GB2546479A

GB2546479A - Pest deterrent apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2546479A
Application number: GB1600537.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jones David
Original assignee: Jones & Son Pest Control Supplies Ltd
Current assignee: Jones & Son Pest Control Supplies Ltd
Priority date: 2016-01-12
Filing date: 2016-01-12
Publication date: 2017-07-26
Anticipated expiration: 2036-01-12
Also published as: GB2546479B; GB201600537D0

Abstract

A support member for a pest deterrent apparatus comprising, a support member is formed from a base strip 2 having a plurality of upstanding holders 4, each including an upward facing hole 6, for insertion of a post 22. At least one stabilising base extension 14, substantially in the plane of the base strip 2, projects at an angle, such as a right angle. A fin 8 extends vertically on the side of each holder 4, facing the base extension(s) 14, for supporting the holder. The holes may be spaced evenly along the strip. A stabilising base extension adjacent to each holder. The base may comprise a number of transverse frangible lines 12 to allow the strip to be snapped and shortened to the required length. The interiors of the holes may be provided with compressible members (18 figure 2) to allow them to accommodate different sized posts.

Description

PEST DETERRENT APPARATUS

Background to the Invention [0001] This invention relates to a pest deterrent apparatus. A typical application is to prevent birds, especially pigeons and gulls, from landing on surfaces, and thereafter fouling and damaging such surfaces. However the invention is also useful as a barrier against mammalian pests such as squirrels and rats.

[0002] A known bird deterrent system, used to prevent birds landing on buildings and other structures, comprises upright metallic posts, approximately 100 mm in height, fixed to the surface where landing is to be prevented. A thin wire extends between eyelets in the upper ends of the posts. Two such posts may be provided at either end of the wire, or more than two at intervals where the length of the ledge or other surface demands. A plurality of parallel wires is often used, corresponding to the depth of the ledge, each wire being supported by a respective set of posts. Correct spacing of the wires, and hence correct positioning of the posts, is critical to the effectiveness of the bird deterrent system.

[0003] A first known method of supporting the posts involves drilling holes in the ledge and inserting lower ends of the posts into the holes. Multiple holes are required to accommodate all of the posts required to protect the entire ledge. This is time consuming and requires high skill to ensure correct spacing between the rows of posts, as well as expensive specialist power tools.

[0004] Also, the drilling of multiple holes can damage stone or brickwork, causing stress cracks and the ingress of water, which can subsequently freeze and cause significant damage. Applying materials in an attempt to prevent the ingress of water incurs additional labour and cost and is sometimes only partially successful. In some surfaces, such as lead, brass, marble, glass and other delicate materials, holes cannot be drilled.

[0005] A second known method of supporting the posts utilises a support element for each post, generally moulded from plastics material and comprising a flat, square base, with sides approximately 40 mm, and a central upstanding female part into which the post is inserted. Again, multiple support members have to be correctly spaced requiring commensurate time and skill.

[0006] An adhesive is used to affix the lower surface of the base to the ledge; the area to which the adhesive is applied is limited accordingly. As mentioned above, the exact positioning of each support element is critical to the success of the system, and careful measurement and marking are required before installation. With the small base area, adhesive performance is compromised if, at the location where the support member is to be affixed, the surface is uneven, eroded, powdery or other than smooth and solid. Moving the support member to a location with a better surface is inadvisable, as the spacing between the wires will be sub-optimal.

[0007] Another drawback of the small base of the support member is that the force of a bird landing directly on the wire is transferred to this base. Any weakness in the adhesion between the base and the ledge surface may cause toppling of the support member.

[0008] A problem with both known methods relates to the edge of a ledge, which can often be worn, damaged or rounded. The recommended distance between the leading edge of the ledge and the foremost wire is 20-25 mm, to ensure that either drilling does not cause the edge of ledge to fall away, or that the entire base of the support element is bonded to the ledge. Such a gap is not optimal for deterring birds from landing. There may be enough space for a bird to gain a foothold, and then to overcome or damage the post and wire system. This is more likely when a system is installed on a ledge used as a nesting or overnight roosting site, to which birds will have to strong urge to return.

[0009] Solar panels are commonly installed on roofs in a manner that leaves a gap of, say, 100 mm between the panel and the roof surface. This gap is attractive to birds and squirrels seeking nesting sites.

[0010] A common method of excluding such pests is to attach a wire mesh by screwing or gluing the mesh directly to the edge of the solar panel. This may require drills and other tools, may be time consuming and may damage the solar panel and/or invalidate its warranty.

[0011] In some cases, specialised fixings have been provided for attaching the wire mesh to the solar panel. However such fixings are sometimes specific to the type of solar panel. Thus, an installer may need to keep a large and varied stock of the different fixings, which will require updating as new configurations of solar panel are introduced. Even attaching such specialised fixings may invalidate the warranty of the solar panel or require pre-approval from the manufacturer of the panel. If no specialised fixing exists for a particular solar panel, the installer will have to spend considerable time an effort in adapting an existing fitting to fit the panel.

[0012] Attaching the fixing and cutting the wire mesh to size requires cutting equipment and other tools of a type that present a risk of damaging the solar panel during the installation.

[0013] Attempts to use bird deterrent spikes of the type described, for example, in GB 2344269 and WO 2013/098557 for this purpose have failed. These spikes are designed to prevent birds from landing on ledges in the exact area where the spikes are installed. When a bird wishes to enter an overnight roosting or sheltering location under a solar panel, it can scramble over the spikes. The spikes are also ineffective against squirrels.

Summary of the Invention [0014] With the aim of alleviating at least some of these problems, the invention provides a support member for a pest deterrent apparatus, the support member being formed from a base strip having a plurality of upward facing holes, each arranged to have a post inserted thereinto. "Upward facing" means that, after the base strip is attached to a surface, the hole faces away from the surface. Each upward facing hole can be provided in an upstanding holder.

[0015] In use, the support member is attached, for example by gluing, to the surface, which could be a window ledge, another ledge or a roof. As the elongate base strip covers a large area of the surface, there is a much better chance of good adhesion, even if parts of the ledge provide little or no adhesion due to their condition.

[0016] In one embodiment, at least one stabilising base extension is provided, substantially in the plane of the base strip, projecting therefrom at an angle, such as a right angle, thereto. In a particular example, one such extension is located adjacent each holder.

[0017] The base strip may include transverse frangible lines for shortening the strip to a required length.

[0018] Interiors of the holes may include at least one compressible part, such as a vertically extending rib, to accommodate posts of different diameters. In this regard, the invention also provides a support member comprising a base strip having an upstanding holder including an upward facing hole, an interior of the hole including at least one compressible part, such as a vertically extending rib.

[0019] A fin may be provided extending vertically on a side of each holder for supporting the holder. This may be arranged on a side of the holder facing the base extension(s).

[0020] The invention also provides a pest deterrent apparatus comprising a support member as described above, and a plurality of posts inserted into at least some of the upward facing holes. Such an apparatus is of particular use in blocking a space between a solar panel and a roof or other surface on which the panel is arranged, when the base strip is attached to the surface.

[0021] Alternatively, the apparatus can be used in a post-and-wire bird deterrent system. In this regard, a particular embodiment of the system comprises a plurality of said support members, each having one or more posts inserted into a corresponding one or ones of the holders, and wire or cord extending between the corresponding posts. The use of a larger, multiple post support member stabilises the posts, in view of the increased adhesive footprint. The apparatus transfers the force of a heavy bird landing on the wire or cord to this footprint to reduce the chance of toppling. Where base extensions are provided, these are arranged on the side where the wire or cord extends, to prevent toppling of the support member in that direction. The base extensions increase the adhesive footprint even further.

[0022] In the case of a ledge, we arrange the base strip across the ledge. Where a post holder is required at the very edge of a ledge, the base strip can extend to the edge, or even beyond the edge. Adhesion at the edge is optional as there is sufficient adhesion at another part of the strip. In this way, birds cannot gain a foothold at the edge of the ledge.

[0023] If the holders are spaced at predefined intervals - e.g. equally - on the base strip, the spacing between wires in a deterrent system will be correct automatically, with no measurement required on installation. This speeds up installation and reduces the skill required.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0024] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0025] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a support member according to the invention; [0026] Figure 2 is a fragmentary top view of the support member shown in Figure 1; [0027] Figure 3 is a fragmentary cut-away view of that support member; [0028] Figure 4 shows part of a post-and-wire pest deterrent apparatus including the support member; and [0029] Figure 5 shows a pest deterrent apparatus for a solar panel including the support member.

Detailed Description of Particular Embodiments [0030] Figures 1 to 3 show a support member which, in one example, is injection moulded from plastics material.

[0031] An elongate base strip 2 carries a number of evenly-spaced holders 4. The holders 4 include holes 6 with a generally circular cross-section. The external shape of the holders can be selected from any suitable shape. In this example, each holder comprises a cylinder concentric with the hole 6 and a stabilising triangular fin 8 extending to the base strip 2 on one side.

[0032] The base strip 2 is optionally scalloped, i.e. recesses 10 are formed, two such recesses being provided between every holder 6 and its neighbour, on opposite sides of the strip.

[0033] It is possible to provide support members of the invention of any convenient length. For example, a support member measuring between 30 and 40 cm is provided with break lines so that it can be broken by hand into smaller pieces. Here, the break lines comprise transverse triangular recesses 12 having apices located about half-way through the thickness of the base strip 2.

[0034] Base extensions 14 extend from the base strip 2. In the present example, there is one base extension adjacent each holder 4, but the number of base extensions could be greater or less than the number of holders, and the base extensions could be offset from the holders.

[0035] The base extensions 14 of the present embodiment are formed with the same thickness as the base strip 2 and a generally rectangular shape.

[0036] Through-holes 16 are provided in the base strip 2 and the extensions 14. These can be used for screwing or nailing the support member to a surface instead of, or in addition to, the use of adhesive.

[0037] Figures 2 and 3 show details of the interior of the holder 4. A plurality of vertical ribs 18 are arranged on the inner surface of the holder. The ribs can terminate below the top of the holder 4. In this example, the ribs 18 extend radially inwardly, with convex inner surfaces. Another optional feature depicted is a tapering part 20, of reduced profile, at the top of each rib. The combined effect of the tapering parts 20 is to widen the aspect of the hole 6 at its uppermost end. Ribs of different cross-sections, and/ or projections other than vertical ribs, can be provided as alternatives to the ribs 18 or in addition.

[0038] A typical surface to be protected from birds is a ledge, such as a window ledge. In the case of a wide ledge, entire support members of the type just described are placed across the ledge. Typically, the support members are simply glued to the ledge so that drilling and power tools are not required.

[0039] Referring to Figure 4, metallic posts 22, of a known type including eyelets 24 near one end, are inserted into some or all of the holders 4, aided by the tapering parts 20 and ribs 18, which accommodate differences in the diameters of the posts 22 that may occur in manufacture.

[0040] The placing of the posts depends on the threat. The example shown has eleven holders 4, and has been arranged to prevent pigeons from landing by inserting posts 22 into the first, third, fifth, seventh and eleventh holders. A user wishing to prevent starlings from landing might place posts in all of the holders 4, whilst a user troubled by gulls might place posts in only the first, fourth, seventh and tenth holders.

[0041] For narrower ledges, the support member is broken by hand into sections, each of the length appropriate for the width of the ledge, using the recesses 12.

[0042] A pair of support members or sections can be arranged, one at each end of the ledge, with their base extensions 14 facing each other. For longer ledges, three or more support members or sections can be used.

[0043] Wires 26 are attached to the posts 22: a wire is threaded through a respective eyelet 24 and a crimp 28 is applied. Each wire 26 extends between two mutually opposite posts 22 in each support member (only one post in each pair is shown).

[0044] In a different scenario, in order to protect a gap below a solar panel, the apparatus can be configured as shown in Figure 5. Here, a post 22 is inserted into each holder 4; but as wires are not used, posts without eyelets could be used instead. The height of the posts is chosen to create a barrier for the gap in question.

[0045] The support member 2 is broken by hand at the recesses 12 if necessary. This is much easier than the known cutting of wire mesh to size and shape.

[0046] This apparatus is glued and/or otherwise fixed to the roof or other surface, with the base extensions 14 extending underneath the solar panel and the posts 22 close to the solar panel - but not touching. The apparatus can be used with many different types of solar panel. As no special drilling or cutting tools are required, a homeowner may not necessarily require a specialist installer.

[0047] The gaps between adjacent posts 22 will not admit birds, squirrels, rats etc. The base extensions 14 and fins 8 prevent any movement of the posts 22 that could cause contact with, and damage to, the solar panel.

[0048] In the apparatus of the invention, the posts can be inserted into the support member by the manufacturer to simplify installation and provide added value. In the case of the solar panel barrier, no further assembly, tools or fasteners are required so that installation can take place immediately.

Claims

1. A support member for a pest deterrent apparatus, the support member being formed from a base strip having a plurality of upward facing holes, each arranged to have a post inserted thereinto.

2. A support member according to claim 1, wherein the holes are spaced equally along the strip.

3. A support member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each upward facing hole is provided in an upstanding holder.

4. A support member according to claim 3, wherein a fin is provided extending vertically on a side of each holder for supporting the holder.

5. A support member according to any preceding claim, comprising at least one stabilising base extension, substantially in the plane of the base strip, projecting therefrom at an angle, such as a right angle, thereto.

6. A support member according to claims 4 and 5, wherein the or each fin is arranged on a side of the holder facing the base extension(s).

7. A support member according to claim 5 or 6, wherein one stabilising base extension is located adjacent each holder.

8. A support member according to any preceding claim, wherein the base strip includes transverse frangible lines for shortening the strip to a required length.

9. A support member according to any preceding claim, wherein interiors of the holes include at least one compressible part, to accommodate posts of different diameters.

10. A support member according to claim 9, wherein the at least one compressible part comprises a vertically extending rib.

11. A support member according to any preceding claim, wherein the effective area at the entrance to the hole is wider than the effective area at a lower part of the hole.

12. A pest deterrent apparatus comprising a support member as described above, and a plurality of posts inserted into at least some of the holes.

13. An apparatus according to claim 12, comprising a plurality of said support members, each having one or more posts inserted into a corresponding one or ones of the holders, and wire or cord extending between the corresponding posts.

14. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the support member is according to claim 4, and the wire or cord is on the same side of the support member as the base extension(s).