CA2339459A1

CA2339459A1 - Electric slug fence

Info

Publication number: CA2339459A1
Application number: CA002339459A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Leslie Roy Disher
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-03-08
Filing date: 2001-03-08
Publication date: 2002-09-08

Abstract

A continuous strip dielectric ribbon with, on one side, a centrally located protruding angled dielectric apron, separating two exposed parallel strips of electro-conductive material fastened or embedded into the dielectric ribbon, carrying an electric current, to protect plants from terrestrial mollusks such as snails and slugs.

A low voltage source of 6 - 12 volts is applied to the electro-conductive strips. No current flows through the device until the mollusk attempts to crawl over the device. The power source is intended to be a standard 9 volt battery, but it can be any type of low voltage battery, low voltage transformer, or solar power pack.

The protruding angled dielectric apron minimizes the chance of short circuits in inclement weather, by preventing rain or moisture from making a direct contact with both electro-conductive strips, thereby prolonging the life of the power source, and ensuring the entire system remains continuously electrically charged.

The ribbon is fastened to wood, concrete, plastic, or other border material surrounding or containing plants, and may have an auto adhesive backing for ease of fastening. Electrical connections between the ribbon and the power source can be made using clips, solder, electro-conductive transfer tape, or a combination thereof.

Description

SPECIFICATION
This invention relates to a garden pest control device that will protect garden plants from terrestrial mollusks such as snails and slugs. To date one of the preferred methods of controlling snail and slug damage has been through the use of chemical poisons containing metaldehyde as the active ingredient, This is not only a temporary solution, but objectionable to some gardeners, and a potential health hazard to humans and animals.
Patents have been issued for devices that use electricity to control snails and slugs. Some patents show devices made of electrically conducting modules or discrete components that must be assembled in the field. Others require complex power sources, or because of a multiplicity of conductors and isolators, are susceptible to damage or malfunction. While some electrical repellent tapes have addressed the problems associated with the installation of modular fencing elements given the uneven or irregular dimensions and elevations of many garden and flower beds, they provide no protection from potential short circuiting problems caused by inclement weather conditions, that can render part or all of the device without an electrical charge, or can prematurely discharge the power source.
It is an object of this invention to provide an improved design on other continuous-strip electrified snail and slug repellent tapes or fences, to minimize the chance of short circuits in inclement weather, to prolong the life of the power source, and to ensure the entire system remains continuously electrically charged, by minimizing the possibility of rain or moisture making a direct contact with both electro-conductive strips.
In the drawings which illustrate the embodiments of the invention, Figure 1 represents an oblique angle view, and illustrates the dielectric ribbon on which are placed two parallel strips of electro-conductive material separated by a dielectric apron. Figure 2 represents an elevation view, and illustrates the positions of the electro-conductive strips, and the position and angle of the dielectric apron relative to the positions of the electro-conductive strips.

Claims

1.) a continuous-strip dielectric ribbon, on which, on one side, two exposed parallel strips of electro-conductive material are fastened or embedded, separated by dielectric material, assembled in such a way as to provide on one surface a series of alternating electro-conductive and dielectric bands

2.) a continuous-strip dielectric ribbon, on which, on one side, two exposed parallel strips of electro-conductive material are fastened or embedded, separated by dielectric material as in Claim 1.) with a centrally located protruding angled dielectric apron, separating the two fastened or embedded exposed parallel strips of electro-conductive material

3.) a continuous-strip dielectric ribbon, on which, on one side, two exposed parallel strips of electro-conductive material are fastened or embedded, separated by dielectric material with a centrally located protruding angled dielectric apron separating the two fastened or embedded exposed parallel strips of electro-conductive material as in Claims 1.) and 2.) in which all materials composing the device are resistant to weather and ultraviolet deterioration, and corrosion caused by mollusk secretions

4.) a continuous-strip dielectric ribbon, on which, on one side, two exposed parallel strips of electro-conductive material are fastened or embedded, separated by dielectric material with a centrally located protruding angled dielectric apron separating the two embedded exposed parallel strips of electro-conductive material as in Claims 1.) and 2.) and 3.) which can be produced as a single unit in an extrusion process.