AU2006202598B2 - Termite Barrier - Google Patents

Description

P/00/0 11 28/5/91 Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Name of Applicant: TMA Corporation Pty Ltd Actual Inventors Vasilios Toutountzis and Laurence Graham Glossop Address for service is: WRAY & ASSOCIATES Level 4, The Quadrant 1 William Street Perth, WA 6000 Attorney code: WR Invention Title: "Termite Barrier" Details of Divisional Application: 2002311376 filed on 19 June 2006 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 1 -2 Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the control of termites in relation to buildings and other structures and in particular provision of a termite barrier between a structure (such as a concrete slab) and an object (such as a conduit) extending 5 therethrough. Background Art Australian Patent 695436, the contents of which are incorporated herein by way of reference, discloses techniques for protecting a building or like structure against the entry of termites using termite barrier material. The disclosure 10 includes an arrangement for preventing the passage of termites through a gap which might exist between an opening in a concrete slab and a conduit accommodated within the opening to extend through the concrete slab. The arrangement comprises a sleeve of barrier material which is, in use, located about the periphery of the conduit and clamped in pressure engagement 15 therewith about the complete perimeter of the conduit, and an integral flange formed of said barrier material projecting from said sleeve, the integral flange in use being sealably embedded in the slab. Embedding of the flange in the concrete is a particularly convenient way of attaching the barrier material to the concrete slab. 20 Disclosure of the Invention Accordingly, the present invention provides a termite barrier comprising a body having an inner peripheral portion defining an aperture extending therethrough to sealingly receive an object therein and an outer peripheral portion having an outer perimeter, the outer peripheral portion being adapted to be integrally 25 secured to a concrete structure with the outer perimeter thereof embedded in the concrete structure, the outer peripheral portion being provided with means for gripping engagement to the concrete structure, wherein the means for gripping engagement comprises at least one hole through the outer peripheral portion for -3 receiving concrete flow therethrough to provide keying between the outer peripheral portion and concrete. The gripping engagement between the outer peripheral portion and the concrete maintains the integrity of sealing between the flange portion and the concrete in 5 circumstances where the concrete is subject to normal shrinkage. The body may sealingly receive the object in the aperture in any suitable fashion. In one arrangement, the aperture may be dimensioned to provide a sufficiently close fit between the body and the conduit to prevent the passage of termites through the aperture. In another arrangement, the body may be in 10 sealing engagement with the object. In the latter arrangement, the sealing engagement may be in any suitable form such as frictional engagement or pressure engagement achieved by a clamping action applied to the body. The outer peripheral portion may be embedded entirely in the concrete or a section thereof only may be embedded in the concrete. 15 The inner peripheral portion may comprise a sleeve which surrounds and defines the aperture. The sleeve and outer peripheral portion may be formed integrally with each other. In one arrangement, the outer peripheral portion may comprise mesh material. Indeed, the body may be formed entirely of mesh material. The mesh material 20 may be of the type described in Patent Application No. 61772/94, although such mesh material may still be effective with a hardness reduced from not less than about Shore D70 to not less than about Shore D60. The termite barrier may be of any suitable material such as metal or plastics material. If the material is of a type not resistant to termite attack, that portion of 25 the termite barrier which bridges the gap between the conduit and the surrounding concrete is preferably configured so as not to present a surface on which a termite can maintain a continuous physical grip. In this way, termites -4 cannot remain in contact with said portion of the termite barrier for sufficient time to be destructive to the barrier to an extent which renders it ineffective. The invention further provides in combination with a building structure incorporating a ground level or near ground level concrete structure having an 5 opening therein through which an object extends, a termite barrier comprising a body having an inner peripheral portion defining an aperture extending therethrough which receives the object in sealing engagement therewith and an outer peripheral portion having an outer perimeter, the outer peripheral portion being integrally secured to a concrete structure with the outer perimeter thereof 10 embedded in the concrete structure, the outer peripheral portion being provided with means for gripping engagement to the concrete structure, wherein the means for gripping engagement comprises at least one hole through the outer peripheral portion for receiving concrete flow therethrough to provide keying between the outer peripheral portion and concrete. 15 The invention also provides a method of establishing a termite barrier between a concrete structure having an opening therein and an object extending through the opening, the termite barrier comprising a body having an inner peripheral portion defining an aperture extending therethrough to receive the object and an outer peripheral portion provided with means for gripping engagement to the 20 concrete structure wherein the means for gripping engagement comprises at least one hole through the outer peripheral portion for receiving concrete flow therethrough to provide keying between the outer peripheral portion and concrete, the method including the acts of embedding at least part of the outer peripheral portion in the concrete structure during pouring of the concrete thereof 25 such that the means for gripping engagement engages the concrete structure, and positioning the object in the aperture in sealing engagement therewith.

-5 Brief Description of Drawings The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of several specific embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings in which: 5 Figure 1 is a schematic view of a termite barrier according to a first embodiment installed about a conduit extending through a concrete slab; Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a termite barrier according to a second embodiment fitted onto a conduit; Figure 3 is a section along line 3-3 of Figure 2; 10 Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a termite barrier according to a third embodiment fitted onto a conduit; Figure 5 is a schematic view of a termite barrier according to a fourth embodiment fitted onto a conduit; Figure 6 is a cross sectional view along the line 6 - 6 of Figure 5; 15 Figure 7 is a schematic view of the termite barrier of Fig 5 in one mode of installation about a conduit extending through a concrete slab; Figure 8 is schematic view of the termite barrier of Fig 5 in another mode of installation about a conduit extending through a concrete slab; Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of a termite barrier according to 20 a fifth embodiment fitted onto a conduit; Figure 10 is a perspective view of a termite barrier according to a sixth embodiment fitted onto a conduit; Figure 11 is a cross sectional view along the line 9 - 9 of Figure 8; and - 6 Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view of a termite barrier according to a seventh embodiment fitted onto a conduit. Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention The embodiment shown in Figure 1 of the drawings corresponds to the 5 embodiment shown in Figure 6 of Australian Patent Application 61772/94, the contents of which are incorporated herein by way of reference. Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a conduit 11, such as a water or waste pipe, positioned within an opening 13 within a concrete slab 15 so as to extend through the slab. The opening 13 in the slab 15 is a potential avenue for the 10 passage of termites into a building structure standing on the slab. A termite barrier 17 according to the first embodiment is provided to block the passage of termites between the conduit 11 and the slab 15. The termite barrier 17 comprises a sheet 19 of mesh material resistant to breakdown in the environment of use and substantially resistant to termite 15 secretions, and having a hardness of not less than about Shore D60. The pores of the mesh material have a linear dimension in any direction less than the maximum linear dimension of the cross section of the head of the species of termite to be controlled. The sheet 19 of mesh material has a central aperture of lesser diameter than the 20 external diameter of the conduit 11. Prior to pouring of the slab 15, the marginal portion 21 of the sheet around the central aperture is stretched to increase the diameter of the aperture and to form a sleeve 23 to receive the conduit 11. The sleeve 23 is fitted onto the conduit 11 and clamped about the exterior thereof by clamp means 25 such as a conventional stainless steel hose clip. During the 25 subsequent pouring of the concrete slab 15, the outer perimeter area 27 of the sheet is embedded in the concrete. The outer perimeter area 27 of the sheet provides an outwardly extending flange portion 29 about the sleeve 23. Prior to setting thereof, the concrete impregnates the pores in the mesh material forming the flange portion 29 and so provides gripping engagement between the flange -7 portion 20 of the barrier and the concrete slab 15. The gripping engagement between the flange portion 29 and the concrete provides an effective termite seal therebetween. The integrity of the seal is not prejudiced by any relative movement between the conduit 11 and the concrete slab 15 arising as a result of 5 any normal shrinkage which might occur during setting of the concrete. Further, the flexible nature of the mesh material allows that portion of the termite barrier 17 which bridges the gap between the conduit 11 and the concrete slab 15 to flex to accommodate any relative movement between the conduit 11 and the concrete slab 15 without prejudicing the integrity of the seal. 10 Referring now to Figures 2 and 3 of the drawings, the termite barrier 30 according to the second embodiment comprises a body 31 of substantially rigid material such as metal or a hard plastics material. The body 31 incorporates a central sleeve 33 defining a central aperture 35 for receiving the conduit 11. An integral flange portion 37 surrounds the sleeve 33 15 and projects outwardly therefrom. The flange portion 37 has a pair of opposed planar faces 38. The transition region 39 between the sleeve 33 and the flange portion 37 is arcuate so as to present a convex surface 41 on the lower side. In circumstances where the material from which the body 31 is formed is not 20 resistant to termites, the radius of curvature of the convex surface 41 is sufficiently large so that it cannot be gripped by a termite. This ensures that the portion of the barrier bridging the gap between the conduit 11 and the opening in the slab through which the conduit extends cannot be degraded by attack from termites. 25 That part of the flange portion 37 which is to be embedded in the concrete of the slab incorporates a formation 43 for gripping engagement with the concrete. The formation 43 comprises a plurality of holes 45 in the flange portion into which the concrete can flow prior to setting thereof. Once the concrete has set, keying between the concrete and the flange portion 37 provided by the presence of -8 concrete in the holes 45 ensures gripping engagement therebetween and thus an effective termite seal. Referring now to Figure 4 of the drawings, the termite barrier according to the third embodiment is similar to the termite barrier according to the second 5 embodiment and so the same reference numerals will be used to identify similar features. The third embodiment is, however, different to the second embodiment in the construction of the central sleeve 33. In this embodiment, the central sleeve 33 comprises a plurality of resiliently deflectable sleeve segments 49, as shown in the drawing. The segments are formed by making radial cuts in the 10 radially inner portion of the body 31 surrounding a central aperture. The central aperture is of lesser diameter than the external diameter of the conduit 11 and so fitting of the body onto the conduit 11 causes the resilient segments to deflect laterally in the manner shown in the drawing to form the sleeve 33. With this arrangement, the resilient nature of the sleeve segments 49 are in pressure 15 engagement with the perimeter of the conduit 11. Referring now to Figures 5 and 6 of the drawings, the termite barrier 30 according to the fourth embodiment is also similar to the termite barrier of the second embodiment and corresponding numerals are used to identify similar features. In this embodiment, however, the formation 43 provided on the flange 20 portion 37 of the body 31 comprises an annular rib 53. The annular rib is provided on one face 38 of the flange portion 37 in this embodiment, although it is certainly possible that an annular rib could be provided on both sides. The annular rib provides a key between the flange portion 37 and the concrete to ensure gripping engagement between the concrete and the flange portion. 25 Figure 7 shows the termite barrier 30 according to the fourth embodiment in one mode of installation about a conduit 11 in concrete slab 15 In this mode of installation, the flange portion 37 is embedded entirely in the concrete of the slab.

-9 Figure 8 shows the termite barrier 30 according to the fourth embodiment in another mode of installation in which the flange portion 37 is only partly embedded in the concrete of the slab 15. In this mode of installation, the flange portion 37 is positioned adjacent the underside of the slab with the annular rib 53 5 embedded in the concrete of the slab. This arrangement serves to block the passage of termites between the conduit 11 and the concrete slab even though only part of the flange portion is embedded in the concrete. Referring now to Figure 9 of the drawings, the termite barrier according to a fifth embodiment is similar to the termite barrier of the third embodiment except for 10 the construction of the central sleeve 33. In this embodiment, the central sleeve is formed of sleeve segments 49 in a similar fashion to the central sleeve of the third embodiment. In each of the embodiments described above, the flange portion 37 of the termite barrier 30 has been provided with a surface configured for gripping 15 engagement with the concrete structure in which the termite barrier is embedded so as to provide sealing therebetween against the entry of termites. In the embodiments, at least one of the surfaces 38 of the flange portion 37 has been so configured in various ways, including forming the flange portion of mesh material and providing formations which facilitate gripping engagement with the 20 concrete. There may be circumstances where it is not necessary for a surface of the flange portion 37 to be keyed to the concrete. An example of such a situation would be an arrangement where the flange portion 37 is of such a size that it can extend sufficiently into the concrete structure to an extent which would maintain an 25 adequate seal between the concrete and the termite barrier for the purposes of providing a deterrent to entry of termites.

- 10 One such arrangement exists in the form of the embodiment of Figures 10 and 11 of the drawings. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3 except for the omission of the formation on the flange portion 37 for gripping engagement with the concrete. 5 Another such arrangement is shown in Figure 12. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment of Figures 10 and 11 except that the central sleeve 33 is formed of sleeve segments 49 similar to the arrangement shown in Figure 4. It should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments described. Modifications and variations such as 10 would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the 15 exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Further, throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "include" or variations such as "includes" or "including", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims (15)

1. A termite barrier comprising a body of substantially rigid material including an inner peripheral portion defining an aperture extending therethrough to sealingly receive an object therein and an outer peripheral portion having an 5 outer perimeter, the outer peripheral portion being adapted to be integrally secured to a concrete structure with the outer perimeter thereof embedded in the concrete structure, the outer peripheral portion being provided with means for gripping engagement to the concrete structure, wherein the means for gripping engagement comprises at least one hole through the outer peripheral portion for 10 receiving concrete flow therethrough to provide keying between the outer peripheral portion and concrete.

2. A termite barrier according to claim 1 wherein the aperture is dimensioned to provide a sufficiently close fit between the body and the conduit to prevent the passage of termites through the aperture. 15

3. A termite barrier according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the body is adapted to receive the object in sealingly engagement therewith.

4. A termite barrier according to claim 3 wherein said sealing engagement is provided by frictional engagement.

5. A termite barrier according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the 20 inner peripheral portion comprises a sleeve which defines the aperture.

6. A termite barrier according to any of the preceding claims wherein the outer peripheral portion comprises a flange portion surrounding the sleeve and projecting outwardly therefrom.

7. A termite barrier according to claim 5 or 6, when dependent from claim 5, 25 wherein the sleeve is adapted to frictionally engage the object. - 12

8. A termite barrier according to any one of claims 5 to 7, when dependent from claim 5, wherein the sleeve comprises a plurality of resiliently deflectable sleeve segments.

9. A termite barrier according to any one of claims 6 to 8, when dependent 5 from claim 5, wherein the body includes a transition region between the sleeve and the flange portion, said transition region presenting a curved surface on the lower side thereof to deter physical gripping thereof by termites.

10. A termite barrier according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the outer peripheral portion and the inner peripheral portion are of integral 10 construction.

11. A termite barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in combination with a building having a concrete slab, and an object extending through the slab wherein the termite barrier is installed between the slab and the object.

12. In combination with a building structure incorporating a ground level or 15 near ground level concrete structure having an opening therein through which an object extends, a termite barrier comprising a body of substantially rigid material including an inner peripheral portion defining an aperture extending therethrough which receives the object in sealing engagement therewith and an outer peripheral portion having an outer perimeter, the outer peripheral portion 20 being integrally secured to a concrete structure with the outer perimeter thereof embedded in the concrete structure, the outer peripheral portion being provided with means for gripping engagement to the concrete structure, wherein the means for gripping engagement comprises at least one hole through the outer peripheral portion for receiving concrete flow therethrough to provide keying 25 between the outer peripheral portion and concrete.

13. A method of establishing a termite barrier between a concrete structure having an opening therein and an object extending through the opening, the termite barrier comprising a body of substantially rigid material including an inner peripheral portion defining an aperture extending therethrough to receive the -13 object and an outer peripheral portion provided with means for gripping engagement to the concrete structure wherein the means for gripping engagement comprises at least one hole through the outer peripheral portion for receiving concrete flow therethrough to provide keying between the outer 5 peripheral portion and concrete, the method including the acts of embedding at least part of the outer peripheral portion in the concrete structure during pouring of the concrete thereof such that the means for gripping engagement engages the concrete structure, and positioning the object in the aperture in sealing engagement therewith. 10

14. A termite barrier substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 2 to 4.

15. A method of establishing a termite barrier substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 2 to 4.