Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Animal blocking lateral projection – trap – or scarer
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-28
2001-01-23
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Animal blocking lateral projection, trap, or scarer
C052S302300, C052S745200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06176048
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention herein pertains to a device to prevent insects, snakes and other small animals from entering the crawl space of a building, and particularly pertains to a device for preventing such animals from entering the crawl space through weep holes in foundation walls.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
Foundation walls for houses and other buildings are often veneered or include brick. To prevent excess moisture build-up, weep holes are formed at specified intervals in the foundation which usually consists of an absence of mortar between the ends of abutting bricks. Thus, should moisture collect in the foundation wall, the weep holes allow some air to circulate and the moisture to be removed. While these weep holes are important for the wall, they also provide a compelling entry for insects, small snakes, lizards and other small undesirable animals. For example, it is not unusual for termites or bees to use a weep hole for entry or nest construction, thus blocking the weep holes and causing harm to the building structure. In southern Texas roaches and large bees cause homeowners problems by nesting and crawling into the weep holes, often multiplying in or closely nearby.
In order to prevent insect entry, it has been known in the past to place screen wire within the weep holes to prevent access. However, by merely plugging the weep hole with screen wire or other porous materials, small insects can infiltrate the plugged weep holes even though passage is somewhat obstructed. If such insects build a nest within the plugged weep hole, air passage is greatly reduced, therefore defeating the original purpose of the weep hole.
With the problems associated with prior attempts at preventing animal entry into the weep holes, the present invention was conceived and one of its objectives is to provide a device to prevent animal entry by the use of a porous barrier positioned over the weep hole.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a porous barrier contained within a flexible frame which can be contoured to the outer wall structure.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a device which includes a flexible frame having inner and outer sections with an easily removable porous barrier sandwiched in between.
Yet still another objective of the present invention is provide a method for preventing animal entry into a weep hole by the use of a porous barrier which is releasably attached for easy cleaning.
Various other objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art as a more detailed description is set forth below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The aforesaid and other objectives are realized by providing a screen device and method which will prevent insects and other small animals from entering crawl spaces or foundation walls through weep holes contained therein. The device includes a porous barrier or screen which may be formed from polyester, nylon or other polymeric materials as are commercially available for use as window screens. The porous barrier is contained within an outer frame and is held in place by an inner frame having tabs to allow it to be releasably, yet tightly secured to the outer frame. Both the outer and inner frames are formed from flexible plastic or polymeric materials such as by molding, stamping or other conventional methods. By the use of flexible polymeric materials, the frame can be easily bent and contoured to the foundation wall which may be rough and uneven. A conventional silicone sealant is applied to the edges of the frame and/or porous barrier to seal the same to the foundation wall around the weep hole. By carefully sealing the frame to the outer surface of the foundation wall, insects such as roaches, bees and the like are then forced to attempt to enter the weep hole through the porous barrier contained therein, which, is sized to prevent such entry. Should the porous barrier become dirty or clogged, the inner frame section can be easily removed and the porous barrier extracted for cleaning purposes where it can then be easily replaced.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 372068 (1996-07-01), Disanto
patent: 3429084 (1969-02-01), Brewer
patent: 4102093 (1978-07-01), Harris
patent: 4587892 (1986-05-01), Witten et al.
patent: 4669371 (1987-06-01), Sarazen, Jr. et al.
patent: 5203795 (1993-04-01), Balamut et al.
patent: 5274968 (1994-01-01), Pardo
patent: 5349799 (1994-09-01), Schiedegger et al.
patent: 5870864 (1999-02-01), Snyder et al.
patent: 6044594 (2000-04-01), Desselle
Friedman Carl D.
Wilkens Kevin D.
LandOfFree
Weep hole screen device and method does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Weep hole screen device and method, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Weep hole screen device and method will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2512248