WO2004014125A2

WO2004014125A2 - Wildlife deterrent

Info

Publication number: WO2004014125A2
Application number: PCT/GB2003/003492
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ronald Frederick Turvey
Original assignee: Ronald Frederick Turvey
Priority date: 2002-08-09
Filing date: 2003-08-08
Publication date: 2004-02-19
Also published as: AU2003255780A8; AU2003255780A1; WO2004014125A3

Abstract

A wildlife deterrent (10) comprises a flexible tape (12) having on one face at least two elongate conductors (14, 16). At least a part of the opposite face of the tape is adhesive. The tape (12, 102) is positioned around a substantially vertical surface such as a flower pot (11, 132) or wall of a raised flower bed (106). The conductors (14, 16) are housed in a deformable container (30) which holds the conductors in electrical connection with the terminals of an inserted battery.

Description

Wildlife Deterrent

The present invention relates to a wildlife deterrent, in particular for use as a deterrent to prevent pests such as gastropods (e.g. slugs, snails) from damaging plants.

Commonly used methods of preventing gastropod damage to plants involve reducing the numbers of gastropods in the surrounding area, for example by collection and/or using chemical deterrents such as salt (as a dehydrating agent) or poisons. However, salt can build up in the soil and have a harmful effect on plants and poisons are toxic also to children, pets, and other wildlife including birds. Also, chemical deterrents are less effective after rain when gastropods are most active. Dead gastropods are either left for birds to eat which is unsightly, or collected which is labour intensive.

Several rigid electric snail/slug fences are known. DE 19960874 describes a barrier of sheet copper embedded in the ground, with two electrical conductors forming a galvanic element. DE 4432325 describes a fence formed from a plastics strip with spaced metal plates which is secured into the ground using pins. DE 19734371 also describes an electric fence secured to the ground in a similar manner. One problem with these existing rigid arrangements is that when erected on uneven ground, there are gaps between the fence and the ground through which gastropods could pass. A further problem is that the barriers are positioned substantially perpendicular to the ground and are unsightly. Also, any sharp edges may be harmful to children, pets or other wildlife.

WO 88/03754 describes a snail/slug barrier comprising a flexible plastics strip with two conductive tracks running the length thereof. The strip lies on the ground and is secured in place using plastic stakes at spaced locations. Although the strip is flexible, it would still be possible for a gastropod to pass under a region of the strip which is in between two stakes, particularly if the ground is uneven. In addition, as with the previously described arrangements, the barrier requires securing in the ground which may be difficult for example where the ground is rocky or in patio gardens. The strip is connected to the terminals of a battery box by a hinged clip. The terminals of the battery box are connected to the battery by an internal circuit board or by separate wires. A disadvantage is that parts of the arrangement, notably the terminals in the box are prone to corrosion from rainwater for example. Moreover, the box is not made from a single piece of material and is thus more complex and expensive to manufacture.

Preferred aspects of the present invention seek to reduce or overcome at least one of the above disadvantages.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an animal deterrent device comprising a flexible elongate barrier having first and second opposing faces, wherein the first face is provided with at least two elongate conductors which are electrically separated by at least one insulating member, and at least a part of the second face is adhesive.

The conductive and insulating members are preferably substantially co-extensive and may be parallel.

The flexible elongate barrier may be a transparent tape.

At least part of the adhesive face of the flexible barrier may be covered with a removable non-adhesive member.

Advantageously, the conductive members are electrically connected to a battery. The battery is preferably housed in a container.

Preferably, the container fits tightly around at least some of the sides of the battery, such that it fits tightly against the base and terminals of the battery. The container may be resilient or plastically deformable. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of deterring small animals from entering a defined area including positioning around the area, or at least part thereof, a flexible elongate barrier which is arranged to deliver an electric shock to an animal as it attempts to cross the barrier, and securing the barrier in position by adhesive means.

The barrier is preferably secured to a substantially vertical surface such as the side of a flower pot or the wall of a raised flower bed.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a battery container for receiving a battery arranged such that conductors can be held against terminals of a received battery by at least one wall of the container.

The battery container is advantageously water repellent or resistant, and may be resilient or plastically deformable.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts for making an animal deterrent device including a flexible elongate barrier having first and second opposing faces, wherein the first face is provided with at least two elongate conductors which are electrically separated by at least one insulating member, and at least a part of the second face is adhesive, and a battery container for receiving a battery arranged such that the conductors are held against terminals of a received battery by at least one wall of the container.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figures la and lb are respectively a top plan view and a transverse cross-sectional view of part of a deterrent device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the tape of Figure 1 attached to a battery box;

Figure 3 is a top plan view of the box of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a side sectional view along line A- A of the box of Figure 2;

Figures 5, 6 and 7 are respectively a bottom plan view, a side view and enlarged part side view of a lid for the box of Figure 2;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a flower pot provided with a deterrent device in accordance with the present invention;

Figures 9a and 9b are enlarged views of part of the arrangement of Figure 8.

Figures 10a and 10b are respectively a perspective view and a top plan view of the box of Figure 2 provided with a battery;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the box with the lid of Figure 5 attached;

Figures 12 and 13 are perspective views of part of an area for planting enclosed by a wall which is provided with a deterrent device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of the box of Figures 12 and 13 provided with a lid;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of part of a flower pot provided with a deterrent device in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 16 is a top plan view of the arrangement of Figure 15. The dimensions included in the drawings are in mm.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, an electrical deterrent comprises a flexible elongate tape 12 made from a transparent plastics material. On a front side of the tape 12 are first 14 and second conductors 16 which are spaced apart from each other such that the area of tape between the conductors acts as an electrical insulator 18. The conductors 14, 16 are substantially parallel and co-extensive along the length of the tape 12 and are flexible aluminium foil strips, either applied with adhesive or deposited on the tape. Typically, the conductors are located about 1mm from edges 19, 20 of the tape 12. The rear side 13 of the tape 12 is adhesive and is covered by a removable protective strip (or release paper) 21.

Typically, tape 12 is approximately 2cm in width; the conductors 14, 16 and insulator 18 are approximately 0.6cm in width. The length of the tape is approximately 2m. The tape 12 is connected to a battery box 30.

Referring now to Figures 3-7, the battery box 30 is made from a plastics material which is resilient and non conductive. The dimensions of the box are typically: width: 27mm, length: 49mm, depth: 20mm. The box 30 has a lid 34 which is secured to the box by a light press fit. The underside of the lid 34 is provided with ridges 36, 38 running substantially along the length of two opposite edges 40, 42 of the lid. The box is suitable for housing a 9N PP3 battery.

The electrical deterrent 10 can be used to prevent slugs and snails attacking plants for example plants grown in containers (such as plant pots, tubs, troughs and the like) raised flower beds, green houses and in or on patios. The deterrent can also be used to protect plants grown on a horticultural scale either in fields or in protected environments such as greenhouses or "poly-tunnels". The tape 12 is applied to a vertical surface around the perimeter of an area to be protected such as a container or raised bed or around the stems/trunks of shrubs and trees and in such a position that the animal is moving upwards when it encounters the tape.

Figure 8 shows the electrical deterrent 10 applied to a flower pot 11. Unless there is an obvious feature to guide the positioning of the tape 12, it may be helpful to first mark a guideline 15 around the circumference of the flower pot 11. The tape 12 should not be placed immediately below a protruding rim 17 because a snail/slug may be able to bridge the tape without touching it. The container should be wiped to remove dust and grease before applying the tape 12.

To attach the tape 12 to the battery box 30, the protective strip 21 is peeled back approximately 5cm at one end of the tape 12 to expose the adhesive. The adhesive side of tape 12 is then pressed firmly against an inside end wall 31 of the box. The battery box 30 is placed on the surface of the soil or other substrate in the flower pot 11 at the back or least seen side of the flower pot. The tape 12 is then extended over the edge of the flower pot 11 , and down the side of the flower pot 11 to the guideline. The protective strip 21 is peeled back as the tape 12 is extended so that the conductive side of the tape is uppermost. The tape 12 is then folded through approximately 90 degrees such that the conductors 14 and 16 are outermost (Figure 9a). The protective strip 20 is removed and the tape 12 pressed in to place, such that fold 22 protrudes away from the flower pot 11. The tape is extended in a substantially horizontal direction around the circumference of the flower pot 11, following the guideline 15. The protective strip 21 is removed as the tape 12 is extended, exposing the adhesive which secures the tape in position on the flower pot 11. Once the tape 12 is secured in position around the circumference of the flower pot 11, the tape is then cut, using for example a pair of sharp scissors, so as to leave a small gap 24 of about 0.3cm to about 0.6cm (Figure 9b). The gap should be small enough that a small animal such as a slug or snail cannot pass through without touching the tape 12. The positioned tape is then pressed down to ensure that it is firmly secured, taking care not to damage the conductors 14, 16. The terminals 56 of a battery 48 are smeared with grease such as petroleum jelly or similar before insertion inside the box 30. The damp atmosphere within the container 11 may cause corrosion of the terminals which in rare circumstances could lead to a loss of contact with conductors 14 and 16 and this is prevented by using the grease. Battery 48 is positioned inside the box 30 so that one terminal is in contact with conductor 14, and the other is in contact with conductor 16 (Figure 10a). In order to ensure a good contact, it is advisable to insert the terminal end 56 of the battery into the box 30 first. The dimensions of the box 30 are such that the battery 48 is held tightly against the tape 12. The tape may be repositioned if necessary to provide best contact. Grease is smeared around the top edges of the box 30. The lid 34 is fitted on the box by pressing down evenly and firmly. Ridges 36, 38 press against the side walls of the box 30 and retain the lid 34 in position. The lid 34 is easily removed to permit the battery 48 to be replaced when necessary. The box is then placed on a stone or some pebbles thus permitting drainage of water away from the box. The box can be concealed beneath foliage of the plant(s) in the container. Metalised surfaces should be kept clear of foliage, dirt and debris.

In normal use, no current passes through the conductors 14 and 16 since they are mutually electrically isolated by insulator 18. If a snail or a slug attempts to cross the tape 12 its body forms a conductive bridge across insulator 18 to form an electrical connection between the conductors. The snail receives a non-lethal electric shock and is deterred from crossing the tape. The barrier 10 prevents snails or slugs from reaching plants in the flower pot 11.

To avoid short circuits, it is important that the fold 22 is left standing out and is not pressed flat against the container 11. The tape 12 may become discoloured over time for example by rainwater. However, this will not cause any loss of effectiveness. A gentle wipe with a damp sponge readily restores the appearance.

The electrical deterrent device 10 has many advantages. It is quick and easy to install. No special skills or tools are required. Also, the deterrent is essentially maintenance free - only requiring occasional wiping and battery replacement.

The deterrent 10 can be used to protect any area surrounded by a suitable vertical surface to which the tape 12 can be adhered and where there is no alternative route by which gastropods can circumvent the barrier. Since the tape is applied to a vertical surface, the risk of the shocked animal falling onto the electrodes and the subsequent battery drain is reduced. There is little chance of unwanted short circuits.

Apart from when the tape is being crossed by a slug or snail, the device does not consume any current and so the battery has a long lifetime. Even when the device is subjected to a heavy rainfall, it is found that current consumption remains negligibly small. Thus operation is inexpensive. Since the device repels rather than kills snails/slugs, it is a humane method of pest control and there are no dead bodies to collect and no current drain through dead bodies. Also, there are no sharp edges which could be harmful to children pets and other wildlife. The tape is both functional and decorative and can be applied to most surfaces commonly found in the garden, including brick, concrete, timber, glass and plastics. However, it is recommended that the tape 12 is not applied to unglazed terracotta surface since some imported terracotta pots have a very high salt contact which can react with the conductors 14, 16 to cause white staining of the container and corrosion of the conductors.

Since the metal conductors 14, 16 are located away from the edge of the tape 12, this reduces/prevents water being drawn directly from permeable materials such as terracotta and held in contact with the conductors, thus reducing the rate of corrosion. An advantage of the box 30 is the battery terminals are held in contact with the conductors without the need for additional connectors or biasing members. The absence of additional connectors or biasing members in the battery box means the box is made of a single piece of material and is easy and cheap to manufacture therefore, for example by injection moulding. Also, the box is not prone to corrosion.

The height of a battery from the base to the top of the terminals varies by small amounts from manufacturer to manufacturer. The battery box is thus designed to have compliance along its length. The compliance of the box along with ribs 30a maintain contact between the battery 48 and the conductors 14, 16 and allows the production tolerances of different makes of battery to be accommodated.

The heights of the terminals 50, 52 on a single battery can differ. To overcome this, the box 30 has sufficient clearance across its width to allow contact at both terminals. This is further facilitated by ribs 30a which enable the battery to be rocked into a "best" position (Figure 10b).

The battery may have any voltage value between 6 and 24 volts and the dimensions of the box adjusted accordingly to accommodate the battery and ensure a suitable fit.

Furthermore, the exposed surfaces of the deterrent device 10 are water repellent and/or resistant, thus protecting the battery against current drain in wet weather.

Apart from the adhesive, no other means of securing the device is needed. The tape is tightly secured thus preventing gastropods from passing under the tape.

Other small animals are also deterred, especially those with wet bodies. In some countries, small animals are a source of contamination of drinking water. Arrangements according to the invention could be used to protect water holes, animal drinking troughs, wells etc. It could also be used to prevent small animals such as toads from falling into swimming pools from which they cannot escape. The batteries could be replenished by day using solar cells.

Instead of foil strips, the conductors may be wires.

The flexible tape may not act as an electrical insulator. Instead a strip of insulating material may be applied to the tape, positioned between the conductors and the tape and co-extensive therewith. The materials of the flexible conductors and insulators may be selected as desired. The conductors may be made of copper or other metals such as nickel or silver. Although copper corrodes, only occasional removal of corrosion is needed.

Any length of tape may be employed within the limits imposed by the voltage drop due to the resistance of the conductors, and losses due to leakage across the insulator and through the atmosphere.

The tape may be supplied in a number of lengths, for example 2m, lm, 0.5m etc. and may be supplied as a roll.

The dimensions of the tape are only exemplary. The tape (and conductors, insulator) can come in a variety of widths depending on the size of the battery and battery box to be used. The width of the conductors of the tape should correspond to the size of the battery terminals to ensure good electrical contact.

In a modification, the tape may be translucent, opaque and/or coloured.

The tape may be used instead on a horizontal or inclined surface. For example it could be adhered to a suitable flat surface. The tape may be non adhesive and adhered to a surface by applying a separate adhesive to the underside of the tape.

The tape may not be attached to the battery box by adhesive. Instead, the tape is positioned against an end wall of the battery box and retained in position by the tight fit of the battery in the battery box.

The tape may be used with a conventional battery container.

The battery box may be used with a variety of barriers instead of the tape. The barrier may be rigid. For example, the barrier may comprise two elongate conductors of galvanised steel separated by a coextensive insulator, the components being secured together by insulating rivets. The barrier may be in the form of a rope. The rope may comprise four main strands, two of which are conductive and two of which are of insulating material, along with a central cord of insulating material. The barrier may comprise, for example, two semi-rigid single filament stainless steel wires spaced apart by a plurality of transversely extending insulating strips of plastics material, in the manner of a railway track. Furthermore, the battery box may be used with existing barriers, for example the barrier described in WO 88/03754.

In a modification, the conductive strips can be applied directly to the surface of the flowerpot (which is, of course, of insulating material) provided the surface is non- water permeable, for example a glazed or plastic surface. The strips may be attached by adhesive or may be painted on the surface or deposited chemically or electrically. The strips may be electrically connected to a power source, such as a battery, via wires or conductive strips located on a flexible tape.

In a modification, the battery container is plastically deformable. The terminal end of the battery is inserted in the container first. The battery is then pressed into position and is thus held tightly against the conductors. The lid of the battery box may be attached thereto in a variety of ways. One end of the box may be closeable by a lid. The lid may be hinged. Opposing edges of the lid may have raised pips which locate in corresponding holes in opposing sides of the box. The lid may have a protruding lip which locates in a slot in the base of the box. The lid may be secured to the box by one or more screws. The underside of the lid may be provided with pegs at each corner which locate in corresponding recesses in the top corners of the box to close the box. The lid may fit flush with the top of the box. The box may have outwardly protruding rims extending along opposite sides of the box and used with a lid with corresponding arms which fit under the rims and secure the lid in position.

The battery container may have only a base and two opposing end walls.

The dimensions of the box vary depending on the size of the battery to be housed therein.

The box may be black or other colours so that the box blends in with the foliage and is less noticeable.

The battery box could be used with a variety of devices powered by battery, such as a radio.

In a modification, the battery box 30 is turned upside down, so that the base 35 of the box is uppermost, and placed on the surface of the soil or other substrate in the flower pot 11 at the back or least seen side of the flower pot. The tape 12 is then extended over the edge of the flower pot 11, and down the side of the flower pot 11 to the guideline. The protective strip 21 is peeled back as the tape 12 is extended so that the adhesive side of the tape is uppermost. The tape 12 is then folded over on itself such that the conductors 14 and 16 are outermost and the tape is extended in a substantially horizontal direction around the circumference of the flower pot 11. As the tape passes along the soil/other substrate and over the rim of the container, the conductors are not on the uppermost side of the tape. Any pets or other animals licking or sniffing the tape will not get an electric shock therefore. The protective cover strip may be left on the length of tape passing over the rim of the container on which the protective strip is uppermost. This ensures the strip stays clean and does not attract dust or dirt.

The deterrent may be positioned only around part of an area, for example where a raised flower bed is against a large fence, the tape need only be placed around the exposed part of the bed.

The battery box may be located in any suitable position. It may be placed inside or outside the area to be surrounded by the barrier.

This arrangement is particularly useful in horticulture where the planted areas are surrounded by a low wall of plastic shuttering. Typically walls are simple strips of semirigid plastic but may be more elaborate as found inside greenhouses or poly-tunnels. The planted areas are typically 1.8m (6 feet) by 1.2m (4 feet).

Referring now to a second embodiment of the present invention, figures 12 to 14 show the use of the electrical deterrent in protecting a planted area surrounded by a low wall. An adhesive tape 102 (with a removable protective strip) is attached to a battery box 104 as described previously. A double-sided adhesive pad is applied to the underside of the box 104 and the box is mounted on the outside of the wall 106. The box 104 should be positioned such that the tape 102 attached thereto will be secured to a vertical surface and will be at least 0.25cm from any overhang or horizontal surface in order to avoid large gastropods bridging one of the conductors 108 on the tape. The tape 102 is extended in a substantially horizontal direction around the wall 106. The protective strip is removed as the tape 102 is extended, exposing the adhesive which secures the tape in position on the wall 106. Once the tape 102 has been extended around the wall 106 and back to the battery box 104 (as shown in Figure 13), the tape is cut leaving a length of about 10cm which is not adhered to the wall. A battery is inserted into the box and the lid 120 of the box 104 secured in a manner described previously. The tape 102 is then extended up the outside of the end wall of the box 104 and across the lid 120 to complete the run (Figure 14). Preferably the end 122 of the tape should not be adhered to the beginning of the run so that the box can easily be opened should the battery need replacing. The tape 102 is then cut to length and pressed firmly against the wall taking care to avoid damaging the conductors.

Similarly, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, in a third embodiment of the present invention box 130 is mounted on the outside of a plant container 132 and secured to the container wall using a double-sided adhesive pad 134. The tape 136 is applied around the container 132 and across the box 130 to complete the run.

An advantage of mounting the battery box on its side is that installation is simpler and any water which may find its way inside the box can easily drain away.

When used to protect larger areas, for example horizontal growing beds, it may be advantageous to use higher voltages, up to 24 volts, and/or conductors with greater cross-section and therefore reduced resistivity. Also, when used to protect larger areas where a suitable electricity supply is available, such as in greenhouses, the battery may be replaced by a low voltage eg 24 volts supply of alternating current, as this would further reduce corrosion.

In a modification the box may be mounted on the outside of a container/wall by any means. An adhesive may be applied to the base of the box. The box may be held in position simply by the flexible tape which extends substantially around the container and the box. However, additional securing means are preferred to ensure the box is fixed in position. The battery box may be mounted using a hook. The hook may be bent at both ends. One end of the hook is fastened over or to the top of the container/wall. The battery box is received in the opposite bent end. The hook may be part of the box or may be provided as a separate item. Alternatively or in addition the battery box may be secured using one or more clips, nails, screws or similar. If the container/wall is of ferromagnetic material, the battery box may be mounted using a magnet.

A side wall of the box may be mounted against the container wall.

The box may be mounted to the trunk of a tree to be protected, by driving one or more nails through the base of the box and into the tree.

Claims

1. An animal deterrent device comprising a flexible elongate barrier having first and second opposite faces, wherein the first face is provided with at least two elongate conductors which are electrically separated by at least one insulating member, and at least a part of the second face is adhesive.

2. An animal deterrent device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the conductive and insulating members are substantially parallel.

3. An animal deterrent device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the conductive and insulating members are substantially coextensive.

4. An animal deterrent device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein at least part of the adhesive face of the flexible barrier is covered with a removable non-adhesive member.

5. An animal deterrent device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the flexible barrier is a tape.

6. An animal deterrent device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the elongate conductors are strips of metal foil.

7. An animal deterrent device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the conductive members are electrically connected to a battery.

8. An animal deterrent device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the battery is housed in a container.

9. An animal deterrent device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the container fits tightly around at least some of the sides of the battery, such that it fits tightly against the base and terminals of the battery.

10. An animal deterrent device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the container is resilient or plastically deformable.

11. An animal deterrent device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the flexible barrier is adhered to an inside wall of the battery container and arranged such that the elongate conductors provided on the flexible barrier can contact the terminals of a battery housed therein.

12. A method of deterring small animals from entering a defined area including positioning around the area, or at least a part thereof, a flexible elongate barrier which is arranged to deliver an electric shock to an animal as it attempts to cross the barrier, and securing the barrier in position by adhesive means.

13. A method as claimed in claim 12 wherein the barrier is secured to a substantially vertical surface which defines the area, or at least a part thereof, to be protected such as the side of a flower pot or wall of a raised flower bed.

14. A method as claimed in claims 12 or 13 wherein the flexible barrier has first and second opposing faces and at least a part of one face of the barrier is adhesive.

15. A method as claimed in any of claims 12 to 14 wherein the flexible barrier is electrically connected to a battery.

16. A method as claimed in claim 15 wherein the battery is housed in a container.

17. A method as claimed in claim 16 wherein the battery container is secured to a substantially vertical surface which defines the area, or at least a part thereof, to be protected.

18. A method as claimed in claim 17 wherein the battery container is secured by adhesive means.

19. A battery container for receiving a battery arranged such that conductors can be held against terminals of a received battery by at least one wall of the container.

20. A battery container as claimed in claim 19 which is adapted to fit tightly around at least some sides of the battery such that it fits tightly against the base and terminals of the battery.

21. A battery container as claimed in claim 19 or 20 which is resilient or plastically deformable.

22. A battery container as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 21 wherein the conductors are attachable to the container by adhesive.

23. A battery container as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 22 wherein the conductors are first and second conductive members located on a flexible tape.

24. A battery container as claimed in any one of the claims 19 to 22 wherein the conductors are metal wires.

25. A battery container as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 24 wherein the battery container is water repellent and/or resistant.

26. A kit of parts for making an animal deterrent device including a flexible elongate barrier having first and second opposing faces, wherein the first face is provided with at least two elongate conductors which are electrically separated by at least one insulating member, and at least a part of the second face is adhesive and a battery container for receiving a battery arranged such that the conductors are held against terminals of a received battery by at least one wall of the container.

27. A kit as claimed in claim 26 wherein the battery container has a lid.

28. A kit as claimed in claim 26 or 27 including an adhesive pad for securing the battery container in position.