WO2023007072A1

WO2023007072A1 - Mosquito trap for a traversable floor

Info

Publication number: WO2023007072A1
Application number: PCT/FR2022/051410
Authority: WO
Inventors: Georges-Lucien ALTOUNIAN
Original assignee: Lmr Invest
Priority date: 2021-07-28
Filing date: 2022-07-13
Publication date: 2023-02-02

Abstract

The invention relates to a mosquito trap for a traversable floor, comprising a traversable floor (2) made up of an assembly of a plurality of slabs (4) resting over the ground (8) via support means (6), the trap also comprising a web (12) of mosquito net material which is horizontally positioned under the traversable floor at a height between above the ground and up to the height of the slabs in order, on the one hand, to prevent female mosquitoes from reaching the pools of water that accumulate under the traversable floor and, on the other hand, to prevent mosquitoes that have hatched from eggs laid in said pools of water from escaping.

Description

Title of the invention: mosquito trap for traffic floor

Technical area

The invention relates to the general field of protection against the proliferation of mosquitoes under trafficable floors, in particular under the terraces mounted on studs and under the covers of water retention basins.

Prior technique

[0002] Mosquitoes have been a major threat to global public health for many years. In France, during the summer season, mosquitoes return each year attacking individuals.

[0003] In 2020, the progression of the tiger mosquito (also called “Aedes albopictus”) was particularly significant in European countries. Mosquitoes generally poison our nights. They sting more at the beginning of the day and at the end of the afternoon. These bites can be painful. They often cause itching, inflammation and sometimes illness because mosquitoes can be the vector of various diseases, such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, chikungunya, zika etc.

[0004] To reproduce, female mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water. A few millimeters of water are enough to allow them to land and lay eggs. Female mosquitoes lay eggs on the surface of water or on moist substrate. The eggs are whitish when laid and have a maximum length of 1 millimetre. They can persist in a dormant state for several years in a litter, on damp ground awaiting a flood.

[0005] Mosquito eggs develop in 4 stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. Each egg that hatches gives a small aquatic larva which must undergo several moults allowing it to grow and then reach the pupa stage which will emerge on the surface of the water and then transform into an adult mosquito. The adult mosquito then leaves the surface of the water and begins its life as a flying insect.

[0006] The preferred places for the reproduction of mosquitoes are puddles of water, basins, gutters, flower vases, sink and floor drains, water leaks, under pots, bulky items, drinking troughs, open bins, water supplies, toilet cisterns, water pockets formed by watering plants, planters, etc.

[0007] To combat the scourge linked to the proliferation of mosquitoes, merchants offer a whole range of repellent means such as the use of dermal repellents, electric liquid evaporators or mosquito repellent tablets, smoke sticks or spirals etc These means have a variable effectiveness from one product to another but are never so completely and over time.

[0008] It is also known to use the installation of mosquito nets to fight against the intrusion of mosquitoes into the dwelling. These mosquito nets are implemented to close the openings and form a barrier to incoming insects.

[0009] Mosquito nets available to date are often made by weaving yarn to form meshes of dimensions small enough to prevent the passage of mosquitoes but wide enough to allow ventilation of the dwelling. They can be made of textile, metal, polymer or other material. They can also be produced by cutting, by coating, by needling, by hydroentanglement, by compression of fibers with a binder, etc.

[0010]Although effective, the mosquito nets show poor resistance over time with a more or less rapid deterioration of their openings, for example following slippage of the threads, a hitch, repeated rubbing, stretching, or to fraying linked to a cutout of the mosquito net. [0011] Furthermore, apartments or residential houses are often decorated with an adjoining terrace in order to spend the summer outside. Traditionally, this terrace was built of concrete and covered with stone, tiles or wood. The construction technique has evolved. Terraces on pedestals have replaced traditional terraces. They have the advantage of being faster and easier to install and the pedestals which are sometimes fitted with lugs can be placed almost anywhere provided that the surface is stable (or stabilized).

More specifically, the plots of the terraces are placed on a sealing layer adapted to the characteristics of the ground or on the concrete of the old terrace. The covering of the terrace is most often made with slabs, gratings or wooden slats spaced a few millimeters apart to allow rainwater and/or watering to flow underneath on the ground, the space between the ground and the terrace allowing both to evacuate rainwater and to pass the necessary cables and pipes (for example electric cables).

[0013] The disadvantage of terraces on pedestals is that it promotes the development of mosquitoes. Indeed, the bottom of the space on which the pads are placed is horizontal and is always wet. The surface is not perfectly flat and shows irregularities which retain pockets of water (from rain or watering). Water reservoirs of all sizes inevitably form on the ground below the terrace on pedestals.

[0014] A slight slope of the ground is provided so that rainwater or irrigation water drains away. However, the drainage slope is gentle because the waterproofing layer needs moisture so that it does not dry out and crack, which would ruin its waterproofing qualities. The space between the terrace and the bottom is in the shade. The sun does not penetrate and this place retains its humidity.

[0015] The humidity of the ground below the terraces on pedestals thus generates the hatching of a large number of mosquitoes. Female mosquitoes penetrate through the interstices between the slabs and lay eggs in puddles and permanent pools of water at the bottom. These puddles and reservoirs of water generate large numbers of mosquitoes of all kinds and species. A puddle equivalent to a glass of water can receive and be the seat of the outbreak of several hundred mosquitoes.

The same problem is found for the basins (exterior and interior) of water retention for which the cover is made by an assembly of slabs resting above the bottom of the cavity by means of horizontal beams. Indeed, water stagnates permanently in the bottom of the cavity and is generally a generator of the hatching of a large number of mosquitoes.

[0017] We still find this problem at the level of roofs or terraces made above the top floor of buildings. In fact, there is often a poor flow of rainwater on the surfaces, which allows the formation of puddles, which are the sites of the hatching of numerous mosquitoes.

[0018] In order to effectively remedy this problem, the solution would be to remove stagnant water in general. This is often done whenever possible. But it is not easy to remove the puddles and reservoirs of water that form under trafficable floors resting above the ground. They would indeed have to be demolished and rebuilt with a different technique. This would generate a significant cost and a result which is not guaranteed as regards the elimination of these mosquito hotbeds.

Disclosure of Invention

The main purpose of the present invention is therefore to provide a mosquito trap for a trafficable floor which does not have the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0020] This object is achieved thanks to a mosquito trap for a traffic floor comprising a traffic floor constituted by an assembly of a plurality of slabs resting above the ground via support means, and further comprising a fabric of mosquito net material which is positioned horizontally under the traffic floor at a height between above the ground and up to the height of the slabs in order, on the one hand to prevent female mosquitoes to reach puddles of water accumulating under the traffic floor and on the other hand to prevent mosquitoes resulting from an egg-laying in these puddles from escaping.

[0021] The invention is remarkable in that it does not seek to eliminate puddles and retained water under the trafficable floor (which may be a terrace on pedestals or a cover for a water retention basin), nor to to prevent mosquitoes from entering dwellings, but it proposes to position a fabric of mosquito net material under the trafficable floor and above the ground so as to prevent mosquitoes, in particular female mosquitoes, from reaching these puddles and restraints of water to lay their eggs. In this way, female mosquitoes no longer have access to puddles and water reservoirs under the traffic floor.

[0022] In the unlikely event that a female mosquito succeeds in penetrating and laying eggs under the fabric of mosquito net material or in laying eggs on the fabric by dropping her eggs into the flasks and water reservoirs, the adult mosquitoes from this eggs could not get out and would be trapped through the mosquito net material (because their size exceeds the dimensions of the meshes of the fabric) and would be trapped. Proliferation foci become sterile by capturing the result of spawning. The invasion of mosquitoes from these damp areas under the trafficable floors is thus stopped.

The invention is also remarkable in that it does not require the traffic floor to be completely destroyed in order to rebuild it. The installation of the fabric in mosquito net material can indeed be planned in renovation of the traffic floor and does not require substantial work.

[0024]According to one embodiment, the fabric of mosquito net material is made of a rigid material and is integrated into at least one of the slabs of the trafficable floor in order to allow the passage of water under the terrace and to prevent the passage of mosquitoes. [0025]According to another embodiment, the fabric of mosquito net material is constituted by a plurality of strips forming joints positioned between the slabs at the level of the joints therebetween.

[0026]According to yet another embodiment, the fabric of mosquito net material is positioned at the height of a head of the support means and covers the entire surface of the trafficable floor.

[0027]According to yet another embodiment, the fabric of mosquito net material is positioned at the height of a foot of the support means and covers the entire surface of the trafficable floor.

[0028]According to yet another embodiment, the fabric of mosquito net material consists of a plurality of grids assembled on the support means at a height between a foot and a head of the latter and covers the whole of the surface of the traffic floor.

[0029]According to yet another embodiment, the fabric of mosquito net material is mounted on crosspieces placed on the ground, the support means being placed on said crosspieces.

[0030] The fabric of mosquito net material can be made by weaving warp threads and weft threads defining openings having dimensions between 1 and 2 mm.

The invention also relates to the application of a mosquito trap as defined above to a terrace mounted on pedestals, as well as to cover a water retention basin.

Brief description of the drawings

[0032] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a terrace on studs under construction provided with a mosquito trap according to a first embodiment.

[0033] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 shows a mosquito trap integrated into a terrace slab according to the first embodiment. [0034] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 shows a mosquito trap in the form of a terrace joint according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0035] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 shows a mosquito trap according to an alternative embodiment of the seal of Figure 3.

[0036] [Fig. 5A-5C] Figures 5A, 5B and 5C are other variants of the seal of Figure 3.

[0037] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 shows a mosquito trap in the form of a patio cover according to another embodiment.

[0038] [Fig. 7] Figure 7 shows a mosquito trap according to an alternative embodiment of the fabric of Figure 6.

[0039] [Fig. 8] Figure 8 shows a mosquito trap in the form of terrace grilles according to yet another embodiment.

[0040] [Fig. 9] Figure 9 shows a mosquito trap according to yet another embodiment.

[0041] [Fig. 10] Figure 10 shows a schematic view of a water retention basin equipped with a mosquito trap.

Description of embodiments

[0042] The invention applies to any type of floors (or surfaces) that can be moved, such as covers for water retention basins and terraces on plots, in particular terraces formed by an assembly of a plurality of slabs resting above the ground via studs such as the terrace 2 illustrated in figure 1.

Of course, the invention also applies to terraces formed by an assembly of gratings or wooden slats or any other unitary elements. Here, the term “slab” is used generically to cover all of these variants.

[0044] Similarly, by "terrace on pedestals", we mean here that the slabs of the terrace are not assembled directly on a concrete slab but on pedestals or on cleats allowing the terrace to be raised above the ground.

In the embodiment of Figure 1, the terrace 2 is thus formed by an assembly of slabs 4 resting on a plurality of studs 6 regularly distributed on the floor 8.

[0046] In known manner, the slabs 4 are assembled so as to leave a gap 9 of a few millimeters between them in order to allow rainwater and / or watering to flow below on the ground 8, the space between the ground and the terrace allowing both to evacuate rainwater and to pass the necessary cables and pipes. Puddles or reservoirs of water 10 thus form on the ground under the terrace.

[0047] According to a first embodiment illustrated in particular by Figures 1 and 2, it is planned to integrate directly into at least one of the slabs 4 (or gratings or wooden slats) of the terrace a canvas 12 or a grille made of rigid mosquito net material, this fabric being made of a rigid material in order to be able to support the weight of people walking on it.

The web 12 of mosquito net material is in the form of a weaving of rigid warp and weft threads defining openings having dimensions between 1 and 2 mm. These openings are large enough to allow the passage of rain or watering water or the passage of laying eggs under the terrace and small enough to prevent the passage through mosquitoes or other insects.

[0049] Alternatively, the fabric 12 may be made of any other material having the properties of a fabric of mosquito net material, for example polymer or rubber pierced in places, extensible or rigid.

[0050] The rigid threads used to weave the fabric 12 can be made of metallic material (for example aluminum) or of polymeric or organic material or any other material.

[0051] On the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the canvas 12 or the grid of rigid mosquito net material is integrated into the outer rectangular contour of the slab 4. Of course, the canvas is not limited to this shape and can take different shapes. Likewise, its dimensions and location on the slab may vary depending on the chosen application.

[0052] It will also be noted that it is not necessary for all the slabs 4 of the terrace to be fitted with a canvas or rigid grid 12 made of mosquito net material, a single or several slabs with an integrated mosquito net grid being able to be sufficient to allow evacuate rain and irrigation water.

[0053]0n will also note that this solution has the advantage that it is no longer necessary to leave gaps of a few millimeters between the slabs 4 of the terrace in order to allow rainwater and / or watering to flow below onto the ground. The slabs can thus be joined, which is generally more aesthetic and guarantees increased security against the passage of mosquitoes to the underside of the terrace.

In connection with Figures 3, 4 and 5A, 5B and 5C, we will now describe an embodiment of the invention in which the terrace is equipped with "joints mosquito nets".

[0055] More specifically, this second embodiment provides for positioning under the unitary elements constituting the terrace at the level of the joints between them (that is to say in the interstices between the slabs provided for the flow of rainwater and watering) a plurality of strips forming joints, each strip being made wholly or partly in an extensible mosquito net material.

[0056] Thus, as shown in Figure 3, the band 14 forming a mosquito net seal can be made up of a strip 14a of mosquito net material (that is to say, produced by weaving warp and weft yarns defining openings having dimensions between 1 and 2mm) mounted between two side edges 14b. This strip 14 forming a seal-mosquito net is embellished with openings between 1 and 2mm in order to allow water to pass but to prevent the passage of mosquitoes. [0057]According to the invention, all models of mosquito net seals are made of an extensible material making it possible to reduce their size on extension and to widen again when released in order to press better against the edges of the slabs.

[0058]According to one embodiment, the insect screen seal is made of a rigid material, for example of metal, polymer or other threads which are woven or knitted. In this case, the weaving of this type of mosquito net seal is on the bias in order to give it its extensible character.

According to another embodiment, the mosquito net seal is made of a flexible material in order to give the mosquito net seal its expandable nature. For example, it is possible to use a metallic, polymer, organic or other material (textile or a woven, knitted or non-woven net, a foam hose, a pierced rod in polymer or other, a skein of yarn or fibers, a bench , a wad of various materials, etc.).

[0060] The ribbon 14a is dimensioned in width to cover the gap left between the slabs (typically of the order of 5 mm) and allows rainwater and watering to pass while preventing mosquitoes present under the terrace can pass through.

[0061] The strip forming a joint can be made in unitary strips or else in the form of a continuous roll in a width adapted to the gap between the slabs of the terrace. The warp and weft threads constituting its ribbon 14a may be flexible or rigid.

[0062] The strip forming a joint can be glued or held mechanically in place between the edges of the slabs of the terrace.

In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 4, the strip 14 'forming seal is composed of a weave of wires (rigid or flexible) in a spiral to form a strip of mosquito net material which is tubular.

[0064] 0n will choose for this weaving an extensible material, which allows by exerting a tension to modify the width of the spiral strip 14 'to insert it easily in the interstices left between the slabs of the terrace. When the tension on the spiral band is released, it will expand to regain its initial shape, which will facilitate its pressing against the edges of the slabs of the terrace.

In the variant embodiment shown in Figure 5A, the strip 14 "forming a seal is composed of a strip 14a of mosquito net material and two U-shaped side profiles 14c, these profiles being rigid and of dimensions adapted to the thickness of the edges of the terrace slabs In practice, the edges of the slabs fit inside these U-profiles.

In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 5B, the strip 14'" forming a seal is made up of a strip 14a of mosquito net material and two L-shaped side profiles 14d. In practice, the edges of the slabs come to rest on these L-sections.

It will be noted that the U-sections 14c and the L-sections 14d of these two embodiments can be made of solid material (case of FIG. 5A) or of mosquito net material (case of FIG. 5B).

In the variant embodiment shown in Figure 5C, the strip 14'" forming a seal has a U-shape with a strip 14a of mosquito net material (at an angle or straight) and the two side edges 14e also in mosquito net material.

In connection with Figures 6 and 7, we will now describe a third embodiment of the invention in which the terrace is equipped with a canvas of mosquito net material which covers the entire surface of the terrace.

[0070] In the embodiment of Figure 6, the canvas 16 of mosquito net material is positioned at the height of the head 6a of the studs 6 (that is to say, it is arranged directly under the slabs 4 of the terrace) and covers the entire surface of the terrace.

[0071] In the variant embodiment of FIG. 7, the canvas 16' made of mosquito net material is positioned at the height of the foot 6b (opposite the head 6a) of the studs 6 (that is to say that it is arranged directly above the ground 8) and covers the entire surface of the terrace. In these two embodiments, the canvas 16, 16' of mosquito net material can be rigid or flexible.

[0073] In connection with Figure 8, we will now describe a fourth embodiment of the invention in which the terrace is equipped with a fabric of mosquito net material which consists of a plurality of grids assembled on the studs and which cover the entire surface of the terrace.

More specifically, the terrace is equipped with a plurality of grids 18 forming frames of mosquito net material, these grids 18 being assembled on the studs 6 at a height between the foot 6b and the head 6a of the latter.

[0075] Here too, the grids 18 forming the fabric of mosquito net material can be rigid or flexible.

[0076] Alternatively, the grids can be replaced by a single grid provided with passages to allow the studs to pass and seals between these passages and the studs.

[0077] In connection with Figure 9, a fourth embodiment of the invention will now be described in which the fabric 16 "in mosquito net material (which is rigid or flexible) is placed on crosspieces 20 which themselves rest on the ground 8.

In this embodiment, the studs 6 supporting the slabs 4 are placed on the crosspieces 20. In addition, the edges of the canvas 16 "in mosquito net material are connected to the external vertical walls 22 of the terrace with a joint sealant 24 commonly used in construction. In addition, the fabric 16" made of mosquito net material may optionally be held on the crosspieces 20 by gluing or stapling.

In conjunction with Figure 10, we will now describe a variant application of the invention. In this variant, the fabric of mosquito net material is applied to the cover 26 of a water retention basin 28 (exterior or interior).

[0080] Typically, a water retention basin 28 comprises a cavity 30 dug in the ground in which water (used and/or rain) comes flow (for example by means of a water inlet pipe 32). Cavity 30 may also include a drain pipe 34, as well as an overflow pipe 36.

The water retention basin 28 further comprises a cover 26 which forms a trafficable floor. In known manner, this cover is generally formed of an assembly of slabs 38 resting above the bottom of the cavity 30 by means of horizontal beams 40 (the latter could themselves be supported by piles planted in the bottom of the cavity). In the example illustrated in Figure 10, the canvas 42 of mosquito net material is positioned on the beams 40 (and under the slabs 38 of the terrace) and covers the entire surface of the cover 26 of the basin water retention. Of course, all the other configurations described in connection with the application to a terrace on pedestals for the fabric of mosquito net material could also apply here.

[0083] In one embodiment, the fabric of mosquito net material is positioned at a height between above the ground and below the slabs.

Claims

[Claim 1] Mosquito trap for a traffic floor comprising a traffic floor (2; 26) constituted by an assembly of a plurality of slabs (4; 38) resting above the ground (8) by means of means of support (6; 40), a mosquito net (14; 16; 18; 42) which is positioned horizontally under the traffic floor in order, on the one hand, to prevent female mosquitoes from reaching puddles of water accumulating under the trafficable floor and on the other hand to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs in these puddles from escaping, characterized in that the mosquito net consists of a plurality of strips (14; 14 '; 14"; 14'") forming joints which are positioned between the tiles at the joints between them and which are made of an extensible material allowing their size to reduce when extended and to widen again by releasing in order to better press against the edges of the slabs.

[Claim 2] Trap according to claim 1, in which the strips constituting the mosquito net are made from threads of rigid material which are woven diagonally defining openings having dimensions of between 1 and 2 mm.

[Claim 3] Trap according to claim 1, in which the strips constituting the mosquito net are made of a flexible material.

[Claim 4] Application of the mosquito trap according to any one of claims 1 to 3 to a terrace mounted on pedestals.

[Claim 5] Application of the mosquito trap according to any one of Claims 1 to 3 to a cover for a water retention basin J