GB2290936A - Worm screen - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus is disclosed which enables worms to be separated from residual compost 5, the apparatus comprising a screen 8 of a mesh size suitable to allow worms to pass, but blocking the passage of compost 6/7. The screen is placed into a conventional wormery at a stage shown in Fig 1. The active layer 6 moves up the wormery (Fig 2) as a result of progressive introduction of organic matter, the worms move with this layer. The screen is used to remove the active layer and worms, leaving behind the layer residual compost 5 (Fig 3). The contents of the screen is replaced when the compost 5 has been removed. <IMAGE>

Description

This invention relates to a worm screen.

Wormery's are well known for the recycling of organic wastes, usually those designed for domestic use are the size of a standard dust bin, with many being a modified dust bin as the main container, whilst others use a specific type or design of container. Unless the container facilitates removal of the compost from below the worm layer, then the only way to gain access to the compost is to remove the worm layer first, this is usually a messy and unpleasant task using a hand trowel or similar.

According to the present invention there is provided a worm screen, this can be in the form of a net , the size of the spacings being enough to allow an adult worm through and yet contain any compost and organic warty.

The worm screen is inserted into the wormery, then organic waste is placed, progressively, inside this as when in normal use. As the worms move into this layer,they having processed that below, they pass through the spaces in the screen and thus when the screen is removed they are contained within, therefore enabling access to the compost below easily and relatively mess free.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 shows,in a cut away view, a typical wormery nearing full stage with the net having just been inserted.

Figure 2 shows , in a cut away view, the wormery full and ready for removal of the worm layer and fresh waste.

Figure 3 shows, in a cut away view, the wormery after having the net together with the contents, removed from the wormery, giving access to the colrlpost .

Referring to the drawing a typical domestic wormery comprises of, a container 10, with a close fitting lid 9 and vents 1, there is usually a means for collecting the leachate, this is often done using spacers 3 supporting a form mesh or perforated platform 4. The controlled outlet of the liquid is done using a tap 2.

Once the wormery is established, fresh organic waste is added regularly, as the worms feed on this they convert it into compost 5. Composting worms are of species that live close to the surface just below the fresh organic waste 7, and form what is known as the active layer 6. Gradually the wormery becomes filled.

When the level of the compost in the wormery nears the three quarters full stage, or at a point when the compost is to be required in the near future, the worm screen 8 is placed in the wormery > as shown in Fig 1. Then as more fresh organic waste is put inside the worm screen the worms move into this through the spacings in the net to feed on it. When sufficient waste has progressively been added to ensure that the worm active layer 6 is completely within the worm screen 8,as shown in Fig 2, the worm screen is removed as shown in Fig 3 and access is gained to the compost 5 below.

Once the compost has been removed the contents of the worm screen are carefully emptied back into the bottom of the wormery and after settling down for a few days is ready for starting the composting process again.

Claims (6)

What I claim is :

1. A worm screen which is in the form of a net , the size of the spacings being enough to allow an adult worm through and yet contain any compost and organic waste. The worm screen is inserted into the wormery, then organic waste is placed, progressively, inside this as when in normal use. As the worms move into this layer, they having processed that below, they pass through the spaces in the screen and thus when the screen is removed they are contained within, therefore enabling access to the compost below, easily and relatively mess free.

2. A worm screen as described in Claim 1 made from any material either rigid or flexible.

3. A worm screen as claimed in Claim or 2 which provides a means of separatating the active worm layer from the compost.

4. A worm screen as claimed in any preceding claim, which may be used during any stage of filling a wormery.

5. A worm screen substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 - 3 of the accompanying drawing.

6. A worm screen as claimed In any preceding claim, which Is suitable for any size or shape of domestic worm in.

6. A worm screen as claimed in any preceding claim, which is suitable for any size or shape of domestic wor!nery.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. A worm screen which is in the form of a net, the size of the spacings being enough to allow an adult worm through and yet contain any compost and organic waste. The worm screen is inserted into the worm bin then organic waste is placed, progressively, inside this as when in normal use. As the worms move into this layer, they having processed that below, they pass through the spaces in the screen and hue when the screen is removed they are container within, therefore enabling access to the compost below, as 11; and relatively mess free.

2. A worm screen as described in Claim 1 made from any material either rigid or flexible.

3. A worm screen as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 which provides a means of separating the active worm layer from the compost.

4. A worm screen as claimed in any preceding claim, which may be used during any stage-of filling a worm bin.

5. A worm screen substantialy as described herein with reference to Figures 1 - 3 of the accompanying drawing.