AU2010207879A1

AU2010207879A1 - Insect screen and trap

Info

Publication number: AU2010207879A1
Application number: AU2010207879A
Authority: AU
Inventors: David Grant Piggott
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-01-27
Filing date: 2010-01-27
Publication date: 2011-09-15
Also published as: WO2010085843A1

Abstract

An insect screen trap for preventing access of insects into a substantially enclosed structure having at least one entry point, the insect screen comprising a frame structure adapted to be secured relative to the entry point, such that the frame structure is substantially complementary to the entry point and defines a rear face directed towards the interior of the substantially enclosed structure and a front face which is directed towards the exterior of the substantially enclosed structure, and mesh secured to the frame structure, such that a cavity is formed between the rear face and the front face and the front face comprises at least one aperture, whereby in use, an insect landing on the front face of the insect screen is directed to the cavity via the at least one aperture and is unable to exit the cavity.

Description

WO 2010/085843 PCT/AU2010/000079 1 INSECT SCREEN AND TRAP Field of the Invention. The present invention relates to a screen for preventing insects from entering a building and particularly to a screen which also traps the insects. The 5 screen can be used in association with apertures such as doors, windows and ventilation outlets, although the scope of the invention is not necessarily limited thereto. Background Art. Insects are a common and constant problem in buildings. For example, 10 the presence of flies, particularly in food preparation areas can lead to health issues. Moths are also problematic in dwellings, as the larvae of some species eat fabric, thereby damaging clothing, drapery and carpets. Another insect whose presence in buildings causes problems is the mosquito. Mosquitoes carry disease-causing parasites and viruses from person to 15 person, such as yellow fever, malaria, Ross River fever and Dengue fever. The most common method of restricting access of insects to buildings is to fit screens to all doors, windows, ventilation outlets and any other apertures that may exist. However, whilst screens are an effective barrier preventing entry of insects into buildings, they do not reduce the population of such pests, the insects merely 20 hovering, waiting for an opportunity to access a building, such as when a screen door is opened. Chemical insecticides and/or repellents are often used in combination with traditional insect screens and assist in the reduction of insects within buildings however they do result in a significant reduction in insect populations. Further, whilst 25 insecticides and repellents may be effective, they can be toxic to humans and the environment. There may also be as yet unknown long-term effects caused by their use. It would therefore be advantageous to provide an alternative to the insect screens of the prior art which not only prevent entry of insects into buildings, 30 but also provide a chemical-free means to assist in reducing the population of insects. 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.

WO 2010/085843 PCT/AU2010/000079 2 Summary of the Invention. The present invention is directed to an insect screen trap, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. 5 With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in an insect screen trap for preventing access of insects into a substantially enclosed structure having at least one entry point, the insect screen comprising: a) a frame structure adapted to be secured relative to the entry point, such that the frame structure is substantially complementary to the entry point and defines a 10 rear face directed towards the interior of the substantially enclosed structure and a front face which is directed towards the exterior of the substantially enclosed structure; and b) mesh secured to the frame structure, such that a cavity is formed between the rear face and the front face and the front face comprises at least one aperture, 15 whereby in use, an insect landing on the front face of the insect screen is directed to the cavity via the at least one aperture and is unable to exit the cavity. Mosquitoes locate bloodhosts by scent, sight and heat. From 100 feet away (30 meters) mosquitoes can smell the scent of prey, especially the carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) exhaled. Biting flies are even better; they can smell their prey from 300 20 feet (100 meters) away. Because CO 2 is present in the atmosphere, mosquitoes respond to higher-than-normal concentrations, especially when the CO 2 is mixed with host-odour. Mosquitos follow a scent upwind, and can physically see prey at a distance of about 30 feet (10 meters). This means that a structure containing people, will discharge a 25 substantial amount of CO 2 into the atmosphere, normally through the entry points. Mosquitos and other insects track this discharge back to the entry point. The present invention makes use of this discharge as a natural attractant for the insects and traps them once they have reached the entry point. The insect screen trap can be fitted to any substantially enclosed 30 structure from which it is desired to exclude insects. The substantially enclosed structure can therefore be a building, such as a residential or a commercial building. The insect screen trap can be fitted to at least one entry point of the building, including doors, windows and ventilation outlets.

WO 2010/085843 PCT/AU2010/000079 3 In an alternative embodiment, the substantially enclosed structure can be a temporary dwelling, such as a portable building, demountable, caravan, campervan or tent. Insect screen traps according to the current invention can be fitted to one or more of the entry points on such structures. 5 The use of frame members to make up the frame structure allows the frame structure to be constructed to fit an entry point of any size and/or shape. The frame structure can therefore be constructed to fit rectangular- or square-shaped entry points such as doors and windows. In an alternative embodiment, the frame structure can be constructed to fit circular- or oval-shaped entry points. In a further alternative 10 embodiment, if necessary, the frame structure can be constructed to fit a polygon shaped entry point, wherein the polygon is regular or irregular. Typically, the frame structure and therefore the trap will close the opening which defines the entry point, such that insects cannot access the entry point past the trap. 15 The frame members of the insect screen trap can be made from any suitable material. The frame members can therefore be made from timber, such as is commonly used in the building industry for window and door frames. The frame members can also be made from non-timber materials such as bamboo, which can easily be split in half lengthways thereby forming frame members having a semi 20 circular cross section. In alternative embodiments, the frame members can be made from aluminium, which is also used in the building industry for window and door frames. A further embodiment encompasses the use of wire frame members for the insect screen trap. The wire can be any type of wire suitable for use as a frame 25 member. The wire can therefore be single-stranded or multi-stranded and can be of any suitable gauge. The frame members of a frame structure can be made from the same material. Alternatively, the frame members of a frame structure can be made from different materials. For example a frame structure can comprise a combination of 30 aluminium and wire frame members. Plastic frame members may also be used. The frame structure may be rigid or flexible. The mesh used may also be rigid or flexible.

WO 2010/085843 PCT/AU2010/000079 4 The frame structure provided will typically be one of two preferred types, namely an internal frame structure or an external frame structure. An internal frame structure will typically be formed to define the shape of the screen trap and the mesh will normally be applied around the internal frame structure. 5 An external frame structure will typically be formed from one or more frame members with the mesh attached to the frame members. Normally, in an external frame structure each of the frame members will be a substantially U-shaped channel having a base wall or web which will typically be placed within the opening at the entry point and will abut the members defining the opening, and a pair of spaced 10 apart upstanding sidewalls or flanges. Preferably, the mesh will be provided in unitary sheets with attachment portions located at the outer edges of the sheets. The attachment portions may be discrete or spaced apart but will preferably be continuous. The attachment portions will normally attach to the inner surface of the upstanding sidewalls of each of the frame members. As the upstanding 15 sidewalls are spaced apart, attaching a mesh sheet to both of the upstanding sidewalls will typically space the respective mesh sheets apart. As mentioned above, the screen trap may be formed to fit entirely within the opening defined at the entry point or alternatively, the screen trap may have a mounting frame which is adapted to overlie the members defining the opening and 20 to be attached to the periphery of the opening. The insect screen trap can be secured to the entry point by any suitable means known in the art. The insect screen trap may be secured relative to the entry point in the reverse direction as well in order to prevent insects entering the structure and to trap any insects within the structure. The insect screen trap can be secured to 25 the entry point via the frame structure by nails, bolts, screws, rivets and other such securing means. In one embodiment, the insect screen trap is secured to the entry point via a mounting frame. Referring to the main embodiment above, the mesh can be any mesh suitable for blocking the passage of insects. The mesh can therefore be plastic, 30 fibreglass, including PVC coated woven fibreglass, or metal, such as powder-coated aluminium or powder-coated stainless steel. Alternatively, the mesh may be a flexible material such as a fabric or similar.

WO 2010/085843 PCT/AU2010/000079 5 The insect mesh can be secured to frame structure by any suitable means known in the art. Preferably the insect mesh is reversibly secured to the frame structure for ease of cleaning and also for easy removal of insects which have collected in the cavity between the rear and front faces of the insect screen. 5 The insect mesh can be secured to the frame structure by hook and loop structures, including Velcro*. In another embodiment, the insect mesh can be secured to the frame structure by adhesive tape, including double-sided tape and pressure sensitive tape. Preferably, the tape is reusable. In a further embodiment, the insect mesh is secured to the frame structure using magnetic strips, 10 In the internal frame structure embodiment, the mesh may be formed into a pocket into which the frame structure can then be placed and the mesh may be closed about the frame structure. As the internal frame structure will typically define the shape of the trap, the mesh may not be attached directly to the frame structure, but will typically simply enclose the internal frame structure. 15 There will typically also be an emptying point for the trap. The emptying point will typically be located in the insect mesh, normally towards a lower side or end of the trap. Another important feature of the present invention is that the face of the screen or trap, or at least a portion thereof, is typically tapered or shaped inwardly 20 towards the aperture. Typically mosquitoes and other flying insects will "bounce" along the face of the screen or trap until they reach the aperture. By providing a tapered or shaped face, the trap of the present invention promotes movement of the insect towards the aperture. The taper or shape may be an arcuate taper or maybe a substantially 25 rectangular or frusto-pyramidal taper. One or more apertures may be provided. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a single elongate slot aperture is provided, running substantially transversely to the height of the trap. According to this embodiment, the forward face (namely the face of the trap which faces the direction in which the 30 insects are likely to enter the trap, and therefore the face in which the at least one aperture is located) will typically have a number of surfaces namely, a lower surface extending from the bottom of the trap to the aperture, an upper surface extending WO 2010/085843 PCT/AU2010/000079 6 downwardly towards the aperture, and a pair of triangular side faces which extend inwardly from either side of the trap towards the aperture. In the alternative, one or more circular apertures may be provided. Typically, the screen trap of the present invention will include at least 5 one aperture in either the forward or rear face of the trap. Normally the forward face is oriented in the direction required, and the rear face of the trap is substantially planar and mounted to be flush with the periphery of the opening forming the entry point. In some embodiments however, apertures may be provided in both the forward or rear face of the trap as this may allow trapping of insects striking the trap 10 from those outside the structure and from within the structure. In another form, the invention resides in an insect screen trap for preventing access of insects into a substantially enclosed structure having at least one entry point, the insect screen trap comprising an inwardly tapering entry adapted to be secured relative to the at least one entry point such that a cavity is formed whereby in 15 use, an insect is directed into the cavity via the inwardly tapering entry and is unable to exit the cavity. Brief Description of the Drawings. Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: 20 Figure 1 shows one embodiment of the insect screen traps of the current invention. Figures 2A and 2B are perspective views of embodiments of insect screen traps according to the present invention. Figure 3 is an exploded view of the embodiment of Figure 2B showing 25 a preferred means of attaching the mesh to the frame structure. Figure 4 is a side view of a preferred means of attaching an insect screen trap to an entry point via a mounting frame. Figure 5 shows a number of embodiments of insect screen traps according to the present invention. 30 Figure 6 shows an embodiment as used on a tent window. Figure 7 shows different views of a further embodiment of the invention as used with tent ventilation holes. Figure 8 shows a number of views of an embodiment of an insect WO 2010/085843 PCT/AU2010/000079 7 screen trap according to the present invention. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments. With reference to Figure 1A, there is shown a building 10 having a door 12 and windows 14. As a result of persons within the building 10, carbon 5 dioxide (CO 2 ) 16 emits from any open windows 14 and attracts insects 18 such as flies and mosquitoes. Figure 1B shows a perspective view of an insect screen trap 20, as fitted to the window portion of door 12 of Figure 1A. The insect screen trap 20 comprises frame members 22 which make up a frame structure 24. 10 Referring to Figure 1 C, mesh (not shown for clarity reasons) is secured to the frame structure 24 and provides the insect screen trap 20 with a front face 26 and a rear face 28, which define a cavity 30. The front face 26 is provided with an aperture 32 through which the insects 18 are directed as a result of the inclination of the front face 26. Once the 15 insects 18 have passed through the aperture 32, they are within the cavity 30. As the insects 18 are unable to exit the cavity 30 due to the inclination of the front face 26, they eventually die within the cavity 30. Figure 2A shows a perspective view of a frame structure 24 according to one embodiment of the invention. The frame structure 24 comprises a number of 20 frame members 22, wherein the frame members 22 are made from wire. Figure 2B shows a perspective view of a frame structure 24 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. The frame structure 24 comprises a number of frame members 22, wherein the frame members 22 are made from aluminium. 25 An exploded view of a portion of frame structure 24 of the embodiment of Figure 2B is shown in Figure 3. The frame structure 24 forms a channel 34 having a web 36 connecting two flanges 38. Mesh 40 is attached to the flanges 38 of the frame structure 24 using Velcro@ 42. The mesh 40 is shown attached to the internal face of the flanges 38, however, in an alternative embodiment, Velcro® 42 could be 30 positioned on the external face of the flanges 38 for attachment of the mesh 40. Figure 4 shows a side view of an insect screen 20 comprising a frame structure 24, a front face 26, an aperture 32 and a cavity 30. The insect screen 20 is mounted to a wall 46, within which there is an entry point (for clarity, not shown), WO 2010/085843 PCT/AU2010/000079 8 using a mounting frame 44. The mounting frame 44 comprises a U-shaped channel 46 which is attached to the wall 46 using fixing means 48. A number of different embodiments of insect screen traps 20 are shown in Figure 5, with features corresponding to those of the embodiment of Figure 1 5 numbered similarly. Figure 6 shows an insect screen trap 20 secured to an opening of a tent 50. Features corresponding to those of the embodiment of Figure 1 are numbered similarly. Figure 7 shows different views of a further embodiment of the 10 invention as used with tent ventilation holes. Features corresponding to those of the embodiment of Figure 1 are numbered similarly. With reference to Figure 7A, there is shown a tent 50 having ventilation holes 52. Referring to Figure 7B, as a result of the person 54 within the tent 50, carbon dioxide (C0 2 ) 16 emits from the ventilation holes 52 and attracts insects 18 15 such as flies and mosquitoes. The insects 18 enter via an aperture 32 (not shown for clarity) and are trapped within the cavity 30. A front view of the insect screen trap of Figure 7B is shown in Figure 7D. The insect screen trap has an aperture 32 which aligns with the tent ventilation holes 52. A top view of Figure 7D showing the cavity 30 behind the aperture 32 is 20 shown in Figure 7C. A perspective view is shown in Figure 7E and a perspective view including the tent 50 is shown in Figure 7F. A number of views of an embodiment of an insect screen trap according to the present invention are shown in Figure 8. Figure 8A shows an insect screen trap 20 comprising frame members 25 22. The trap 20 further comprises mesh 40, an orifice disc 56 and a securing rod 62. A detailed view of the orifice disc 56 of Figure 8A is shown in Figure 8B. The orifice disc 56 has an opening 58 which corresponds to an aperture in the mesh 40. The orifice disc 56 also has two further openings 60 which can be used to secure the orifice disc 56 to the mesh 40. 30 Preferably, the orifice disc is made from a bamboo node, which is the joint between hollow segments (internodes) of a bamboo pole. A view of the insect screen trap 20 of Figure 8A through the plane of the securing rod 62 is shown in Figure 8C. The securing rod 62 is connected to the WO 2010/085843 PCT/AU2010/000079 9 side frame members 22. In this embodiment, the frame members 22 are made from bamboo, such that each frame member 22 is made from an internode section of bamboo which has been split lengthways and therefore has a semi-circular cross section. 5 In such an embodiment, therefore, internode sections of bamboo can be split lengthways to provide the frame members 22 and each bamboo node can be utilized to form an orifice disc 56. Further internode sections of bamboo can be split to provide securing rods 62 for insect screen traps 20. Mesh 40 is attached to the frame members 22 to form a front face 26 10 and rear face 28 of the insect screen trap 20. The front face 26 and rear face 28 define a cavity 30. An orifice disc 56 having an opening 58 is secured to the front face 26 such that the opening 58 corresponds to an aperture 32 in the front face 26. A detailed view of the orifice disc 56 and its connection to the securing rod 62 is shown in Figure 8D. The orifice disc 56 is fixed to the front face 26 of the 15 insect screen trap using securing devices 64 which engage with the openings 60 of the orifice disc 56 and the securing rod 62. It can be seen from the foregoing, that the present invention provides an insect screen trap for preventing access of insects into substantially enclosed structures such as buildings. As insects are unable to escape from the cavity within 20 the insect screen, the insect screen also assists in controlling insect populations. In the present specification and claims (if any), 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 25 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 30 characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

Claims

1. An insect screen trap for preventing access of insects into a substantially enclosed structure having at least one entry point, the insect screen comprising: 5 a) a frame structure adapted to be secured relative to the entry point, such that the frame structure is substantially complementary to the entry point and defines a rear face directed towards the interior of the substantially enclosed structure and a front face which is directed towards the exterior of the substantially enclosed structure; and 10 b) mesh secured to the frame structure, such that a cavity is formed between the rear face and the front face and the front face comprises at least one aperture, whereby in use, an insect landing on the front face of the insect screen is directed to the cavity via the at least one aperture and is unable to exit the 15 cavity.

2. An insect screen trap according to claim 1 wherein the frame structure and therefore the trap closes the opening which defines the entry point, such that insects cannot access the entry point past the trap.

3. An insect screen trap according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the frame 20 structure is rigid.

4. An insect screen trap according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the mesh is flexible.

5. An insect screen trap according to any one of the preceding claims wherein an internal frame structure is formed to define the shape of the screen trap and the 25 mesh is applied around the internal frame structure.

6. An insect screen trap according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein an external frame structure is formed from one or more frame members with the mesh attached to the frame members.

7. An insect screen trap according to claim 6 wherein each of the frame members 30 is a substantially U-shaped channel having a base wall or web placed within the opening at the entry point and abutting members defining the opening, and a pair of spaced apart upstanding sidewalls or flanges. WO 2010/085843 PCT/AU2010/000079 11

8. An insect screen trap according to claim 7 wherein the mesh is provided in unitary sheets with attachment portions located at the outer edges of the sheets to attach to the respective sidewalls or flanges.

9. An insect screen trap according to claim 8 wherein the attachment portions are 5 continuous along the edges of the sheets.

10. An insect screen trap according to claim 8 or claim 9 wherein the attachment portions attach to an inner surface of the upstanding sidewalls of each of the frame members.

11. An insect screen trap according to claim 10 wherein attaching a mesh sheet to 10 both of the upstanding sidewalls spaces the respective mesh sheets apart.

12. An insect screen trap according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the insect mesh is reversibly secured to the frame structure for ease of cleaning and also for easy removal of insects which have collected in the cavity between the rear and front faces of the insect screen. 15

13. An insect screen trap according to claim 5 wherein the mesh is formed into a pocket into which the frame structure is received and the mesh closed about the frame structure.

14. An insect screen trap according to claim 13 wherein the mesh is not attached directly to the frame structure. 20

15. An insect screen trap according to any one of the preceding claims wherein an emptying point for the trap is provided towards a lower side or end of the trap,

16. An insect screen trap according to any one of the preceding claims wherein at least a portion of the face of the screen trap is tapered or shaped inwardly towards the aperture. 25

17. An insect screen trap according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the front face is oriented in the direction required, and the rear face of the trap is substantially planar and mounted to be flush with the periphery of the opening forming the entry point.

18. An insect screen trap for preventing access of insects into a substantially 30 enclosed structure having at least one entry point, the insect screen trap comprising an inwardly tapering entry adapted to be secured relative to the at least one entry point such that a cavity is formed whereby in use, an insect is WO 2010/085843 PCT/AU2010/000079 12 directed into the cavity via the inwardly tapering entry and is unable to exit the cavity.