WO2009003230A1

WO2009003230A1 - An insert for a weep hole opening in a masonry wall

Info

Publication number: WO2009003230A1
Application number: PCT/AU2008/000965
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Noel Flint; Lynne Patricia Oldfield
Original assignee: John Noel Flint; Lynne Patricia Oldfield
Priority date: 2007-07-02
Filing date: 2008-07-01
Publication date: 2009-01-08
Also published as: AU2008271915B2; AU2008271915A1

Abstract

There is disclosed herein an insert (10) for a weep hole opening (11) in a masonry wall (not shown). The insert (10) comprises a unitary body (12) having a relatively rigid spine portion (14) and a resilient fringe (16) extending around the top and opposite side edges of the body (12). The fringe (16) is defined by slits (18) in the body (12) and is oversized relative to the size of the weep hole. A front (relative to a forward insertion direction F o the insert 10) surface (20) of the fringe (16) is adapted for engaging walls (21) of the weep hole (11). The body (12) is formed from linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), which is a relatively low friction material, and as such facilitates insertion of the insert (10) into the weep hole (11). The fringe (16) is also impregnated with a pesticide, such that vermin that squeeze past the fringe (16) are dosed with the pesticide.

Description

An Insert for a Weep Hole Opening in a Masonry Wall

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an insert for a weep hole opening in a masonry wall and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, the invention is not limited to this application and may also be used in underfloor vents, retaining walls and tilt-up concrete walls.

Background of the Invention

In cavity brick or block masonry construction, weep hole openings are left in mortar joints just above the flashing to allow both ventilation and drainage of the wall cavity between the exterior masonry and the interior wall. A weep hole opening is typically formed by the omission of mortar between two adjacent bricks or blocks. The weep hole opening provides ventilation and drainage to keep the wall cavity dry. Without adequate ventilation, dampness causes mildew and rot, which reduce the life of the structure.

Weephole openings vary considerably in size and shape dependent on the skill and care of the tradesmen and the type of brick and type of finishes being applied. A problem with weep hole openings situated close to ground level, as are common, is that they can become an entry for rodents and reptiles. Similarly, a problem with weep hole openings around windows or second floors is that they can provide an entry for insects. In particular, the weep hole opening leading to the wall cavity is an ideal home for bees, wasps and other insects, which themselves create food sources for other pests. Another problem associated with weep hole openings is that they provide an entry point for water, particularly during excessive rain or from garden sprinklers. Another problem with weep hole openings is that they can allow sparks and firebrands to penetrate a building.

There have been a number of known approaches which attempt to solve some of the above problems.

The present applicants' earlier Australian Patent No. 762230 discloses a weep hole device including a rigid spine and a resilient fringe extending around the spine. The patent also discloses using the weep hole device in conjunction with a separate metal mesh screen acting as a spark arrestor. A disadvantage of this device, however, is that substantial friction is generated between the metal mesh screen and the walls of the weep hole, such that insertion of the device into the weep hole can be prevented or damage the screen.

Object of the Invention It is the object of the present invention, at least in its preferred form, to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the invention provides an insert for a weep hole opening in a masonry wall, said insert comprising: a body having a surface adapted for engaging walls of the weep hole, wherein a portion of the body is impregnated with a pesticide.

The body preferably comprises a resilient fringe extending at least partially therearound, wherein the surface is on the fringe. The portion of the body impregnated with pesticide preferably includes the fringe.

A mesh screen is preferably connected to the body and spaced apart from said surface, such that when the insert is inserted into the weep hole, the body separates the mesh screen from the walls of the weep hole.

The mesh screen is preferably embedded in the body. Alternatively, the mesh screen is connected to a rear side of the body relative to a forward insertion direction of the insert into the weep hole.

The body is preferably formed from a relatively low friction material to facilitate insertion of the insert into the weep hole. The body is particularly preferably formed from a plastics material, such as polyethylene, and more preferably linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). The body is preferably of unitary construction, with the fringe being defined by slits in a peripheral edge thereof. The body preferably includes a relatively rigid spine portion.

The fringe preferably extends along at least two sides of the body. More preferably, the fringe extends along three sides of the body. A handle is preferably connected to the body for facilitating manual insertion of the insert into the weep hole and manipulation of the insert within the weep hole. The handle is preferably detachable from the body.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides an insert for a weep hole opening in a masonry wall, said insert comprising: a body having a resilient fringe extending at least partially therearound, the fringe having a surface adapted for engaging walls of the weep hole; a mesh screen connected to the body and spaced apart from said surface, such that when the insert is inserted into the weep hole, the body separates the mesh screen from the walls of the weep hole.

The body is preferably formed from a relatively low friction material to facilitate insertion of the insert into the weep hole. The body is particularly preferably formed from a plastics material, such as polyethylene, and more preferably linear low density polyethylene

(LLDPE). The body is preferably of unitary construction, with the fringe being defined by slits in a peripheral edge thereof. The body preferably includes a relatively rigid spine portion.

The fringe preferably extends along at least two sides of the body. More preferably, the fringe extends along three sides of the body.

A handle is preferably connected to the body for facilitating manual insertion of the insert into the weep hole and manipulation of the insert within the weep hole. The handle is preferably detachable from the body.

Brief Description of the Drawings

A preferred form of the present invention will now be described, by way of an example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein: 00965

Fig 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an insert for a weep hole opening according to the invention; and

Fig 2 is a top view of a weep hole in which the insert of Fig 1 has been inserted.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

Referring to Figs 1 and 2, there is shown an insert 10 for a weep hole opening 11 in a masonry wall (not shown). The insert 10 comprises a unitary body 12 having a relatively rigid spine portion 14 and a resilient fringe 16 extending around the top and opposite side edges of the body 12. The fringe 16 is defined by slits 18 in the body 12 and is oversized relative to the size of the weep hole. A front (relative to a forward insertion direction F of the insert 10) surface 20 of the fringe 16 is adapted for engaging walls 21 of the weep hole 11. The body 12 is formed from linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), which is a relatively low friction material, and as such facilitates insertion of the insert 10 into the weep hole 11. The fringe 16 is also impregnated with a pesticide, such that vermin that squeeze past the fringe 16 are dosed with the pesticide.

A mesh screen 22 is embedded in the body 12, and as such is spaced apart from the first side 20 of the fringe 16. Accordingly, when the insert 10 is inserted into the weep hole 11 , the body 12 separates the mesh screen 22 from the walls 21 of the weep hole 11.

A detachable handle 24 is connected to the body 12 for facilitating manual insertion of the insert 10 into the weep hole 11 and manipulation of the insert 10 within the weep hole 11. The handle 24 includes a plurality of locking stubs 26 that are engageable with apertures 28 in the spine portion 14 of the body 12 to connect the handle 24 to the body 12. The apertures 28 also provide for ventilation of the weep hole 11 through the body 12.

Prior to insertion in a weep hole 11, the detachable handle 24 is pre-assembled to the body 12. To install the insert 10, the user simply grips the handle 24 and aligns the body 12 with the weep hole 11. As shown in Fig 2, the user then pushes the insert 10 into the weep hole 11 in a forward insertion direction, indicated by arrow F, using the handle 24, to the desired depth. During this insertion, outer ends of the fringe 16, and the mesh screen 22 embedded therein, fold back toward the weep hole opening due to the oversizing of the fringe 16 relative to the weep hole 11. The resilience of the fringe 16 ensures that the individual elements 16A of the fringe are biased outwardly into engagement with the walls 21 of the weep hole 11 to anchor the insert 10 in place. Once installed, the handle 24 can be removed by disengaging the stubs 26 from the apertures 28, thereby opening the apertures 28 for ventilation through the weep hole 11.

It will be appreciated that the illustrated weep hole insert 10 advantageously facilitates insertion of a mesh screen 22 into a weep hole 11 by separating the mesh screen 22 from the weep hole walls 21 during insertion, thereby reducing friction and protecting the screen 22 from damage.

Whilst the invention has been described with reference to a specific embodiment, it will be appreciated that it may also be embodied in many other forms. For example:

• portions of the body other then the fringe can be impregnated with pesticide;

• the mesh screen 22 can be connected to a rear side of the body 12 relative to a forward insertion direction F of the insert 10 into the weep hole 11 ; • the body 12 can be formed from other materials, such as polypropylene or fire- retardant acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin;

• the fringe 16 can be provided only on opposite side edges of the body 12, or alternatively on all four edges of the body 12; and/or

• the handle 24 can be permanently connected to the body 12.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An insert for a weep hole opening in a masonry wall, said insert comprising: a body having a surface adapted for engaging walls of the weep hole, wherein a 5 portion of the body is impregnated with a pesticide.

2. An insert according to claim 1 , wherein the body comprises a resilient fringe extending at least partially therearound, wherein said surface is on the fringe. o

3. An insert according to claim 2, wherein the portion of the body impregnated with pesticide includes the fringe.

4. An insert according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the body is of unitary construction, with the fringe being defined by slits in a peripheral edge thereof. s

5. An insert according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the fringe extends along at least two sides of the body.

6. An insert according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the fringe extends along0 three sides of the body.

7. An insert according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a mesh screen connected to the body and spaced apart from said surface, such that when the insert is inserted into the weep hole, the body separates the mesh screen from the walls ofS the weep hole.

8. An insert according to claim 7, wherein the mesh screen is embedded in the body.

9. An insert according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the mesh screen is connected to a0 rear side of the body relative to a forward insertion direction of the insert into the weep hole.

10. An insert according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body is formed from a relatively low friction material to facilitate insertion of the insert into the weep hole.

11. An insert according to claim 10, wherein the body is formed from a plastics material.

12. An insert according to claim 10, wherein the body is formed from polyethylene.

13. An insert according to claim 10, wherein the body is formed from linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE).

14. An insert according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body includes a relatively rigid spine portion.

15. An insert according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a handle connected to the body for facilitating manual insertion of the insert into the weep hole and manipulation of the insert within the weep hole.

16. An insert according to claim 15, wherein the handle is detachable from the body.

17. An insert for a weep hole opening in a masonry wall, said insert comprising: a body having a resilient fringe extending at least partially therearound, the fringe having a surface adapted for engaging walls of the weep hole; a mesh screen connected to the body and spaced apart from said surface, such that when the insert is inserted into the weep hole, the body separates the mesh screen from the walls of the weep hole.

18. An insert for a weep hole opening in a masonry wall, said insert substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.