EP4654818A1

EP4654818A1 - Improvements in pest control powder applicators

Info

Publication number: EP4654818A1
Application number: EP24705987.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: James KERMAN
Original assignee: Pest Control Solutions Ltd
Current assignee: Pest Control Solutions Ltd
Priority date: 2023-01-25
Filing date: 2024-01-24
Publication date: 2025-12-03
Also published as: GB2628329A; GB202301091D0; WO2024156762A1

Abstract

A pest control substance applicator (100) has a pump (108), a valve (128) downstream of the pump and a capsule container (546) defining a capsule cavity containing a capsule (600) The capsule (600) has a chamber containing a pest control powder and having an outer surface (602) which, in use, bears against inwardly facing ribs of the capsule container. The capsule (600) has an inlet sealing means and 5 an outlet sealing means, wherein, in use, pressurised air generated by the pump can be stored and selectively released by the manually actuated valve to pass from the inlet sealing means to the outlet sealing means of the capsule to thereby expel the pest control substance.

Description

Improvements in pest control powder applicators

The present invention is concerned with an improved pest control powder applicator. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with a pest control powder applicator having a sealed, replaceable capsule.

There are many types of animal that act as a pest. Insects, and in particular wasps of the family Vespula have a tendency to build substantial nests in and around homes and workplaces. Wasps like to build nests in sheltered spaces with external access. In particular wasps are known to build nests in the rooves of houses (such as the eaves, attics / lofts), which can cause a high volume of wasps in the surrounding area. Wasp stings can be painful, and in some individuals with allergies can be very dangerous.

It is generally unadvisable to attempt to interfere with, or remove, an occupied wasp nest. Instead, the usual approach is to treat the nest with an insecticide to kill the resident wasp population before the nest can be removed.

Wasp nest removal can be dangerous- even for an individual with no allergies. Multiple stings can be dangerous. Therefore, many companies offer a wasp nest treatment service whereby a trained professional will attend the site to eliminate the nest.

The insecticide is most effectively provided in the form of a powder or dust. Provision of small, loose particles enables the insecticide to be transported into and around the nest by the wasps. Some insecticides contain permethrin, which although effective is potentially hazardous to humans and extremely toxic to aquatic environments. Further, the targeting of such substances to the specific region of the wasp nest is important to prevent loose insecticide harming other insect wildlife such as bees etc.

The powder (commonly known as "dust", although it will be understood that the term "dust" and "powder" can be used interchangeably) is carried and introduced into the nest by equipment such as the Birchmeier (TM) DR5 duster. This product has a large tank containing multiple doses of insecticide powder, and a lance attached thereto. The tank can be pressurised with a hand pump, and the dust expelled from the lance with a trigger connected to a valve. Such systems are designed for industrial use- they have large, multi-use tanks and furthermore can be refilled by the user.

Domestic wasp treatment systems are also known. These are marketed towards the DIY market, and offer a less costly solution to calling out a professional wasp treatment company. These solutions range from a simple container of treatment powder to a small-scale duster type device with e.g. bellows or a bulb. There are various problems at both ends of the market.

The industrial units are expensive and bulky, and require expert handling to refill. Even with expert supervision, insecticidal dust can be spread around the area where the system is being refilled, causing unwanted results. Further, these multi-use devices can be bulky and difficult to handle with any degree of accuracy. For example, when up a ladder, the user will need to carry the container with one hand, and aim and trigger the release with the other. This makes accurate insertion of the lance into the nest difficult. A lack of accuracy can waste insecticide, and also spread it to areas where it is unwanted.

The DIY systems tend to be far less effective. One reason is that unpressurised DIY applicators require inversion to dispel the powder. This adds an extra challenge to application. Simple powder containers rely on the insects transporting the insecticide into the nest, which can be slow. Even at the upper end of the DIY market, the bellows-type devices do not tend to have the power to penetrate deep into a nest where the product is best located to be effective and reduce any unwanted side-effects to other wildlife. Further, there is usually a need to pump the systems during injection, which makes accurate handling more difficult than the "pressure accumulator" of the DR5 duster mentioned above.

One solution presented has been the "Wasp Go Go" (TM) system. This utilises a pump-action drain unblocker to accumulate pressure and a trigger to release the pressure through a dust capsule into a nest. This device relies on manual refilling of open capsules. This is not ideal as again requires an untrained user to attempt to successfully fill a small dust cartridge with harmful insecticidal dust.

The applicant of the present application is the applicant for a prior-filed international patent application published as WO 2022/129295. In that prior application a pest control applicator is described having a pump, a valve, a capsule container and a capsule. Insertion of the capsule into the capsule container acts to open the seal(s) of the capsule and allows the powder stored therein to be expelled by a burst of air provided by the pump and valve.

In some circumstances, the device of WO'295 can exhibit problems with air being trapped at the leading end of the capsule as it is inserted into the capsule container. This can make insertion of the capsule more difficult, and prevent proper engagement with the cutter(s) and seals of the container.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide an improved pest control powder applicator.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a pest control powder applicator comprising: a pump; a manually actuated valve downstream of the pump; a capsule container downstream of the manually actuated valve, the capsule container defining a capsule cavity bounded by an internally facing surface having at least one inwardly projecting support member; a capsule defining a chamber containing a pest control powder, the capsule having an outer surface which, in use, bears against the at least one support member, the capsule having an inlet sealing means and an outlet sealing means; wherein, in use, pressurised air generated by the pump can be stored and selectively released by the manually actuated valve to pass through the inlet sealing means, through the capsule and through the outlet sealing means of the capsule to thereby expel the pest control powder from the applicator.

Advantageously, the use of support members allows a fluid path to be formed between the capsule and the internally facing surface of the capsule container. This allows air to be displaced from the area proximate the leading end of the capsule, rearwardly from the container. This improves the ease of insertion of the capsule in the container whilst still supporting the capsule in situ. As with the device of WO'295, this configuration is well suited to single use capsules, and can therefore be made compact and suitable for the domestic market. Also, the provision of a pump to accumulate pressure and a valve to release accumulated pressure allows the system to deliver the payload effectively and with minimal input from the user at the point of application (compared to e.g. bellows). This makes it a system that is fast to deploy, minimising the time the user spends proximate e.g. a nest. Further, the use of a normally closed, valved capsule housed within a container provides two advantages. Firstly, the capsule can be pre-filled and supplied with insecticide therein. There is no need for the user to fill or refill the capsule. Secondly, the container allows the capsule to be constructed from relatively thin, light and biodegradable material such as cardboard. This solution therefore allows pre-filled, single use capsules to be utilised.

A further advantage of the present invention is that unlike unpressurised DIY products, the applicator does not need to be inverted to release the insecticide.

Preferably, the at least one support member is provided along at least 50% of the length of the capsule when in a fully inserted condition. More preferably, the at least one support member is provided along at least 90% of the length of the capsule when in the fully inserted condition. Even more preferably, the at least one support member is provided along the entire length of the capsule when in the fully inserted condition. Preferably, the at least one support member comprises a plurality of support members spaced around the internally facing surface.

Preferably, the plurality of support members are equally spaced.

Preferably, the support members are configured to support the capsule centrally in the capsule container.

Preferably, the support members are substantially quadrilateral in cross section.

Preferably, the support members are axially extending and prismatic.

Preferably at least one of the inlet sealing means and outlet sealing means comprises a frangible seal. More preferably, the frangible seal comprises a membrane extending across an opening of the capsule. Even more preferably the membrane is constructed from foil, although in an alternative embodiment it may be constructed from another flexible sheet material such as paper.

Preferably two components define the capsule container, which two components can be disassembled to facilitate replacement of the capsule, wherein a capsule seal penetrating member is provided extending into the capsule container such that assembly of the two components with a capsule within the capsule container causes the seal penetrating member to open the sealing means.

Preferably two capsule seal penetrating members are provided to open both the inlet and outlet sealing means.

Preferably the seal penetrating member or members comprises a cutter to rupture the frangible seal.

Preferably an inlet cutter arranged to penetrate the inlet seal defines a point at a central axis of the capsule container. Preferably the inlet cutter comprises a plurality of spokes supporting the point, in which fluid passages are defined between the spokes.

Preferably an outlet cutter comprises a cutting edge defined on a cylinder. Preferably the cutting edge of the outlet cutter is angled to defining a leading portion of the cutting edge. Preferably the outlet cutter extends into the capsule in use, and defines a long side and a short side, wherein the short side is at least 50% of the diameter of the inner diameter of the capsule. Advantageously, this acts to retain the cut membrane against the sidewall of the capsule, preventing it from impeding exit of the pesticide.

There may be provided a resilient, recloseable valve between the pump and the capsule container which opens in response to release of the pressurised air. This prevents pesticide from passing towards the pump and therefore user. In an alternative embodiment, at least one of the inlet and outlet sealing means may comprise a resilient, recloseable valve which opens in response to release of the pressurised air. The resilient, recloseable valve may comprise an elastomeric valve member. Preferably the resilient, recloseable valve is one-way- i.e. only permits flow away from the pump. Preferably both of the inlet and outlet sealing means comprise such a valve.

In one embodiment, the capsule may have a resilient, recloseable valve at a proximal end, and a frangible seal at a distal end.

Preferably the capsule comprises a capsule wall defining the outer surface, and wherein the capsule wall is constructed from a material having a thickness that would rupture under the pressurised air generated without the presence of the internally facing surface of the capsule container.

Preferably the capsule comprises a capsule wall defining the outer surface, and wherein the capsule wall is constructed from a material having a thickness that would rupture under an internal capsule pressure of at least 275kPa (40psi).

Preferably the capsule comprises a capsule wall defining the outer surface, and wherein the capsule wall is constructed from cardboard.

Preferably a convergent nozzle downstream of the capsule outlet is provided. This accelerates the flow from the device. Preferably the nozzle is frustroconical.

Preferably a proboscis is provided downstream of the nozzle.

Preferably there is provided a lance module between the trigger and the capsule container, wherein the applicator has a first configuration in which the trigger is directly attached to the capsule container, and a second configuration in which the lance module is positioned between the trigger and capsule container. Preferably the lance module comprises a plurality of modular lance portions allowing the user to select the length of the lance module. This allows the user to select the device length to suit the application.

Preferably wherein the capsule container comprises a removeable end portion that can be removed to facilitate replacement of the capsule.

Preferably the removeable end portion is attached to the capsule container by a screw thread.

Preferably the capsule has a distal end and a proximal end, and wherein the capsule and capsule container are configured to permit insertion of the capsule with the proximal end closer to the trigger than the distal end, but to prohibit insertion in with the distal end closer to the trigger than the proximal end. Preferably the capsule container defined a capsule receiving opening, and wherein the capsule comprises a shoulder proximate the distal end, which shoulder cannot fit into the opening.

Preferably the shoulder is defined by an endcap of the capsule.

Preferably the capsule contains between 10g and 20g of pest control substance. The pest control substance may be e.g. Permethrin or Azamethiphos powder.

Preferably the pest control substance is a powder.

Preferably the valve comprises a squeezable trigger.

An example applicator according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a first application according to the present invention in a first configuration;

FIGURE 2 is a side view of a proximal portion of the applicator of Figure 1 with various detail component views;

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a distal portion of the applicator of Figure 1;

FIGURE 4 is a section view of the distal portion of Figure 3;

FIGURE 5 is a section view of region V of Figure 4;

FIGURE 6 is a perspective section view of a part of the distal portion of Figure 3; and,

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of a capsule of the applicator of Figure 1.

First embodiment

Referring to Figure 1 an applicator 100 according to the invention is shown.

The applicator 100 comprises a proximal portion 102 and a distal portion 106. In an alternative configuration (not shown in ), a central portion is provided between the proximal and distal portions.

The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used with respect to the user. Arrows P and D demote the proximal and distal directions in Figure 1.

Proximal portion 102

Referring to Figure 2, the proximal portion 102 is shown, and consists of a pump 108, a connector 110 and a trigger 112. The pump 108 comprises a handle 114 connected to a piston (not visible) in a cylinder 116 configured to provide pressurised air to a female threaded outlet 118.

The connector 110 comprises a first male threaded portion 120 and a second male threaded portion 122. An air passage runs through the axial centre of the connector 110 placing each side in fluid communication.

The trigger 112 comprises an inlet 126 and an outlet 124 connected by a valve 128. The valve can be selectively opened by a trigger handle 130.

To assemble the proximal portion, the pump 108 and trigger 112 are placed in fluid communication by attachment to the two threaded male portions 120, 122 of the connector 110.

Distal portion 106

Referring to Figures 3 to 6, the distal portion 106 comprises a capsule container 546 having:

• at the proximal end: o a proximal end cap 542; o a valve 543; and, o a capsule container 546; and,

• at the distal end: o an o-ring 550; o a nozzle cap 556; and, o a proboscis 558.

The proximal end cap 542 is a cylindrical, hollow component having an internally threaded portion 560. Two annular grooves 547a, b are defined in the outer surface of the cap 542 to facilitate overmoulding and mechanical bonding of the main cylindrical body of capsule container 546.

The valve 543 is a one-way valve having an outer flange 564.

The capsule container 546 is generally hollow and cylindrical. The container 546 in section view is shown in Figure 6. It has an inwardly facing wall 570 and an outwardly facing wall 572. The inwardly facing wall 570 defines a plurality (in this case five) radially inwardly projecting ribs 800 that extend along the length of the container 546. The ribs 546 are equally spaced and are square in cross-section defining flat abutment surfaces 802. The outwardly facing wall 572 defines a plurality of (in this case eight) ribs 804. The external ribs 804 extend along the length of the container 546. The ribs 546 are equally spaced and are triangular in cross-section. At the proximal end, there is provided an annular wall 571 defining a circumferential groove 573 and a cutter 700 extending therefrom, towards the distal end. The cutter 700 is cruciform and tapered towards the distal end, comprising a central, pointed tip 702 and four legs 704. Between the legs 704 there are provided fluid passages 706. An o-ring 575 is positioned in the groove 573.

An external thread 574 is provided at the distal end.

The nozzle cap 556 is frustoconical having a tapered outer wall 580 and a tapered inner wall 582, tapering inwardly from the proximal to the distal end. At a proximal end of the nozzle 552 there is provided a cutter 594. The cutter 594 is cylindrical and tubular in shape, having a tapered proximal cutting edge 596. The shortest side of the cutter 594 extends a distance DI from the rest of the nozzle 552.

The nozzle cap 556 further comprises a shaft portion 584 and a proboscis receiving portion 586. The shaft portion 584 is internally threaded and surrounds the cutter.

The proboscis 558 is a stiff tube that can be inserted into the proboscis receiving portion 586 and comprises a sharp tapered distal end 592.

Capsule

Referring to Figures 15 and 16, a capsule 600 for use with the applicator is shown. The capsule 600 comprises a tube 602, a first foil end cap 604 and a second foil end cap 606, identical to the first. The foil caps are attached to the ends of the tube 602 to form two frangible seals.

The capsule 600 is partially filled with a pest control substance, for example an insecticide powder.

Assembly and use

The capsule 600 (one or more of which are provided with the applicator 100) is pre-filled with insecticide powder. In this embodiment the capsule 600 is partially filled such that the internal volume of the capsule 600 is partially air, and partially insecticide powder. Its ends are sealed with the foil after filling.

In use, the nozzle cap 556 is removed leaving the capsule container 546 open at the distal end.

The capsule 600 is inserted from the distal end and is supported centrally on the internal ribs 800. It will be noted that because elongate air channels are created inbetween the ribs (i.e., bounded by adjacent ribs, the inwardly facing wall 570, and the outer surface of the capsule 600) air can escape from the chamber as the capsule enters (much like a piston) towards the distal end. Once the capsule 100 contacts the cutter 700 (at which point resistance will be felt), the nozzle cap 556 can be placed over the distal end of the capsule 600 and screwed in place. As the nozzle cap 556 is rotated it advances in a distal direction to compress the capsule between the proximal cutter 700 and the distal cutter 594. Each of these cutters has a slightly different action.

The proximal cutter 700 being tapered towards the central axis of the device, and cruciform, penetrates the foil 604 at the centre point first with the tip 702 before cutting the foil open to leave a plurality of foil leaves attached to the tube and extending in the distal direction.

The distal cutter 594 on the other hand, is approximately the same diameter as the inside of the tube 602 and initially penetrates the foil at a single point near its outer radial edge, before forming a circle segment cut around the inner circumference of the tube 602 to form a single foil flap, which is compressed against the inner sidewall of the tube 602 by the shortest side of the cutter 594.

It will be noted that the dimension DI is equal to the inner diameter of the capsule 600. This means that the foil leaf resulting from the cutting action is fully held against the interior sidewall of the capsule 600, and cannot impede the exit of the insecticide.

Once the device is in this state, it is pressurised by pumping the pump 108. This raises the pressure in a pressure chamber between the pump piston and the valve 128.

Once the desired pressure has been reached (which may be determined via e.g. a pressure gauge on pump the user can position the applicator 100 for application of the insecticide. This usually entails inserting the proboscis into the wasp nest (for example via the wasp entry / exit orifice). Once inserted, the trigger is activated by the user.

This opens the valve and provides a release of compressed air in a distal direction. The air passes through the valve 543 and the passages 706 in the cutter 700 to pass into the capsule 600. The contents of the capsule 600 are ejected through the nozzle 552 through the proboscis 558. It will be noted that the effect of the converging nozzle sections acts to firstly accelerate the flow, and secondly to prevent stagnation causing a build-up of powder at the periphery (which would occur if e.g. a step change in diameter was provided).

Once used, the steps above can be reversed to remove and replace the cartridge.

Variations

Variations fall within the scope of the above embodiments.

A pressure indicator may be provided to display the pressure in the chamber between the pump piston and the valve. The indicator may provide pressure in e.g. known units (e.g. bar or psi), or alternatively may provide an indication of the correct pressure for optimum performance. For example, a "green zone" may be provided showing an acceptable pressure range.

A pressure relief valve may be provided to allow excess pressure in the chamber to be released when a certain predetermined pressure limit is achieved.

Claims

1. A pest control powder applicator comprising: a pump; a manually actuated valve downstream of the pump; a capsule container downstream of the manually actuated valve, the capsule container defining a capsule cavity bounded by an inwardly facing surface having at least one inwardly projecting support member; a capsule defining a chamber containing a pest control powder, the capsule having an outer surface which, in use, bears against the at least one support member, the capsule having an inlet sealing means and an outlet sealing means; wherein the inwardly projecting support members support the capsule to provide an air passage along the length of the capsule during insertion; and, wherein, in use, pressurised air generated by the pump can be stored and selectively released by the manually actuated valve to pass through the inlet sealing means, through the capsule and through the outlet sealing means of the capsule to thereby expel the pest control powder from the applicator.

2. A pest control powder applicator according to claim 1, wherein the at least one support member is provided along at least 50% of the length of the capsule when in a fully inserted condition.

3. A pest control powder applicator according to claim 2, wherein the at least one support member is provided along at least 90% of the length of the capsule when in the fully inserted condition.

4. A pest control powder applicator according to claim 3, wherein the at least one support member is provided along the entire length of the capsule when in the fully inserted condition.

5. A pest control powder applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one support member comprises a plurality of support members spaced around the internally facing surface.

6. A pest control powder applicator according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of support members are equally spaced.

7. A pest control powder applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the support members are configured to support the capsule centrally in the capsule container.

8. A pest control powder applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the support members are substantially quadrilateral in cross section.

9. A pest control powder applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the support members are axially extending and prismatic.

10. A pest control powder applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the inlet sealing means and outlet sealing means comprises a frangible seal.

11. A pest control powder applicator according to claim 10, in which the frangible seal comprises a membrane extending across an opening of the capsule.

12. A pest control powder applicator according to any preceding claim, comprising two components defining the capsule container, which two components can be disassembled to facilitate replacement of the capsule, wherein a capsule seal penetrating member is provided extending into the capsule container such that assembly of the two components with a capsule within the capsule container causes the seal penetrating member to open the sealing means.

13. A pest control powder applicator according to claim 12, wherein two capsule seal penetrating members are provided to open both the inlet and outlet sealing means.

14. A pest control powder applicator according to claim 12 or 13, dependent on any of claims 10 or 11, wherein the seal penetrating member or members comprises a cutter to rupture the frangible seal.

15. A pest control powder applicator according to claim 14, wherein an inlet cutter arranged to penetrate the inlet seal defines a point at a central axis of the capsule container.

16. A pest control powder applicator according to claim 15, wherein the inlet cutter comprises a plurality of spokes supporting the point, in which fluid passages are defined between the spokes.

17. A pest control powder applicator according to any of claims 14 to 16, wherein an outlet cutter comprises a cutting edge defined on a cylinder.

18. A pest control powder applicator according to claim 17, wherein the cutting edge of the outlet cutter is angled to defining a leading portion of the cutting edge.

19. A pest control powder applicator according to claim 18, wherein the outlet cutter extends into the capsule in use, and defines a long side and a short side, wherein the short side is at least 50% of the diameter of the inner diameter of the capsule.

20. A pest control powder applicator according to any preceding claim, comprising a convergent nozzle downstream of the capsule outlet.

21. A pest control powder applicator according to claim 20, comprising a proboscis downstream of the nozzle.

22. A pest control powder applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the capsule container comprises a removeable end portion that can be removed to facilitate replacement of the capsule.

23. A pest control powder applicator according to claim 22, wherein the removeable end portion is attached to the capsule container by a screw thread.