large opening may suitably associated with a plug to cover the opening and to form a flush fitting with the wall into which the device is positioned.

The first end of the housing may be provided with a radial flange, extending from the cylindrical sidewall adjacent the first end. The flange may assist with locating the device, namely it should prevent the device being pushed through the opening formed in the wall and into the cavity behind the wall, and it will preferably also assist with the retention of the device in the opening. An adhesive may be applied to the flange to secure the flange to the wall surface adjacent the opening into which the device is inserted.

The housing will generally be approximately as long, from the radial flange to the basewall, as the wall member through which it is placed is thick.

Preferably, the housing will be slightly longer to prevent the displacement of the bait element preventing proper operation of the device by bracing the indicator means in the retracted condition by abutting the wall.

Other attachment means for securing the device in the opening into which it is inserted are contemplated such as the housing being provided with an external screw thread formation adapted to engage the periphery of the wall opening when the device is mounted in a wall panel.

Typically the housing and other elements of the device may be made of plastic, for example by injection moulding, although clearly other materials may be contemplated.

The termite bait element will suitably be manufactured from a material that is eaten by termites in preference to other materials. Examples of materials which may be used are Mountain ash, radiata pine or hoop pine, cork or cellulose.

However it is to be clearly understood that the invention is not confined to these materials. In this specification the term "bait" is to be interpreted broadly. For example it will include any material which is consumed by termites.

The termite bait element may further include a termite attractant to attract termites to the device in preference to other materials. The termite bait element may be of any shape but will preferably be cylindrical.

The termite bait element will suitably be rigid and elongate. The termite bait element will generally have a similar diameter to the cylinder to allow the device to be inserted into the wall until the flange is mounted substantially flush with the wall surface.

Preferably the termite bait element further comprises a longitudinal opening to allow attachment of the bait element relative to the indicator means.

Suitably the shaft forms a part of the indicator means which also comprises a biasing means retention means, and a bait element retention means for locating and securing the bait element. The shaft will suitably be an elongate shaft or spacing member extending into the cylinder mounted in the wall.

The bait element suitably fits between the bait element retention means and the basewall of the cylinder to maintain the indicator means in the retracted condition against the bias of the biasing means. The bait element of the present invention due to its location and operation may preferably be in compression as opposed to tension.

The spacing member preferably has a first end and a second end. The second end of the spacing member is suitably located in a piston configuration inside the cylinder or housing and is associated with the biasing means.

The bait element retention means is suitably a planar member located the first end of the spacing member and which extends substantially perpendicularly to the spacing member. The bait element retention means is suitably smaller in diameter than the bait element.

The biasing means retention means is suitably a planar member located at the second end of the spacing member and which extends substantially perpendicularly to the spacing member. The biasing means retention means is suitably a visual display means and may be coloured in order to catch the attention of a user when the indicator means is in the forward condition. In this condition, the biasing means retention means may be substantially flush with the flange of the housing and therefore be readily visible to a user. The biasing means retention means is preferably smaller in diameter than the internal diameter of cylinder.

The bait element is located relative to the spacing member and suitably the bait element has an elongate longitudinal opening to receive the spacing member so that when assembled ready for use, the spacing member extends substantially through the bait element.

The biasing means is suitably a spring. The biasing means is preferably positioned between the biasing means retention means and the basewall of the cylinder. The biasing means is confined by the cylinder sidewall. When the bait element is in position, the spring is suitably compressed between the biasing means retention means and the basewall of the cylinder. As the structural integrity of the bait element is compromised the spring drives the biasing means retention means into the forward condition. This may also have the effect of driving out the plug located in the large opening of the housing.

The plug may be separate in order to be more conspicuous by lying on floor surface adjacent device once ejected from the housing. Alternatively, it may be attached to the device to prevent removal by children.or the like. It may be suitably coloured to be easily seen and recognised. The purpose of the plug may be to render the device flush with the wall surface and inconspicuous when in the non-indicating and to be easily seen when the device is in the forward condition.

According to a further form, the invention resides in a method of using a termite intrusion early warning device according to any aspect of the present invention wherein a plurality of the devices are arrayed in a network to monitor termite activity in a structure. The devices may be located in a lower portion of a wall adjacent to but spaced from the floor. The spacing between adjacent devices may be in the region of 2 to 4 metres, preferably about 2 to 3 metres, although these distances may be varied.

The network of devices when properly located will suitably be spaced around the periphery of the structure. An increased concentration of the devices may be used around particular areas such as damp areas, bathrooms, ensuites, laundries and other areas where termites are likely to sub-nest.

As the device will generally be removably secured in a wall opening, the device may be removed to access the interior of the wall. This will suitably be desired when the device indicates the presence of termites and will allow a pest controller or similar to exterminate the termites. When the presence of termites is detected through the device, a pest controller may be contacted and may then remove the device from the wall opening, and insert the nozzle or similar of a termiticide dispensing apparatus, prior to activation of the apparatus. The device may then be reinserted into the wall opening with a fresh bait element to replace the bait element which has been compromised.

Brief Description of the Drawings.

Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective and sectional side view of a termite intrusion early warning device according to an aspect of the invention, in the retracted condition.

Figure 2 is a perspective and sectional side view of a termite intrusion early warning device according to an aspect of the invention, in the forward condition.

Detailed Description of the Invention.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a termite intrusion early warning device 10 is provided.

The device as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, comprises a housing 4 to releasably secure the device 10 relative to a wall 11, a sacrificial termite bait element 1, a shaft spacing member 18 having an forward condition and a retracted condition, a spring retention member 5, and a spring 2 to bias the shaft 18 into the retracted condition until the termite bait element 1 is compromised by termite activity.

The device 10 is inserted into a wall 11 in a structure that a user wishes to monitor. A network of devices 10 is used in the walls of a structure. The devices are located in a lower portion of a wall adjacent to but spaced from the floor 7.

The spacing between adjacent devices 10 is in approximately 3 meters.

The network of devices 10 when properly located, is spaced around the periphery of the structure.

The device 10 is cylindrical having a longitudinal dimension and a radial dimension. The radial dimension corresponds to the dimension of a standard drill bit so that a drill can be used to form an opening in a wall 11. The device 10 is then inserted into the opening and retained there.

The housing 4 is cylindrical and hollow. The housing also contains the spring 2 to bias the spring retention member 5 into the retracted condition.

The housing 4 has a cylindrical sidewall 12 and a planar basewall 13.

The housing 4 has an opening at either end, namely a large opening 14 at a first end and a small opening 15 through the basewall 13. The external diameter of the housing 4 is sized to allow the device 10 to be fitted into an opening in a wall 11 formed by standard drill bit sizes as seen in Figure 1.

The large opening 14 is fitted with a plug 6 to cover the opening and to form a flush fitting with the wall 11 into which the device 10 is positioned.

The first end of the housing 4 is provided with a radial flange 16, extending from the cylindrical sidewall 12 adjacent the first end. The flange 16 assists with locating the device0O, in that it prevents the device 10 being pushed through the opening formed in the wall 11 and into the cavity behind the wall 11, and it will also assist with the retention of the device 10 in the opening.

The termite bait element 1 is manufactured from a material that is eaten by termites in preference to other materials. Examples of materials which may be used are Mountain ash, radiata pine or hoop pine, cork or cellulose. The termite bait element 1 is cylindrical.

The termite bait element 1 is rigid and elongate and has a similar diameter to the housing 4 to allow the device 10 to be inserted into the wall 11 until the flange 16 is mounted substantially flush with the wall surface.

The termite bait element further comprises a longitudinal opening 17 to allow attachment of the bait element 1 relative to the bait retention member 3.

Suitably the device comprises a spring retention member 5, a bait retention member 3 for locating and securing the bait element 1 and the shaft or spacing member 18 extending into the housing 4 mounted in the wall 11.

The bait element 1 fits between the bait retention member 3 and the basewall 13 of the housing 4 to maintain the spring retention member 5 in the retracted condition against the bias of the spring 2.

The shaft 18 has a first end and a second end and the second end of the shaft 18 is located in a piston configuration inside the housing 4 and is associated with the spring.

The bait retention member 3 is a planar member located the first end of the shaft 18 and which extends substantially perpendicularly to the shaft 18. The bait retention member 3 is slightly smaller in diameter than the bait element 1.

The spring retention means 5 is also a planar member located at the second end of the shaft 18 and which extends substantially perpendicularly to the shaft 18. The spring retention means 5 is coloured in order to catch the attention of a user when the spring retention means 5 is in the forward condition. In this condition, the spring retention means 5 is substantially flush with the flange 16 of the housing 4 and therefore be readily visible to a user. The spring retention means 5 is also slightly smaller in diameter than the internal diameter of housing 4.

The bait element 1 is located relative to the shaft 18 and the bait element 1 has an elongate longitudinal opening 17 to receive the shaft 18 so that when assembled ready for use, the shaft 18 extends substantially through the bait element 1.

The biasing means is a spring 2. The spring 2 is positioned between the spring retention member 3 and the basewall 13 of the housing 4. The spring 2 is also confined by the housing sidewall 12. When the bait element 1 is in position, the spring 2 is compressed between the spring retention member 5 and the basewall 13 of the housing 4. As the structural integrity of the bait element 1 is compromised the spring 2 drives the spring retention member 5 into the forward condition. This also has the effect of driving out the plug 6 located in the large opening 14 of the housing 4.

The plug 6 as illustrated in Figure 2 is separate from the housing 4 in order to be more conspicuous by lying on floor surface adjacent the device once ejected from the housing 4.

Figure 1 shows the device in the retracted condition and Figure 2 shows the device in the forward condition indicating the presence of termites within the wall structure.

In the present specification and claims, the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (19)

1. A termite intrusion early warning device including a shaft, the shaft having a retracted and forward condition, a biasing means to bias the shaft to the forward condition and a termite bait element positioned relative to the shaft and under compression to maintain the shaft in the retracted condition until the structural integrity of the termite bait element is compromised by termite activity.

2. A termite intrusion early warning device comprising means to releasably secure the device relative to a wall, a sacrificial termite bait element under compression, an indicator means having a forward condition and a non- forward condition, and a biasing means to bias the indicator means into the retracted condition until the structural integrity of the termite bait element is compromised by termite activity.

3. A termite intrusion early warning device according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a housing, the housing containing at least a portion of the means for moving the indicator means.

4. A termite intrusion early warning device according to claim 3 wherein the housing has a cylindrical sidewall, a large opening at a first end and a basewall at a second end.

5. A termite intrusion early warning device according to claim 4 comprising a biasing means retention means, a bait element retention means for locating and securing the bait element and an elongate shaft member extending into the housing, the bait element fitting between the bait element retention means and the basewall of the housing to maintain the shaft in the retracted condition against the bias of the biasing means.

6. A termite intrusion early warning device according to claim 5 wherein the shaft has a first end and a second end, the second end of the shaft is located in a piston configuration inside the housing and is associated with the biasing means.

7. A termite intrusion early warning device according to claim 5 wherein the bait element retention means is a member located at the first end of the shaft and which extends substantially perpendicularly to the shaft.

8. A termite intrusion early warning device according to claim 5 wherein the biasing means retention means is a member located at the second end of the shaft and which extends substantially perpendicularly to the shaft.

9. A termite intrusion early warning device according to either one of claims 5 or 6 wherein the biasing means retention means is visually distinctive in order to catch the attention of a user when the shaft is in the forward condition.

A termite intrusion early warning device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the bait element has an elongate longitudinal opening to receive the shaft so that when assembled ready for use, the shaft extends substantially through the bait element.

11. A termite intrusion early warning device according to claim 5 wherein the biasing means is positioned between the biasing means retention means and the basewall of the cylinder, such that when the bait element is in position, the spring is compressed between the biasing means retention means and the basewall of the cylinder.

12. A termite intrusion early warning device according to claim 4 wherein the first end of the housing is provided with a radial flange, extending from the cylindrical sidewall adjacent the first end.

13. A termite intrusion early warning device according to claim 5 further including a plug to cover the large opening until the shaft moves to the forward condition.

14. A method of using a termite intrusion early warning device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a plurality of the devices are arrayed in a network to monitor termite activity in a structure.

15. A method according to claim 14 wherein the devices are located in a lower portion of a wall adjacent to but spaced from the floor.

16. A method according to either claim 14 or claim 15 wherein adjacent devices are spaced apart by approximately 1 to 10 metres.

17. A method according to any one of claims 14 to claim 16 wherein an increased concentration of the devices is used around particular areas such as damp areas, bathrooms, ensuites, laundries and other areas where termites are more likely to sub-nest.

18. A method according to any one of claims 14 to claim 16 wherein the device is removably secured in a wall opening and when the device indicates the presence of termites, the device is removed from the wall opening, and a nozzle or similar of a chemical termiticide dispensing apparatus is inserted into the opening, prior to activation of the apparatus, the device then being reinserted into the wall opening

19. A method according to claim 18 wherein the device is reinserted with a fresh bait element. A device or method substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this 20 th day of May 2004 Terence John Murphy By his Patent attorneys CULLEN CO