AU717616B2

AU717616B2 - Insecticide distribution means

Info

Publication number: AU717616B2
Application number: AU70552/96A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Gianis Papadopoulos
Original assignee: PAPADOPOULOS HOLDINGS Pty Ltd
Current assignee: PAPADOPOULOS HOLDINGS Pty Ltd
Priority date: 1995-11-07
Filing date: 1996-10-31
Publication date: 2000-03-30
Anticipated expiration: 2016-10-31
Also published as: AU7055296A

Description

P/00/01 1 28/5/91 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE-SPECIFICATION

STANDYARD PATENT ft...

Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor(s): Gianis Papadopoulos Gianis Papadopoulos Address for service is: WRAY ASSOCIATES 239 Adelaide Terrace Perth, WA 6000 Attorney code: WR Invention Title: Insecticide Distribution Means Details of Associated Provisional Application No(s): PN6417 The following statement is. a full description of this invention, includingthe-best method- of-performing it known to me".- -2- Title: Building Protection Means and Method of Protecting Buildings Field of the invention The present invention relates to the treatment of buildings to control the movement of insects into the building and includes a means for the distribution of insecticide in order to effect such control for the purpose of protecting the building against insect attack.

Background Insects such as termites can cause considerable damage to a building structure and in particular to any wooden components of such a structure. In a building having a cavity between two walls such as is the case with double-brick walls or brick veneer walls and where the foundation for the building comprises a concrete slab supported at its edges by footings the termites can enter the cavity from the junction of either leaf of the wall with the footings and/or slab. From the cavity the termites are then able to access the roof structure and ceiling support @000 S 15 structure which is typically formed of timber, and doors architraves and the like •where the termites can cause a great deal of damage which can severely affect the structural integrity of the building. Furthermore, from the cavity the termites eo may be able to access other parts of the building and attack the fittings and •e furniture within the building which are also formed of timber, such as vanities, and cupboards. In addition in buildings and parts of buildings in which at least ••Ione leaf of the cavity is formed of timber such as in timber framed or brick veneer structures the entry of termite into the cavity can be extremely damaging.

In buildings in which at least some of the walls are defined by a single leaf termites are able to gain access to the interior of the building between the See...

junction of the wall and the footings and the foundations.

In the past it was usual practice to apply insecticide to the site of a building prior to its erection, however with the adoption of insecticides which have a reduced -3half life as a result of improved environmental and health guidelines this practice has been of reduced acceptability since it has become necessary to retreat buildings in order to ensure that adequate protection exists against termite attack. In this regard it is also necessary that the application of insecticide is effected in a manner which is safe to the occupants of the building and to the environment while still providing adequate protection to the building. A recent practice which has been adopted has to been to periodically inject insecticide into the soil at spaced intervals around the building foundations. However, this practice does not result in treatment of the regions below the building structure which can be vulnerable to insect entry due to flaws in the foundation structure.

Disclosure of the Invention Accordingly, the present invention resides in a building protection means comprising an insecticide distribution means, said building having foundations comprising a concrete slab supported at its edges by footings where the outer 15 edge of the concrete slab is spaced inwardly from the outer edge of the footings, said building having external walls defined by an external leaf supported from the footings and an internal leaf supported from the concrete slab, the inner and outer leaf being separated by a cavity, the base of the cavity being defined between the edge of the concrete slab and the opposed portion of the inner face 20 of the outer leaf, the distribution means comprising a first duct, the building protection means comprising said first duct disposed in region of the base of the cavity and wherein the first duct extends for substantially the length of the wall, the first duct having outlets at spaced intervals along its length, said outlets o being adapted and/or positioned to direct insecticide into the base of the cavity.

25 According to a further preferred feature each outlet in the first duct is provided with a distribution means such as a sprinkler, spray nozzle or the like. According to one embodiment each outlet in the first duct is provided with a distribution Smeans such as a sprinkler, spray nozzle or the like. According to a further feature of the embodiment the first duct is positioned to be spaced upwardly -4from the footings and the outlets are directed downwardly. According to a further feature of the embodiment the first duct is fixed to the inner face of the outer leaf. According to a further feature of the embodiment the first duct is adapted to distribute insecticide over the face of the footings between the inner and outer leaf, the edge of the concrete slab and the lower portion of the inner face of the outer leaf. According to an alternative embodiment the first duct is supported on the footings.

According to a further preferred feature the distribution means comprises a second duct disposed beneath a foundation on which a wall rests, said second duct being coextensive with the wall, said second duct being adapted along at least part of its length to distribute insecticide into the surroundings beneath the wall. According to one embodiment the first and second ducts are connected to i a common inlet. According to an alternative embodiment the first and second 15 ducts are connected to separate inlets.

see* e According to a further preferred feature the distribution means comprises at least s. one third duct, said third duct having a portion adapted to distribute insecticide around the service duct or pipe or conduit beneath the foundation in the region of the junction. Preferably each portion comprises an annular shaped duct 20 extending around the service duct or pipe or conduit.

0 *0ee 060 Accordingly one embodiment of the invention incorporates two or more of the 000000 Sfirst second or third ducts which may be connected to a common inlet or may each have their own inlet or any combination appropriate to the application.

0S0 00 *00 According to a preferred feature the inlet includes a closure means to seal the inlet when not in use. If desired the closure means can include a locking means to prevent unwanted access to the duct. According to a preferred form the inlet is provided with a non-return valve which is adapted to enable the introduction of insecticide into the one or more ducts.

Accordingly the invention also resides in a method of protecting a building from the entry of insects into a building in which the building has foundations comprising a concrete slab supported at its edges by footings where the outer edge of the concrete slab is spaced inwardly from the outer edge of the footings, said building having external walls defined by an external leaf supported from the footings and an internal leaf supported from the concrete slab, the inner and outer leaf being separated by a cavity, the base of the cavity being defined between the edge of the concrete slab and the opposed portion of the inner face of the outer leaf, said method comprising locating a first duct in region of the base of the cavity such that the first duct extends for substantially the length of the wall, the first duct having outlets at spaced intervals along its length, said outlets being positioned to direct insecticide into the base of the cavity.

15 According to a preferred feature the insecticide is introduced into the inlet under pressure.

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Goo. According to a preferred feature the insecticide is introduced at periodic intervals.

The invention will be more fully understood in the light of the following 20 description of several specific embodiments Brief Description of the Drawings S The description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which; S o• Figure 1 is a side sectional view of the first embodiment which is intended for the treatment of cavity walls; Figure 2 is a side view of a section of duct according to the first embodiment; -6- Figure 3 is a plan view of the second embodiment which applicable to a single wall construction; and Figure 4 is a plan view of a third embodiment which is intended in circumstances where a duct or pipe or the like extends through the foundations of a building such as in the wet area of a building.

Description of Specific Embodiments The first embodiment is directed towards an insecticide distribution apparatus for use in a building having a foundation. As shown at Figure 1 of the drawings the foundation of the building comprises a concrete slab 10 which provides the floor of the building. The concrete slab is supported at its edges by footings 12 where the outer edge of the slab is spaced inwardly from the outer edge of the o i: footingsl2. The outer wall of the building is formed as a dual leaf wall having a :cavity defined between the leaves of the wall. The outer leaf 16 is supported from the footing while the inner leaf is supported from the slab. As a result the base of the cavity is defined between the outer leaf 16 and the outer edge of the -concrete slab 0* The apparatus of the first embodiment comprises a first duct 20 disposed within the base of the cavity 18 to extend along the cavity 18 around the periphery of 00." the construction. The duct is attached to the outer wall 16 so as to be spaced above the footing 12 in the region of the edge of the concrete slab. The first duct 20 of the embodiment is formed of a suitable rigid plastics material, such as PVC, however if desired the first duct 20 may be flexible. A first inlet 22 is provided on an outer face of the wall and is connected to the first duct 20 by a feed duct 24. The inlet 22 is preferably located in the outer face of the outer leaf 25 of the wall for ease of access. In addition the inlet is adapted such that a feed line can be sealingly mounted to the inlet and has a lockable cap (not shown) associated therewith, such that the inlet 22 can be sealed when not in use to prevent exposure to the insecticide within the first duct and leakage from the -7inlet 22. In addition to provide for further security the inlet is provided with a nonreturn valve which will allow for the introduction of insecticide into the first duct but will prevent the flow of insecticide from the first duct.

The first duct 20 is provided with a plurality of apertures 26 which are located at spaced intervals along its length. The apertures 26 are directed downwardly and are inclined to the longitudinal axis of the first duct 20 By inclining the apertures 26 relative to the longitudinal axis of the first duct 20, the spray from the apertures 26 can be made to overlap, thus ensuring thorough coverage of the floor of the cavity 18. Alternatively each of the apertures may be provided with a sprinkler or similar spray device which will produce a spray of insecticide according to a desired pattern and in order that both the base of the cavity and the lower portions of the wall above the base is substantially uniformly contacted e by the spray. In use insecticide is fed into the inlet 22 under pressure and by 00• virtue of the extent of the duct it is distributed throughout the lower portion of the 15 cavity 18 by the apertures 26 which are provided in the duct ••,The location of the first duct in the base of the cavity and the directing of the a s* apertures downwardly ensures that the spray is confined in the base of the :00 S' •••cavity i.e. in the space between the edge of the concrete slab and the outer leaf. As a result the spray is not incident upon the inner leaf 14 of the wall and in particular in the region above the damp course of the inner leaf. Therefore there is little likelihood of the inner leaf being wet by the spray which would otherwise *6 be detrimental.

0*000: 0 It is anticipated that several sets of first ducts 20 and possibly a number of inlets 22 may be required in some circumstances, for example where the cavity 18 is 25 discontinuous.

According to an alternative form of the first embodiment each first duct 20 has a plurality of inlets 22 associated with it, where the inlets are provided at spaced Ai N intervals along the duct.

-8- The second embodiment as shown in Figure 3 is directed to use with building or portions of buildings which have only a single leaf wall 16 and therefore the walls do not have a cavity 18 into which a duct may be disposed. Instead according to the second embodiment a second duct 28 is disposed beneath the slab 10 and is positioned such that it extends around the perimeter of the single wall to be co-extensive therewith. The second duct 20 is formed of a suitable rigid plastics material, such as PVC, however if desired the first duct 20 may be flexible. A second inlet 30 is provided on the outer face of the wall and communicates with the second duct 28 to enable the insecticide to be introduced into the second duct. As in the case of the first embodiment the second inlet 30 is adapted such that a feed line can be sealingly mounted to the inlet and has a lockable cap (not shown) associated therewith, such that the second inlet 30 can be sealed when not in use to prevent exposure to the insecticide within the first duct and leakage.

4 In addition to provide for further security the second inlet is provided with a non- 15 return valve which will allow for the introduction of insecticide into the second duct but which will prevent the flow of insecticide from the second duct. The second duct 28 is provided with apertures at spaced intervals along its length in •coo order to allow insecticide to be substantially uniformly diffused into the *surrounding soil beneath the slab 10 underneath the wall 16. with through which insecticide can be distributed into the second duct 28.

In use insecticide is introduced into the second inlet under pressure in order that 0000 the insecticide is substantially evenly distributed into the soil below the wall 16 to prevent access of termites with the region of the building footings or foundations below the wall and therefore to any flaws or openings therein which would permit entry of termites into the interior of the building.

The second embodiment also has application to instances where an extension is ••ooi made to an existing building where the second duct is laid underneath the junction between the new and the old foundations in order to protect the region of the junction. In such instances it is usual that with movement over time the JI I junction between the new and old foundations will open up in places which then -9provides an opportunity for termites to gain access to the interior of the building.

By utilisation of the second embodiment this potential entry point can be controlled The third embodiment as shown in Figure 4 has application in controlling access through a foundation where ducts or pipes such as exist in the wet areas of a building such as ensuites, bathrooms and laundries which typically have a number of plumbing fittings which extend through the slab 10 into the surrounding soil. To protect against termites or other insects entering the house through the junction between the pipe 32 and the concrete slab 10, a network of third ducts 34 are provided where each third duct is associated with each pipe 32 and which is located beneath the concrete slab 10, as shown in Figure 4.

The third ducts are associated with a common a third inlet 36 which is provided "at the exterior of the building. As in the case of the previous embodiments the third inlet 36 is adapted such that a feed line can be sealingly mounted to the inlet and it has a lockable cap (not shown) associated therewith, such that the third inlet 36 can be sealed when not in use to prevent exposure to the insecticide within the first duct and leakage. In addition to provide for further security the third inlet is provided with a non-return valve which will allow for the introduction of insecticide into the third ducts but which will prevent the flow of insecticide from the third ducts 36. Each third duct 34 has an outlet which .00 comprises an annular duct 38 which extends around the periphery of the pipe 32 P. and is perforated so as to allow insecticide to be diffused into the soil surrounding the respective pipe 32 below the foundations at the junction of the pipe with the foundations. If desired and as is shown at Figure 4 the third ducts may be interconnected with a network of first ducts 20 in accordance with the first embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 and the third inlet 36 may provide the .;connection between the first and third ducts.

If desired, the first, second and third embodiments may be used together in association with each other in whatever combination the particular application requires and in such an instance a common inlet or separate may be used for each of the ducts as is deemed appropriate.

The embodiments of the present invention provide an insecticide distribution system which is relatively inexpensive, which provides protection for buildings in order to control potential accessways which can exist in wall cavities, wet areas and single wall areas.

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 exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

It should be appreciated that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described above.

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Claims

1. A building protection means comprising an insecticide distribution means, sa-iid building having foundations comprising a concrete slab supported at its edges by footings where the outer edge of the concrete slab is spaced inwardly from the outer edge of the footings, said building having external walls defined by an external leaf supported from the footings and an internal leaf supported from the concrete slab, the inner and outer leaf being separated by a cavity, the base of the cavity being defined between the edge of the concrete slab and the opposed portion of the inner face of the outer leaf, the distribution means comprising a first duct, the building protection means comprising said first duct disposed in region of the base of the cavity and wherein the first duct S, extends for substantially the length of the wall, the first duct having outlets at spaced intervals along its length, said outlets being adapted and/or positioned •00 15 to direct insecticide into the base of the cavity. OlO° 0

2. A building protection means as claimed at claim 1 wherein each outlet in the first duct is provided with a distribution means such as a sprinkler, spray nozzle or the like.

3. A building protection means as claimed at claim 1 or 2 wherein, the first duct 20 is positioned to be spaced upwardly from the footings and the outlets are directed downwardly.

4. A building protection means as claimed at claim 3 wherein the first duct is o• fixed to the inner face of the outer leaf. A building protection means as claimed at claim 1 or 2 wherein, the first duct is supported on the footings. -12-

6. A building protection means as claimed at any one of the preceding claims wherein, the first duct is adapted to distribute insecticide over the face of the footings between the inner and outer leaf, the edge of the concrete slab and the lower portion of the inner face of the outer leaf.

7. A building protection means as claimed at any one of the preceding claims wherein the distribution means comprises a second duct disposed beneath a foundation on which a wall rests, said second duct being coextensive with the wall, said second duct being adapted along at least part of its length to distribute insecticide into the surroundings beneath the wall.

8. A building protection means as claimed at claim 7 wherein the first and second ducts are connected to a common inlet. ".0

9. A building protection means as claimed at claim 7 wherein the first and O second ducts are connected to separate inlets. building protection means as claimed at any one of the preceding claims wherein the distribution means comprises at least one third duct, said third duct having a portion adapted to distribute insecticide around the service duct or pipe or conduit beneath the foundation in the region of the junction. 11 .A building protection means as claimed at claim 10 wherein, each the portion comprises an annular shaped duct extending around the service duct or pipe 20 or conduit.

12.A building protection means as claimed at claim 10 or 11 wherein the first and third ducts are connected to a common inlet.

13.A building protection means as claimed at claim 10 or 11 wherein the first and third ducts are connected to separate inlets. 4// -13-

14.A building protection means as claimed at claim 10 or 11 as dependant upon claim 7 wherein the second and third ducts are connected to a common inlet. building protection means as claimed at claim 10 or 11 as dependant upon claim 7 wherein the second and third ducts are connected to separate inlets.

16.A building protection means as claimed at claim 10 or 11 as dependant upon one claim 7 wherein the first, second and third ducts are connected to a common inlet.

17.A building protection means as claimed at claim 10 or 11 as dependant upon claim 7 wherein the first, second and third ducts are connected to separate inlets. "o 18.A building protection means as claimed at claim 10 or 11 as dependant upon claim 7 wherein two of the ducts are connected to a common inlet and the other duct is connected to a separate inlet. "19.A building protection means as claimed at any one of the preceding claims 15 wherein the inlet includes a closure means to seal the inlet when not in use. building protection means as claimed at claim 19 wherein said closure means includes a locking means to prevent unwanted access to the duct. 0r..

21.A building protection means as claimed at claim 19 or 20 wherein said inlet is provided with a non-return valve which is adapted to enable the introduction of insecticide into the one or more ducts.

22.A building protection means substantially as herein described.

23.A method of protecting a building from the entry of insects into a building in which the building has foundations comprising a concrete slab supported at its o J edges by footings where the outer edge of the concrete slab is spaced 7A/ -14- inwardly from the outer edge of the footings, said building having external walls defined by an external leaf supported from the footings and an internal leaf supported from the concrete slab, the inner and outer leaf being separated by a cavity, the base of the cavity being defined between the edge of the concrete slab and the opposed portion of the inner face of the outer leaf, said method comprising locating a first duct in region of the base of the cavity such that the first duct extends for substantially the length of the wall, the first duct having outlets at spaced intervals along its length, said outlets being positioned to direct insecticide into the base of the cavity.

24. A method of protecting a building as claimed at claim 23 wherein the first duct is fixed to the inner face of the outer leaf. 00 •25.A method of protecting a building as claimed at claim 23 wherein, the first duct is supported on the footings. IS. °26.A method of protecting a building as claimed at claim 23, 24 or 25 wherein, al' 15 the outlets are positioned to distribute insecticide over the face of the footings between the inner and outer leaf, the edge of the concrete slab and the lower portion of the inner face of the outer leaf.

27.A method of protecting a building as claimed at claim 23, 24, 25 or 26 04 wherein the method further comprises locating a second duct beneath the 20 foundation, said second duct being coextensive with the wall, said second 0, duct being adapted along at least apart of its length to distribute insecticide into the surroundings beneath the wall. (9

28.A method of protecting a building as claimed at any one of claims 23 to 27 wherein the first and second ducts are connected to a common inlet.

29.A method of protecting a building as claimed at any one of claims 23 to 27 wherein the first and second ducts are connected to separate inlets. a C: method of protecting a building as claimed at any one of claims 23 to 29 wherein the method further comprises locating at least one third duct beneath the foundation in the region at least one junction between a service pipe or duct and the foundation, said third duct having a portion adapted to distribute insecticide in the region of the junction.

31.A method of protecting a building as claimed at claim 30 wherein, the portion of each third duct comprises an annular shaped duct extending around the service duct or pipe or conduit in the region of the junction.

32.A method of protecting a building as claimed at claim 30 or 31 wherein the first and third ducts are connected to a common inlet.

33.A method of protecting a building as claimed at claim 30 or 31 wherein the S°first and third ducts are connected to separate inlets.

34.A method of protecting a building as claimed at claim 30 or 31 wherein as adependent from claim 27 wherein the second and third ducts are connected to a common inlet. method of protecting a building as claimed at claim 30 or 31 wherein as dependent from claim 27 wherein the second and third ducts are connected to separate inlets. (0 oeo

36.A method of protecting a building as claimed at claim 30 or 31 wherein as dependent from claim 27 wherein the first, second and third ducts are connected to a common inlet. '0-

37.A method of protecting a building as claimed at claim 30 or 31 wherein as dependent from claim 27 wherein the first, second and third ducts are connected to separate inlets. -16-

38.A method of protecting a building as claimed at claim 30 or 31 wherein as dependent from claim 27 wherein two of the ducts are connected to a common inlet and the other duct is connected to a separate inlet.

39.A method of protecting a building from the entry of insects into a building as claimed at any one of claims 23 to 38 wherein the insecticide is introduced at periodic intervals. method of protecting a building from the entry of insects into a building substantially as herein described. Dated this twelfth day of January 2000. g S Gianis Papadopoulos Applicant Wray Associates Perth, Western Australia o Patent Attorneys for the Applicant 'S