MXPA97010197A - Tube with bait and thermicida to be applied in the su - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for detecting and controlling the activity of termites, the device comprising: an outer cover (1) adapted to be fixedly implanted in the ground, an inner cover (7) that can be received removably within the outer cover (1), and a lid (19) mountable removably on the device when the inner cover (7) is received with the outer cover, characterized in that the inner cover (7) can rotate in relation to the outer cover (1) in such a way that at least one opening (8) in the cover (7) is at least partially aligned with at least one opening (2) in the outer cover (1), the cover (19) is flexible; the outer cover (1) has a flange (13) on its periphery, and at least one shoulder (29) that extends upwardly from the flange (13) to support the peripheral region of the flexible cover (1).

Description

TUBE WITH BAIT AND TERNICIDE TO BE APPLIED IN THE SOIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for detecting termite activity by devices that contain bait and that are buried in the ground. In US Patent No. 5,329,726 an arrangement for detection and control of termites including embodiments of the invention is disclosed in which a bait-containing cartridge is detachably received within a deck buried in the ground. A nontoxic bait material is provided inside the cartridge, which is periodically removed from the deck to inspect for termite activity. If such activity is present, the original bait material is replaced by a toxic to control the activity of the 5 termites. The permanently buried cover is provided with openings that allow said insects access to the material contained in the cover, and make passages established in the ground by the insects to be kept in alignment with the openings of the cover in order to ensure that the insects will be guided to the openings. The content of the aforementioned patent 0 is incorporated by way of reference to the present application. In pending European patent application No. 97303154.5, which designates the present inventor and which is owned in common with the present application, was filed on May 9, 1997 and is entitled "Termiticide Bait Tube for 5 Application on Land". The basic concepts of the present invention relate to modifications of the methods and apparatuses described and claimed in said pending patent application. One purpose of the present invention is to provide improved devices REF: 26047 for burying in the ground and intended to detect and control tei mit activity including a perforated outer cover that is permanently buried, and an inner cover containing bait material, which is I removably received within the outer cover and which is connected thereto by means of a threaded joint for detecting and controlling termite activity, and ensuring that the openings provided in the inner and outer covers are kept aligned. Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a device of the aforementioned type and including an improved flexible and removable cover, which makes the device capable of resisting undue manipulation once installed on the floor. Another purpose of the present invention is to modify the embodiments of the termiticidal device described in the aforesaid European patent application by eliminating a measuring cup. Another purpose of the present invention is to provide structural elements to make the lid better resist undue handling, to improve the structural integrity of the device in the area where the inner tube makes contact with the outer tube, and to provide a structure that facilitates the relative rotation of the inner and outer tubes in order to ensure the substantial alignment of the corresponding openings provided therein. Other purposes, features and advantages of the present invention will be evident in the following description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A device for detecting and controlling termite activity includes a first outer shell adapted to be permanently buried in the ground. The outer cover has a generally tubular shape, and is provided with at least one opening on the outer surface thereof to allow insects access to its interior. At least one projection extends radially outwardly from the outer surface of the outer cover to prevent rotation of the cover after it is buried in the floor. An inner cover having at least one opening comprises a bait tube, which generally agrees with the configuration of the outer cover and which is removably received inside said outer cover. The inner and outer covers or tubes are removably coupled by a threaded connection, and are operatively arranged and movable relative to one another, such that the maximum rotation of the inner tube relative to the outer tube in a predetermined direction ensures that the openings provided in the outer tube are aligned with those provided in the inner tube. In this way, the inner tube is received safely within the outer tube when the device is in the operative position, and the alignment of the openings of the inner and outer tubes after the inner tube is removed and reintroduced. it is obtained automatically by imparting to the inner tube a rotation that displaces it at a maximum angular distance from the outer tube. The bottom end of the lower tube has a pointed shape to facilitate the operation of nailing it to the ground, in the inner and outer tubes openings are provided to allow the drainage of excess water that could otherwise accumulate in the bait material contained in the inner tube or cover, and the existing separation between the outer surface of the inner tube and the inner surface of the outer tube is reduced by means of annular projections provided around the openings through the inner tube, in order to provide a continuous passage between corresponding aligned openings of the respective tubes. The device includes a flexible cap provided with a central portion removably positioned on top of the device to prevent access to the bait material contained in the inner tube. The cap includes a peripheral portion received within a recess formed in a flange extending radially outwardly from the upper end of the outer tube. At least one projection extends upwardly from the flange extending radially outwardly from the outer tube, so as to provide a structural support that prevents the cap from flexing downwardly when mounted on the device. The lower surface of the cover, when mounted on the device, includes at least one element extended downward therefrom and in radial alignment with the projection extending upwardly from the flange of the outer cover. The extended downward element is designed and arranged to cooperate with the projection, so that the rotation of the cover with respect to the outer cover is allowed in only one predetermined direction (the direction in which the hands of a clock or the opposite direction run). ) and such rotation is impeded in the opposite direction. The cover or inner tube includes at least one shoulder extended upward in the upper portion near the periphery of the inner tube, and the flexible cap includes at least one attachment element extended downwardly, preferably an element for removably retaining the cap mounted on top of the cover or inner tube. The shoulder extended upwardly in the inner tube has a substantial radial alignment with the engaging element extended downwardly from the bottom surface of the lid, so that the element engages with the shoulder and as a result the inner tube may accompany the movement of the lid when it is rotated with respect to the outer cover. According to another aspect of the present invention, support elements, preferably stop projections, extend downwardly from a hub portion of the inner tube. The stop projections are supported on an annular step portion defined by the cover or outer tube. The stop projections and the step portion are arranged to cooperate with each other in order to hold the inner tube so that excessive stress is removed from the region in which the inner tube is in contact with the outer tube. As a result, the flexing or displacement of the inner tube with respect to the outer tube is reduced in order to ensure that the openings of the inner and outer tubes # remain substantially aligned when the device is in the operational assembled state. In still another aspect of the present invention, one or more openings are provided in the flexible lid of the device. These openings are designed to receive a tool, such as a screwdriver or other instrument, with the help of which the lid is rotated relative to the device, or to lift the lid or remove it from the device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 of the drawings illustrates a sectional view of a device for detecting and controlling termites. Figure 2 of the drawings illustrates the device of Figure 1, seen in perspective, further illustrating a section of the outer tube that is cut to expose a corresponding section of an inner tube. Figure 3 of the drawings is a top plan view of a peripheral flange extending around the upper portion of the outer tube.

Figure 4 of the drawings illustrates, in detail, a section of the inner tube that is in contact with the outer tube to align corresponding openings of the respective tubes. Figure 5 of the drawings illustrates a perspective view of a metering cup received inside the upper part of the inner tube, as used in the device illustrated in figures 1 and 2. Figures 6A and 6B of the drawings illustrate perspective the upper and lower surfaces, respectively of the flexible cover mounted on the device, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the outer tube of the device of FIGS. 1-6, modified from FIG. according to the present invention. Figure 8 is an elevational view and partly in section of an inner tube constructed in accordance with the modified device of the present invention.

Figure 9 is an elevational and sectional view illustrating the inner tube of Figure 8 received inside the inner tube of Figure 7. Figure 10 is a top plan view of the inner tube illustrated in Figure 7, received inside. of the outer tube illustrated in Figure 8, according to the modified device of the present invention. Figure 11 is a side elevational and sectional view of the upper portion of the modified device of the present invention, illustrating the operative relationship between the inner and outer tubes of the modified device and a flexible cap mounted on the assembled device. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the upper surface of the flexible lid for the modified device according to the present invention. Finally, Figure 13 is a perspective view of the bottom surface of the flexible lid illustrated in Figure 12, showing other modifications of the lid according to the present invention.

The device for detecting and controlling on the earth the activity of termites according to the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1-13 of the accompanying drawings. Figures 1-6B illustrate the device illustrated in the aforementioned European patent application. Figures 7-13 illustrate the modifications of the device according to the present invention. Starting with the consideration of FIGS. 1 and 2, an outer tubular tube or cover is designated with the reference number 1, while an inner tubular tube or cover is designated with the reference number 7. The inner tube is movable relative to the of the outer tube. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inner tube is detachably received inside the outer tube by a single thread and designated with the reference number 6. When the inner tube is rotated at a maximum angular distance and in a predetermined direction with respect to the outer tube and along the thread 6 of the inner tube, the device is in the operative position as shown in Figures 1 and 2, in which a plurality of inlet slots 2 have bevelled guiding edges 3 defined in the outer tube are in alignment with corresponding grooves 8 defined in the inner tube 7, to define a narrow passage designated with the reference number 4 and intended to guide the insects through the inner and outer tubes and delivering them to the bait material 10 contained in the inner tube 7. The dimensions of the corresponding slots 2 and 8 provided in the respective outer and inner tubes ior are chosen to allow termites to enter the inner tube and eat the bait, but to prevent larger insects and animals from gaining access to the bait material. The inner tube can be selectively removed from the outer tube by rotating the inner tube 7 along the single thread 6 provided therein and acting in the predetermined opposite direction, until the inner tube is released from the outer tube and can be removed from the latter by moving it up, to inspect the activity of termites in the bait material and to replace or replace said bait material. When the inner tube is installed back into the outer tube by relative rotation thereof along a maximum angular distance and in the appropriate predetermined direction, the respective slots 8 and 2 are automatically re-aligned to define the continuous passages again 4 that allow access through the outer tube 1 and the inner tube 7. In the operation of the device illustrated in figures 1 and 2, the outer tubular tube or cover 1 is permanently fixed and implanted in the ground. The pointed front end of the outer tube makes it easy to insert the outer tube into the ground. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a plurality of outwardly extending elements 5 and comprising wedge-shaped protuberances are mounted on the outer surface of the outer tube 1, between columns of grooves 2 also defined on the outer surface of the outer tube. outer tube 1. Preferably, as illustrated in Figure 2, the elements 5 extend outward with a radial orientation and are distributed along the outer surface of outer tube in vertical columns that are spaced between the vertical columns of openings 2 also defined on the outer surface of the outer tube or tubular cover 1. The radially extended and wedge-shaped elements 5 are provided to prevent rotation of the outer tube 1 after it has been implanted in the ground, and in particular, to prevent rotation of the outer tube when the inner tube is rotated relative to the outer tube along the thread 6, to remove the inner tube 7 from inside the outer tube 1 and to reinstall it inside the latter. Also as illustrated in Figure 2, the inner tube 7 is provided with a drain opening 11 in the vicinity of its lower end, and the outer tube 1 is provided with a drain opening 11A in the vicinity of its lower end and also in the vicinity of the drain opening 11 of the inner tube. In this way, the excess moisture that accumulates inside the tube 7 containing the bait material is discharged from the device and does not accumulate therein. Figure 4 illustrates in detail the construction of the aligned grooves 2 and 8 respectively defined in the outer tube 1 and the inner tube 7, to define one of the passages 4 that allow access through the inner and outer tubes and inside of the inner tube containing bait material. A projection 27, also illustrated in Figure 2, is provided around the generally rectangular periphery of a groove 8 defined in the outer surface of the inner tube. The projection 27 bears against the inner surface of the outer shell or tube 1 to define a continuous passage 4. As a result of the provision of the projection 27 extended outwardly around the grooves 8 provided in the inner tube, a clearance or gap 9 is defined between the outer surface of the inner tube 7 and the inner surface of the outer tube. The recess 9 further serves to protect the bait material inside the inner tube 7 and protect it from the ground and from the ambient conditions existing outside the inner tube 1. Returning to the consideration of FIGS. 1 and 2, an annular or flange 13 is provided around the upper portion of outer tube 1. Figure 3 is a plan view of flange 13 radially extended and including a plurality of ribs 12, radially extended and between them define openings 14. Openings 14 allow the introduction of soil or sand to fill any free space existing between the outer surface of the outer tube 1 and the ground in which the device is implanted, after the outer tube 1 is initially installed in the ground. The periphery of the flange 13 defines a recess 26, which, as will be explained later, is provided to receive the edge of a flexible, removable lid that covers the device once it is assembled. Figure 5 illustrates a metering cup, indicated in conjunction with the reference number 15, and that is detachably received with a tight friction contact in the open upper part of the inner tube 7, as illustrated in figures 1 and 2. The measuring cup 15 defines an opening 30 provided centrally in the surface 32 of the bottom thereof, to allow water to drip into the bait material contained in the inner tube 7. Reference number 16 of figures 1 and 2 generally illustrates the area in which the dosage cup is tightly retained within the upper portion of the inner tube. As shown more clearly in Figure 2, shoulders 17 extend outward from the periphery of the upper surface of the measuring cup, and lower portions of the shoulders are received in complementary notches 18 defined in the upper portion of the inner tube 7. , to allow the dosing cup to be firmly lodged within the inner tube 7 at its tight frictional contact therewith. As a result of the detachable lock contact established between the bosses of the measuring cup and the notches of the bait tube, the rotation of the dosing cup with respect to the outer tube 1 also causes the rotation of the inner tube 7 relative to the outer tube 1 correspondingly. As a consequence, the rotation of the shoulders over the dosing cup allows the inner tube to be removed from the outer tube or to be installed again inside it to proceed to the inspection and replacement of the bait material inside the inner tube. When the device is assembled as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the metering cup 15 is disposed above the bait material 10 contained in the inner tube 7. The opening 30 defined in the bottom surface 32 of the metering cup allows the appropriate amount of water to drip from the dosing cup and fall on the bait material 10, to activate the latter. As described above, the drain openings 11 and 11A provided at the bottom of the respective tubes 7 and 1 prevent excess water from accumulating inside the device. Preferably, before the bait material is activated by water dripping from the measuring cup, the inner surface of the inner tube 7 is lined with soluble paper to temporarily seal the groove 8 of the inner tube in order to prevent the material 10 bait escape through the slots during transport or loading of the device or while it is buried in the ground. The water discharged from the dosing cup to moisten and activate the bait material also dissolves the paper liner that covers the slots 8 to open the slots and let the termites have access to the bait material. Figures 6A and 6B illustrate respectively the upper surface and the lower surface of a flexible cover 19, mounted on the upper part of the assembled device as illustrated in figures 1 and 2. The cover includes a portion 28 centrally arranged, and a peripheral wing portion 22 radially extended. A plurality of latching elements 20 are arranged around the outer surface of the central portion 28 of the lid 19. As shown more clearly in FIG. 2, the elements 20 are engaged in a peripheral flange 21 of the dosing cup 15. to releasably secure the central portion 28 of the lid 19 to the top of the metering cup 15. Also as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the outer edge portion of the wing 22 of the flexible lid 19 is taken and retained in a recess 26 defined by the flange 13 extending outwardly around the upper portion of the outer tube 1. When the flexible cap 19 is mounted on the assembled device as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the central portion 28 of the lid 19 closes the open top portion of the measuring cup 15, and the peripheral portion 22 of the flexible lid 19 covers the upper portion of the outer tube 1, including the open areas 14 defined between the extended ribs 12 radially from the flange 13. When the flexible cover is applied on a device already assembled and buried in the ground, the central portion of the flexible cover 19 is bent upwards to define a domed configuration as illustrated in figure 1. When the device must be opened and the inner tube must be removed from the outer tube, the central portion of the lid 19 is pressed downward, causing the peripheral wing 22 of the lid to extend upward, as shown by broken lines in figure 1. By raising the wing 22, it is possible to have access to the shoulders 17 of the measuring cup, which, as explained above, allows the rotation of the cup dosing and the inner tube coupled to it, to remove the inner tube from the outer tube. The lid 19 can be made of any conventional elastic material that allows it to flex between the open and closed conditions, as illustrated in Fig. 1. The arrangement by which the latching elements 20 extend downward from the surface bottom of the lid and engage in the rim 21 of the measuring cup, and the arrangement by which the peripheral edge of the wing 22 of the lid is received within the recesses 26 defined in the flange 13 extending radially from the tube exterior 1, allow the lid to rotate with respect to the dosing cup and the outer tube, without risk of inadvertently detaching from the latter. As explained, to remove the lid it is necessary to apply a force directed downwards in the central portion 28, and therefore the rotary movement can not by itself release the lid.

To put into use the device illustrated in Figures 1-6, the tubular cover or outer tube 1 is buried in a previously chosen location. The pointed front end of the outer tube allows it to be implanted in the terrain to be monitored. The tube is sunk to a depth such that the radially extending flange 13 is substantially at ground level. The inner tube 7, which has previously been loaded with bait material according to the manner explained above, is received inside the outer tube, and releasably secured by rotating the inner tube relative to the outer tube in a predetermined direction. and along the thread thread 6. As explained above, the inner tube carrying the bait material is rotated relative to the outer tube by inserting the metering rate 15 into the open upper end of the inner tube, so that the shoulders t7 extending downwards from the periphery of the metering rate are entangled in the complementary notches 18 provided in the upper side wall portion of the inner tube. In this way, the rotation of the dosing cup by means of the indentation of the shoulders 17 also causes the rotation of the inner tube with respect to the outer tube. The outer tube is fixedly implanted in the ground and does not rotate as a result of the rotation in the opposite direction of the elements 5 extending outwardly from the outer tube in a radial direction. An additional amount of soil can be deposited through the open areas 14 of the upper flange 13 to fill any gap or free space existing between the outer surface of the outer tube and the surrounding terrain. In this way, the openings 2 defined on the outer surface of the outer tube rest against the surrounding terrain to allow termites in search of food to directly traverse the earth and enter through the grooves 2.

Once the inner and outer tubes and the measuring cup have been buried in the ground, the central portion of the flexible lid 19 is driven over the edge of the measuring cup and the peripheral edge of the lid is received within the recess defined in FIG. the flange 13 extending radially outward from the upper portion of the outer tube. Water contained in the metering cup 15 is then allowed to drip on the bait material 10 in controlled quantities through the opening 30 formed in the bottom surface 32 of the metering cup. The bait material 10 is activated by mixing with the water that falls drops. Any excessive accumulation of water in the inner tube 7 flows through the discharge opening 11 and reaches the space 34 defined between the inner tube 7 and the outer tube 1. The water reaching the space 34 is then drained to the surrounding soil through the discharge opening 11 A. Accordingly, the accumulation of excess water within the assembled device is controlled by means of the respective drain openings 11 and 11A defined in the inner and outer tubes. When it is desired to remove the inner tube from the outer tube for purposes of inspection, replacement or general maintenance, the above procedure is reversed. On the central domed portion 28 extending upwardly from the lid 19 a downward directed force is exerted, whereby the peripheral wing portion 22 of the lid 19 is lifted, as shown by dashed lines in the figure 1. When the wing portion 22 is raised, it allows access to the shoulders 17 of the dosing cup to cause rotation thereof (for example with the help of an appropriate tool), whereby the inner tube carrying the material of The bait rotates relative to the outer tube along the thread 6 in a direction that moves the inner tube to uncouple it from the outer tube. The outer tube remains firmly implanted in the ground as a result of the radial elements 5 extending radially outwards.

The inner tube 1 is then removed from the outer tube, the dosing cup is released from the inner tube, and the bait material contained in the inner tube can be inspected for termite activity. The bait material can be replaced before the inner tube is re-installed inside the outer tube. Because the procedure for re-installing the inner tube requires that the latter be rotated relative to the outer tube at a maximum angular distance along the thread 6, the openings 8 provided in the side wall of the inner cover will automatically return. to align with the openings 2 provided in the side wall of the outer cover to restore the continuous passages 4, simply by rotating the inner tube carrying the bait material. Figures 7-13 illustrate modifications of the device explained above and illustrated in Figures 1-6, in accordance with the present invention. A first major modification of the device of the mentioned figures is the elimination of the dosing cup. Accordingly, the modified device does not include more than three major components, namely, the cover or inner tube, the outer shell or tube and the removable lid. The following description of Figure 7-13 employs the same reference numbers for all the corresponding elements illustrated above in Figures 1-6. With reference to Figures 7, 9 and 10 of the drawings, there is shown a plurality of projections 29 extending upwardly from the peripheral region of the flange 13 formed in the outer tube 1. As explained in connection with Figures 1-6. the outer cover or tube includes openings 2 defined in the side wall thereof, and further includes salient elements 5, wedge-shaped and extending radially outward from different areas and along the entire side wall of the cover or tube Exterior.

Figure 8 illustrates the cover or inner tube 7, which, as explained in relation to Figures 1-6, defines a plurality of openings 8 in the outer surface thereof and which are moved and put in alignment with the openings 2 of the outer tube when the device is assembled in its operative position. Figure 8 further shows that the inner tube 7 includes a hub 35 in the vicinity of the upper part thereof, and a plurality of support elements or stop elements 37 extending downwardly from the bottom surface of the hub 35. A plurality of shoulders 39 extends upward with a substantially perpendicular orientation from the hub 35. The shoulders 39 extend toward the upper edge 41 of the inner tube 7. Figure 9 shows the inner tube or cover 7, illustrated in Figure 8. , received inside the outer tube 1, illustrated in figure 7, when the device is in its assembled and operative condition. Fig. 11 provides a detailed illustration of the relationship between the structure of the inner tube 7 and the outer tube 1 in the operative position of the device shown in Fig. 9. Now following the consideration of Fig. 11, the flexible lid 19 sample mounted on top of the assembled device. One of the projections 29 extending upwards from the peripheral flange 13 of the outer tube 1 is in contact with the underside of the peripheral region of the cover 19, to provide structural support to the cover and prevent undue flexing. An element 43, extending downwardly from the underside of the lid 19 in the vicinity of the periphery of the lid and in substantial radial alignment with the shoulder 29, operatively cooperates with the shoulder to withstand relative rotation of the lid 19. in a predetermined sense, as will be explained in detail later. Continuing with the consideration of figure 11, the flexible cover 19 includes a projecting element 20 releasably engaging the edge 41 defined in the upper part of the inner tube 7, so as to removably mount the central portion of the lid 19 on the open upper portion of the inner tube 7. The lid 19 can rotate with respect to the inner cover 7, moving over the upper part of said inner cover, as a result of the operative contact that the elements 20 extended downwards from the bottom surface of the cover 19 establish when engaging in the upper edge 41 of the cover or inner tube. The cover 19 can also rotate with respect to the outer cover or tube 1, depending on the operative relationship that the projections 29 extended upwards from the flange 13 of the outer cover establish with the elements 43 extended downwards from the bottom surface of the cover. the lid 19 in substantial radial alignment with the shoulders. Continuing with the consideration of Figure 11, when the inner tube 7 is received within the outer tube 8, the stop elements 37 extending downwardly from the hub 35 of the inner tube are supported on an annular shoulder 45 defined within the tube outer 1. The stop elements 37 and the step 45 are arranged to cooperate with each other in order to provide improved structural support to the inner tube received inside the outer tube, to eliminate undue stresses in the area in which the inner tube makes contact with the outer tube (as explained with reference to Figs. 1-6, the inner tube and the outer tube are releasably connected by a threaded joint, preferably a thread of a single thread). By reducing the structural stress in the region in which the inner and outer tubes are in contact, any flexing or displacement of the inner tube with respect to the outer tube as a result of structural fatigue is reduced or eliminated. The reduction or elimination of such undesired relative displacement ensures that the openings 2 and 8 of the inner and outer tubes will be maintained in substantial alignment when the inner tube is rotated relative to the outer tube in the operative position of the device, as explained in more detail with reference to Figures 1-6. The element 20, which extends downwardly from the bottom surface of the lid 19, engages the upper edge 41 of the inner tube 7, to allow the lid 19 to be removably positioned on the inner tube, and to allow that the lid can be rotated with respect to the inner tube. The shoulders 39 extending upwardly from the hub 35 of the inner tube are arranged so as to be positioned between adjacent hooking elements 20, and oriented in substantially radial alignment with the elements 20. As a result of this operative arrangement established between the shoulders 39 and the latching elements 20, when the lid 19 is rotated with respect to the inner tube 7, the engaging elements 20 carried by the moving lid will be hooked on the shoulders 39, so that the lid and the inner tube rotate together in relation to each other. of the fixed outer tube 1. However, as will be explained below with reference to Figure 13, the joint movement of the lid and the inner tube with respect to the fixed outer tube is controlled, to a limited degree, by the cooperating relationship existing between the projections 29 and the elements 43 carried respectively by the outer tube and the lid. With reference to Figure 13, it illustrates the bottom surface of the flexible lid 19 shown in Figure 11. A plurality of elements 43 extends downwardly from the bottom surface of the lid and in the vicinity of the periphery of the lid. the same. As explained with reference to Figure 11, the elements 43 are carried by the cover so as to be in substantially radial alignment with the shoulders 29 extending upward from the peripheral flange 13 of the outer tube 1. A first end of each element 43 defines an inclined surface 49, while the opposite end 51 of each element 43 is oriented in a plane substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface of the lid. When the cap is rotated relative to the inner tube in a direction in which the inclined surfaces 49 of the elements 43 are the forward ends, the inclined surfaces run over the shoulders 29 of the fixed outer tube to allow free rotation of the cap with respect to the tube Exterior & fixed. As explained above, as the cap rotates relative to the outer tube, the elements 20 carried by the bottom surface of the cap engage in the stop elements 37 of the inner tube to allow joint rotation of the cap and tube inside respect to the fixed outer tube. However, when the lid is rotated relative to the outer tube in the opposite direction, so that the ends 51 of the perpendicularly oriented elements 43 are the forward ends, such elements 43 contact the fixed shoulders 29 of the fixed outer tube and act in the manner of buffers. Consequently, any other rotation of the cap with respect to the outer tube in the last direction, and therefore any joint rotation of the cap and the inner tube with respect to the outer tube, is prevented by the contact that the pedendicular ends 51 of the elements 43 establish with the shoulders . fixed 29. The rotation of the lid (the joint rotation of the lid and the inner tube) with respect to the fixed outer tube is only possible in this latter direction (ie, the direction of relative rotation when the pedendicular ends 51 of the elements 43 are the front ends) by raising the lid so that the elements 43 are raised above the fixed shoulders 29 carried by the fixed outer tube 1. Preferably, the elements 43 and the shoulders 29 are arranged so that the cap can rotate freely relative to the outer tube in a • 5 direction in which the inner tube is rotated to make contact with the outer tube in order to assemble the device and put it in the operative position. In this way, the operative relationship between the elements 43 and the shoulders 29 prevents rotation of the lid in a direction that causes the inner tube to be released from the outer tube. In order to rotate the lid in a direction to release the inner tube from the outer tube it is necessary that the periphery of the lid be lifted so that the elements 43 carried by the bottom surface thereof are raised above the walls. projections 29 during the rotation of the lid. This operation generally requires the use of a tool. The operational relationship between the lid and the outer tube and by means of which the lid can rotate freely only in the direction of the inner tube contact within the outer tube, but requires additional steps, manipulations and tools to rotate the lid to In order to release the inner cover from the outer cover, it is advantageous from the point of view of safety since it tends to prevent unauthorized persons, and in particular children, from having access to the materials contained in the inner cover by removing it from the outer cover that is buried in the ground. Figure 12 of the drawings illustrates the top surface of the lid 19, showing two openings 53 that traverse the lid. These openings are also illustrated in Figure 13. The openings 53 are provided to allow a screwdriver or other tool to be inserted therein to cause rotation of the flexible cover relative to the outer cover, and to raise the peripheral portion of the cover. the flexible lid so that the elements 43 carried by the bottom surface of the lid can be raised above the fixed ledges carried by the outer tube as explained in relation to figure 13. Other modifications that fall within the scope of the invention. present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, while the inner and outer covers have been illustrated as having a tubular configuration and are provided with respective pointed end surfaces of a pointed shape, other configurations of the inner tube and the outer tube may also be employed in the practice of the present invention. Additionally, although the openings provided in the inner and outer tubes have been illustrated as slots having a generally rectangular configuration, openings of other configurations can be employed in the practice of the present invention. Preferably, the inner and outer tubes are made of conventional, lightweight and durable materials, such as for example suitable plastic materials. The removable lid is also made of a flexible and durable material. The foregoing description is intended to be illustrative only, and not restrictive of the scope of the invention, such scope being defined by the appended claims and all equivalents thereof. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects or products to which it refers. Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following:

Claims (10)

1. A device for detecting and controlling termite activity, characterized in that it comprises: an outer cover adapted to be fixedly buried in the ground; an interior cover removably receivable within said outer cover; means for moving said inner cover with respect to said outer cover, so that at least one opening present in said inner cover is aligned at least partially with at least one opening of said outer cover; a flexible cover removably removable on said device when said inner cover is received inside said outer cover; said outer cover having a flange at the periphery thereof; and at least one shoulder extending upwardly from said flange to support the peripheral region of said flexible cover.

2. The device according to the rHivind aci? 1, characterized perqué includes mids means on said lid to selectively rotate said lid with respect to said outer cover when said lid is mounted on said device.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein said cover further includes means cooperating with said at least one shoulder present on said flange of said outer cover to resist rotation of said cover with respect to said cover. of said outer cover in a predetermined direction.

4. The device according to the reivirriicaach 3, character?, ZanY > because said cover includes means for contacting said inner cover for the rotary movement of said cover and said inner cover with respect to said outer cover.

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that said cover defines at least one opening therein, said opening being adapted to receive a tool to rotate said cover with respect to said outer cover, wherein said cover inner cover includes at least one shoulder, and said means carried by said cover for contacting said inner cover are arranged to make contact with said at least one shoulder, so as to rotatably mount said cover on said outer cover comprise said means for making contact with said interior cover.

6. A device for detecting and controlling termite activity, characterized in that it comprises: an outer shell adapted to be fixedly buried in the ground; an interior cover removably receivable within said outer cover; means for moving said inner cover with respect to said outer cover so that at least one opening of said inner cover is at least partially aligned with at least one opening of said outer cover; and means for holding said inner cover in substantially fixed relation to said outer cover to prevent the displacement of said inner cover with respect to said outer cover in a longitudinal direction to maintain said opening of said inner cover and said opening of said outer cover in said Alignment at least partial.

7. A device according to claim 6, characterized in that means for supporting include at least one support element carried by said inner cover; said outer cover defines a step within itself; said support element and said step are arranged so that said support element sits on said step when said inner cover is received inside said outer cover in an operative operation wherein said opening of said inner cover and said opening of said said cover. outer cover are in said at least partial alignment.

8. A device for detecting and controlling termite activity, characterized in that it comprises: an outer cover adapted to be fixedly buried in the ground; an inner cover was detachably received inside said outer cover; means for moving said inner cover with respect to said outer cover, so that at least one opening, of said inner cover is at least partially aligned with at least one opening of said outer cover; said device including a cover removably positioned on said inner cover and said outer cover when said inner cover is received in said outer cover; said lid being mounted on said device for rotating with respect to said outer cover; and first means carried by said lid to selectively rotate said lid together with said inner cover with respect to said outer cover.

9. The device according to claim 8, ear? -Áv * r \ prir? ar also includes stop means carried by said outer cover; and second means carried by said cover and cooperating with said stop means carried by said outer cover to prevent rotation of said cover with respect to said outer cover in a first predetermined direction.

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that said means carried by said lid cooperate with said stop means carried by said outer cover including at least one element extending down from the bottom surface of said cover. top; said element including a first end having an inclined surface with respect to said bottom surface of said lid, and a second end having a surface oriented substantially perpendicular to said bottom surface of said lid. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A termiticide carrier and bait tube device, to be buried in the ground and intended to detect and control insects includes a first outer tube buried firmly in the ground, and a second inner tube removably receivable within the outer tube. The inner tube contains bait to detect and control termite activity, and can be inspected or replaced by removing the inner tube from the outer tube. The inner tube is mounted inside the outer tube to rotate at the end of an inlet thread, so that a relative maximum rotation ensures the alignment of openings carried by the inner and outer tubes. The device further includes a flexible cap to resist any tampering when the inner and outer tubes are installed underground ^ The lid is designed to cooperate with the outer tube to prevent rotational movement of the cap and the inner tube in a sense that results in the release of the inner tube from the outer tube when the device is in an operational state. Support elements are provided to improve the alignment of the openings of the inner and outer tubes, and to increase the structural support in the area in which the inner and outer tubes are rotated to bring them into contact