GB2510919A

GB2510919A - Device For Controlling Organic growth on An External Object

Info

Publication number: GB2510919A
Application number: GB1302914.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tony Skuse
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-02-19
Filing date: 2013-02-19
Publication date: 2014-08-20
Also published as: GB201302914D0

Abstract

A device for inhibiting the growth of organic matter on an object exposed to the natural environment, the device comprises a carrier and a metal component carried by the carrier, wherein the metal component forms a growth-inhibiting substance upon exposure to the natural environment. Preferably the metal component comprises copper or zinc which may oxidize to form copper sulphate or zinc sulphate as the growth inhibiting substance. The organic matter which is inhibited may be moss, algae, mildew, fungi, liverwort or lichen. Preferably, the object which the device is on is a window frame, door frame, solar glazing device, photovoltaic module, roofing component, electrical device, ornamental artifact, conservatory element or building support element. The device may further comprise an attachment component to facilitate attachment of the carrier to the object which may be an adhesive and may be integral with the carrier, and the carrier may comprise a tape.

Description

Control Of Organic Growth On An External Surface This invention relates generally to the control of organic growth on the external surface of structura' elements, ad more particularly to preventing, iiihibiting and/or killing such growth on window frames, door frames, solar panels, telecommunications devices, ornamental structures, conservatories, roof-related items and so forth. The invention is particularly suited for controlling moss, algae, lichen, fungi and any other living plant matter which is able to establish itself on the exterior surface of a building, structure or exposed object.

Organic matter such as moss, lichen, algae and other growths can be commonly found on roofs, driveways, walls and any other external objects which are exposed to the open air.

Such matter is often considered unsightly. An even more serious problem is that such growth can degrade the structural andlor functional integrity of the objects to which they have attached. For example. moss can accelerate the decomposition of asphalt roofing shingles.

Vailous substances are known to kill such organic growth. These substances include copper sulphate, zinc sulphate, iron ferrous) sulphate, potassium soap and others. These can be sprayed in liquid form onto the roof or windows etc. so as to kill existing growth and/or prevent its reoccurrence. However, there are disadvantages to using this approach.

For example, spraying can only be perfoirned on days when there are favourable weather conditions (low wind) because drift of the airborne product may affect nearby vegetation, pond fish or even the user himself. Moreover, the spraying process needs to be repeated over time to prevent the build-up of new growth. This is, therefore, a labour-intensive and potentially harmful approach.

Other growth-removing methods include jet washing the roof with a powerful stream of liquid, and/or scrubbing the growth away with a wire brush or similar implement.

However, these methods can cause trauma and damage to the object. In the case of the wire brushing, personnel are placed at risk of injury from falling if they are working at height.

Another known approach is to attach a metallic strip along the apex of a roof. Typically, this would involve the use of a copper or zinc strip which is somehow fastened to the roof tiles or a structural element (e.g. chimney). Upon exposure to the open air, the metal oxidises to produce zinc/copper sulphate. Each time it rains, the zinc or copper sulphate is dissolved. The diluted substance is washed down the roof under the influence of gravity, killing any moss in its course.

An advantage of this approach is that, once installed, it continues to release the growth inhibiting substance on a regular basis without the need for repeated manual application.

Anothcr advantagc is that thcrc is no drift' cffcct which might distributc thc harmful substance to neighbouring plant and animal life.

However, a disadvantage is that the metallic strip has to be somehow secured to the roof structure. This is typically achieved by tying it around a part of the roof or nailing it to the roof. This can be time consuming and difficult.

Moreover, it is often not possible or desirable to nail/tie a metal strip to certain types of object. For example: photovoltaic devices, telecommunications and other electronic equipment, windows, door frames, conservatory structures, ornamental artefacts and so on.

Thus, it is desirable to provide an alternative solution which inhibits the growth of unwanted plant matter. Such a desired solution should be cost effective, easy to install, be usable with a variety of different types and forms of object (not just roofs), and avoid or at least eliminate the need for repeated application.

Such an improved solution has now been devised.

Therefore, in accordance with the present invention there is provided a solution as defined by the appended claims.

Thus, according to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a device for inhibiting the growth of organic matter on an object exposed to the natural environment, the device comprising: a carrier; and a metal component calTied by the carrier; wherein the metal component forms a growth-inhibiting substance upon exposure to the natural environment.

The tcrm inhibiting' is to bc interpreted broadly as meaning controlling'. Thus, it includes killing' of thc organic matter as well as growth retardation and prevention.

fit a preferred embodiment, the metal component comprises copper or zinc. However, any other material may be used to the same purpose, thus falling within the scope of the present invention. The metal may be chosen according to factors such as availability, cost, growth-inhibiting qualities and so on.

In some embodiments, more than one type of metal may be used, Additionally or alternatively, other (non-metallic) substances may be carried by the carrier to further enhance the growth inhibiting properties of the device.

The metal component may be provided in the form of a metal strip or wire. It maybe substantially linear and continuous in form, or it may be provided as a plurality of metal pieces.

Thus, a pluraffly of metal components may be provided upon the carrier.

PreferaNy, the growth inhibiting substance is zinc sulphate or copper sulphate.

Preferably, the growth inhibiting substance is formed by oxidisation of the metal component.

PreferaNy, the device further comprises an attachment component to facilitate attachment of the carrier to the surface of the object.

The attachment component may take many forms, and the invention is not intended to be limited with regard to the form of the attachment component.

The attachment component could be a mechanical component or a chemical component.

For example, the attachment component may be an eye or aperture provided to facilitate pegging, nailing or stapling of the carrier to the object.

A plurality of attachment devices may be provided on or in the device. For example, adhesive patches may be provided at either end of an elongate carrier, or in series along its length.

Preferably, the attachment component comprises an adhesive.

The attachment component may be formed integrally with the carrier. For example, the carrier could be impregnated with an adhesive substance.

The attachment component may be arranged to provide releasable attachment, or may provide permanent attachment of the device to the object. Thus, if a releasable attachment is provided, the device can be changed or replaced over time if required.

The attachment component may be arranged to cooperate with a component provided on the object. For example, if the attachment component is an eye formation it may be hooked over a projection formed on the object; or the attachment component may be a projection which is arranged to cooperate with a recess, groove or aperture formed in the object.

The attachment device could be a mastic or resinous substance which can be extruded onto the object during installation. The mastic may comprise adhesive properties.

Additionally or alternatively, the attachment component may comprise an adhesive layer.

The adhesive layer may be provided in communication with the carrier. The adhesive layer may comprise at least one substantially linear area of adhesive, or at least one patch of adhesive. The adhesive layer may comprises separate patches or blobs' of adhesive, or may comprise one continuous strip or area of adhesive.

Preferably, the attachment component is provided with a protective cover or shield. The shield may be peelable.

Preferably, the shield serves to inhibit attachment of the device to itself or to another object pnor to attachment (installation) of the device to the surface of the object. This facilitates transportation and storage of the device prior to use.

The carrier or attachment component may be configured to melt upon the application of heat so as to secure the carrier to the surface.

The carrier may take a variety of forms and the invention is not intended to be limited in respect of the nature or form of the carrier. The carrier serves to support the metal component and hold it in place with respect to the surface of the object such that it is exposed to the natural environment.

The carner may comprise a mastic or resinous substance in which the metal component is at least partially embedded.

PreferaNy, the metal component is carried by the carrier such that at least part of the metal component is exposed to the natural environment. Thus, the exposed portion of the metal component can be contacted by the natural dements such as rain and air.

Thus, as the metal component is exposed to environmental elements a growth-inhibiting substance may be foimed. In use, this substance may be washed down and over at least a portion of the object's surface by the falling rain, under the influence of gravity. This substance then kills, retards, prevents or inhibits the growth of unwanted organic matter which may be unsightly or detrimental to the structural or functional integrity of the object.

Alternatively, the carrier may comprise a tape or ribbon. The tape may be an elongate strip. It may be provided, prior to use, in the form of a roll which is unwound in order to install the device upon the surface of the object.

The metal component may be secured to the carrier in a variety of ways. For example. it may be at least partially embedded within the carrier. Additionally or alternatively, it may be held in place on the carrier by mechanical means such as staples or stitches.

The carrier may be substantially rigid or flexible.

The object may be any type of object which is provided on or in a building or structure and at least partially exposed to the open air. For example, the object may be a window frame, door frame, solar glazing device, photovoltaic module, roofing component or building suppoit element. electrical device, conservatoiy structure, ornamental object and so on.

The object may be constructed from any type of material, synthetic or natural, such as wood, stone, vinyl, plastic, glass, metal etc. (or any combination thereof).

The device may be proportioned so as to facilitate installation of the device upon the surface of a predetermined type and/or size of object. For example, the device may be provided in strip form, the strip being cut to a predetermined length corresponding to a standard width of a window or door frame or solar paneL This provides the advantage that the installer does not need to cut the strip to the required size, but can simply attach it to the object. When the installer is positioned upon a high roof, possibly in indement conditions, ease and speed of installation is important.

The device may be configured to inhibit the growth of organic matter such as moss, mildew, fungi, liverwort or lichen. The growth of other types of organic matter may be inhibited by the device.

Also in accordance with the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a device substantially as described above, the method comprising the step of attaching a metal component to a carrier, the metal component being selected such that it foims a growth inhibiting substance upon exposure to the natural environment.

The method of manufacturing may further comprise the step of providing the carrier with an attachment component to facilitate attachment of the calTier to the surface of the object.

Preferably, the attachment component is an adhesive.

Also according to the present invention there is provided a method of using a device substantially as described above. Thus, there is provided a method of inhibiting the growth of organic matter on an object exposed to the natural environment, the method comprising to step of attaching a device as previously described to the surface of the object.

The invention described above in respect of the first aspect provides a simple device for inhibiting organic growth on the surface of an external object, wherein the growth-inhibiting substance is provided as the result of oxidisation of a metal which is placed in exposure to the air and rain. As the metal oxidises the growth inhibitor is effectively washed down over the surface of the object thus inhibiting and preventing growth of the unwanted matter.

The provision of the metal in or on a carder allows the metal to be easily and quickly attached to the object. The device provides a retro-fit solution.

According to a second aspect of the invention, another form of the device is provided in which the growth inhibiting substance is not formed as the result of the oxidisation of a metal, but is any substance which has growth-inhibiting properties and is carried in or on a support structure for securement to the object. Thus, the device of the second aspect is substantially as described above; however, any (metallic or non-metallic) growth inhibitor is provided in or on the carrier such that the action of rain and gravity cause the growth inhibiting substance to be washed down over the object.

Thus, according to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a device for inhibiting the growth of organic matter on an object exposed to the natural environment, the device comprising: a carrier; a growth-inhibiting component carried by the carrier; and an attachment component for securing the carrier to the object; wherein the growth inhibiting component is released onto the exposed surface of the object upon exposure to the natural environment.

The growth inhibiting component may be any known growth inhibitor such as a weed killer, pesticide, fungicide etc. The growth inhibiting substance may be provided on or in the carrier. For example, the carrier maybe impregnated with the growth inhibiting substance or it may be provided as a layer on the carrier; alternatively, it may be provided in or on another (intermediate) element supported by the carrier.

The growth inhibitor may be released from the calTier or another component of the device upon contact with rain. Thus, the growth inhibitor may be contained within the carrier until it is flushed or leeched out by rainfall.

Thus, there is also provided a method of manufacturing a device according to the second aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of providing: a growth-inhibiting component carried by a carrier; and an attachment component for securing the carrier to the object; such that during use the growth inhibiting component is released from the device onto the surface of the object by exposure to the natural environment.

The growth inhibiting component maybe any known growth inhibitor such as a weed killer, pesticide, fungicide etc. Thus, according to the second aspect of the invention, there is also provided a method of inhibiting the growth of organic matter on an object exposed to the natura' environment, the method comprising the step: using an attachment component to secure a carrier to the object; such that a growth-inhibiting component carried in or on the carrier is released onto a surface of the object upon exposure to the natural environment.

Thus, according to first and second aspects, the invention may comprise a carrier which is attachable to an (at least partially) exposed object and, carried by the carrier, a component which is either a growth inhibiting substance; or a substance which could become or produce a growth inhibiting substance.

According to a third aspect of the invention, an object is provided having a growth-inhibiting device built-in. The growth-inhibiting device may (or may not) be formed in accordance with any of the embodiments described above. The device may be embedded in the object, canied on the object, andlor integrally formed with the object. The growth inhibiting device may be a growth-inhibiting substance retained in or on the object until exposure to the natural environment after installation of the object causes the substance to be released.

Thus, there is provided an object having a surface which, in use, is exposed to the natural environment; wherein the object comprises a growth-inhibiting component; the growth-inhibiting component comprising a substance which is, or is capable of producing, a growth-inhibiting substance.

There is also provided an object having a surface which, in use, is exposed to the natural environment; wherein the object comprises at least one device for inhibiting the growth of organic matter as described above in any of the preceding embodiments.

PreferaNy, the device for inhibiting the growth of organic matter is: i) formed integrally with the object: and/or ii) at least partially embedded in the surface of the object.

According to the above embodiments, the object may be a window element, a door element, a photovoltaic device, an ornament, a conservatory element, an outdoor electrical device, or any structural element of a building.

In any of the embodiments described herein, the growth-inhibiting substance is released following installation in the open air and comes into contact with the surface of the object to keep it free of undesirable organic growth.

Thus, the present invention (in all its embodiments) provides the following advantages: * repeat manual application of growth-inhibiting substance is not necessary; * personnel do not need to scale high structures in order to dea' with unwanted organic growth on elevated objects, thus avoiding risk of injury from falling; * as personnel do not need to scale heights to maintain elevated objects (e.g. in-roof windows etc.) this avoids risk to personnel from falling through old roof structures which may contain asbestos; * the problem of drift' associated with chemical sprays is eliminated, thus avoiding risk or damage to personnel, vegetation and wildlife in the vicinity; * damage due to jet washing and wire brushing is avoided; * the inventive solution is cheap to manufacture; * The solution is quick and easy to insta'l, thus saving time and effort in respect of installation and maintenance of the exposed object in companson to known techniques; * the downward washing action of the growth-inhibiting substance prevents moss etc. from entering guttering and similar structural/functional features; thus, guttering etc. requires less frequent maintenance; * weeds and grass are prevented from growing in guttering, downpipes etc. * bactenal growth present in bird faeces is killed and washed away with the growth-inhibiting substance; -Il- * embodiments of the present invention can be retro-fitted to existing objects, or formed integrally with the object.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to, the illustrative and exemplary embodiment descnbed herein.

According to all aspects of this invention, a growth-inhibiting solution is provided which offers a simple, effective technique for inhibiting and controlling the growth of unwanted organic matter on an external, exposed object.

The invention (in all its embodiments) can be used to control growth on any external object, but is particularly useful with respect to solar panels. telecommunicafions devices or equipment, ornamental structures, windows, doors, structural elements and so on.

In some embodiments, the carrier isa tape which has an adhesive provided on one face.

This face shall be referred to as the underside'. It is the side which is pressed against the surface of the object during installation and use.

The opposite face shall be referred to as the upper side'. This is the side of the tape which faces away from the object. The upper side of the carrier has a substance in or on it which is either a growth inhibiting substance (in the second aspect of the invention) or could become/produce a growth inhibiting substance (according to the first aspect of the invention).

The tape can be made available in the form of a roll. The adhesive side of the tape is protected by a peelable shidd which prevents the device from sticking to itself when in the rolled configuration. The installer then measures the object to which the device is to be attached, and cuts off a length of tape accordingly.

Alternatively, the tape may be purchased in a pre-cut form (strip), the length of the strip being determined by the type and size of the object with which is it intended to be used.

For example, windows are usually manufactured in standard sizes. Thus, the strips may be dimensioned for use with a standard size window frame. A pack of strips may be made available.

h use, the installer removes the shield from the adhesive under side of the tape, aligns the tape over the desired installation area on the surface of the object, and then presses the adhesive underside against the surface. The adhesive then holds the device in place on the object, with the growth inhibitor exposed to the elements on the upper side.

Alternative methods of attachment (instead of the adhesive) include heat fusing of the canier to the object, or mechanically fastening (e.g. staples, nails etc.). Eyes or apertures may be provided in the device for the nails or staples. However, it will be appreciated that the use of adhesive will generally provide a device which is easier and quicker to install.

Furthermore, nails and staples etc. are not suitable for all types of objects e.g. solar panels or glass. Therefore, the installer will choose an attachment arrangement which is suited for use with the type of object in question.

It should also be noted that the attachment arrangement of the device may be arranged to co-operate with an attachment alTangement provided on the object. For example, the canier could compnse eye formations which hook onto projections formed on the surface of the object.

If using a device according to the first aspect of the invention, the upper side of the calTier comprises at least one strip or wire of copper or zinc.

Over time, the copper or zinc oxidizes and produces copper or zinc sulphate (respectivdy).

Copper and zinc sulphates are known to kill organic matter such as moss, algae, lichen etc. Thus, as it rains the copper or zinc sulphate becomes diluted and washed down over the object, thus killing any growth that it contacts and preventing the object from becoming unsightly or compromised.

If using a device according to the second aspect of the invention, the upper side of the carrier comprises a growth inhibiting substance. The substance can be any type of growth inhibitor which is suitable for fixing to the carrier such that it is held in place during storage and tnmsportation until it is released from the carrier after installation. This release may be achieved by dilution of the growth inhibiting substance in rain water. For example, thc moss/algae killer could be retained safely within the carrier until flushed' out and down over the object by falling rain.

Thus, the device can be changed or replaced over time if required. In some cases, the device can be pre-installed and supplied with the object, or the device could be purchased independently of the object and installed after installation of the object.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the growth-inhibiting device is provided in conjunction with the object. The device can be integrally formed within the suiface or body of the object. or embedded in the object such that it does not require independent installation by a user.

It will be appreciated that, with respect to all embodiments of the invention, the downward travel of rain is harnessed to effectively wash' the object in the diluted growth inhibitor.

Therefore, the device will typically be installed at the top, or at least towards the upper portion, of the object. The terms top' and upper' are uscd to refer to a position which is ñrthcr rcmovcd from the ground than another (bottom' or lowcr') portion.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be capaNe of designing many ahernative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed in parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claims. The word comprising' and "comprises', and the like, does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in any claim or the specification as a whole. In the present specification, "comprises" means "includes or consists of' and "comprising" means "including or consisting of'. The singular reference of an element does not exclude the plural reference of such elements and vice-versa. In a device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A device for inhibiting the growth of organic matter on an object exposed to the natural environment, the device comprising: a carrier; and a metal component carried by the carrier; wherein the metal component forms a growth-inhibiting substance upon exposure to the natural environment.
2. A device according to claim 1 and further comprising an attachment component to facilitate attachment of the carrier to the object.
3. A device according to claim 2 wherein the attachment component comprises an adhesive.
4. A device according to claims 2 or 3 wherein the attachment component is formed integrally with the carrier.
5. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the metal component comprises copper or zinc.
6. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the carrier comprises a mastic or resinous substance in which the metal component is at least partially embedded.
7. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the carrier comprises a tape.
8. A device according to any of claims 2 to 7 wherein the attachment component comprises an adhesive layer provided in or on the carrier, the adhesive layer comprising at least one elongate area of adhesive, or at least one patch of adhesive.
9. A device according to any of claims 2 to 8 wherein the attachment component is provided with a protective shield.
10. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the carrier or attachment component is configured to melt upon the application of heat so as to secure the carrier to the object.
11. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the metal component is at least partially embedded within the carrier.
12. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the carrier is: i) substantially ngid; or ii) flexible.
13, A device according to any preceding claim wherein the metal component is canled by the carrier such that at least part of the metal component is exposed to the natural environment.
14. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the growth inhibiting substance is formed by oxidisation of the metal component.
15. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the growth inhibiting substance comprises zinc sirlphate or copper su'phate.
16. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the object is a window frame, door frame, solar glazing device, photovoltaic module, roofing component, electrical device, omamental artifact, conservatory element or building support element.
17. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the device is proportioned so as to facilitate installation of the device upon the surface of a predetermined type or size of object.
18. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the organic matter is moss, algae, mildew, fungi, liverwort or lichen.
19. A method of manufacturing a device according to any preceding claim, the method comprising the step of attaching a metal component to a carrier, the metal component being selected such that it forms an organic growth inhibiting substance upon exposure to the natural environment.
20. A method of manufacturing according to claim 19 and further comprising the step of providing the carrier with an attachment component to facilitate attachment of the carrier to a surface of the object.
21. A method according to claim 20 wherein the attachment component comprises an adhesive.
22. A method of inhibiting the growth of organic matter on an object exposed to the natural environment, the method comprising to step of attaching a device according to any preceding claim to a surface of the object.
23. A device for inhibiting the growth of organic matter on an object exposed to the natural environment, the device comprising: a carrier; and a growth-inhibiting component carried in or on the carrier; and an attachment component for securing the calTier to the object; wherein the growth inhibiting component is released from the device onto a surface of the object upon exposure to the natural environment.
24. A method of manufacturing a device according to claim 23 and comprising the steps of: providing a growth-inhibiting component carried in or on a carrier; and providing an attachment component for securing the carrier to the object; such that during use the growth inhibiting component is released from the device onto a surface of the object by exposure to the natural environment.
25. The method of claim 24 wherein the growth inhibiting component comprises a weed killer, pesticide or fungicide.
26. A method of inhibiting the growth of organic matter on an object exposed to the natural environment, the method comprising the step: using an attachment component to secure a carrier to the object; such that a growth inhibiting component carned in or on the carrier is released onto a surface of the object upon exposure to the natural environment.
27. A method according to claims 24 to 26 wherein: i) the carner is an elongate tape; andlor ii) the attachment component comprises an adhesive.
28. An object having a surface which, in use, is exposed to the natural environment; wherein the object comprises a growth-inhibiting component; wherein the growth-inhibiting component comprises a substance which is, or is capable of producing, a growth-inhibiting substance.
29. An object having a surface which, in use, is exposed to the natural environment; wherein the object comprises at least one device for inhibiting the growth of organic matter according to any preceding claim.
30. An object according to claim 29 wherein the device for inhibiting the growth of organic matter is: i) formed integrally with the object; and/or ii) at least partially embedded in the surface of the object.

31, An object according to any of claims 28 to 30 wherein the object is a window element, a door element, a photovoltaic device, a conservatory element, an ornament, an outdoor electrical device, or any structural element of a building.