Insect barrier

Abstract

An insect barrier is variable in peripheral dimensions, and can be adapted for installation into a catch basin opening having a ledge to support a grate cover. The barrier frame consists of substantially planar corner members and side members, each having respective channel portions. A corner member is comprised of two female connectors, which have an inner and outer folded tab. The side member is comprised of two male connectors having flanges for interfacing with the tabs of the corner members. The male connector of the side member is placed into the female connector of the corner member, during assembly of the closed frame to define an opening. The inner and outer folded tabs of the female connector can be compressed into the flanges of the side member to secure, via friction, the connection between corner and side members. The assembled frame is completed such that adjacent respective channel portions abut to form a continuous channel. A mesh screen is installed in the channel to inhibit ingress and egress of insects through the defined opening of the closed frame. The assembled insect barrier is installed by placing it onto the support ledge of the catch basin.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to catch basin covers and in particular to insect barriers. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Insect screening has long served to protect humans from insects. Insect screen framing has been widely used to provide a rigid structural frame to mount insect screening, allowing for the integration of insect screening into a variety applications. The most popular has been window applications. [0003] A known refuge for insect population is a catch basin, some of which are located close to residential housing. There are available screening devices for screening debris (such as leaves) from entering the catch basin. However, these devices may not restrict insects from entering the catch basin and breeding new insect populations, nor may the devices suitably restrict emergence of these new insect populations from the catch basin and into the surrounding residential community. [0004] Application of existing insect screen barriers to catch basins is discour...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] Existing insect screen barriers are not generally applicable to coverage of catch basins due to the relatively thick profile of the screen framing, which can interfere with placement of grate covers over the catch basin once the screen barrier is installed. Further, existing insect screen barriers may not be variable in peripheral dimension so as to accommodate a variety of catch basin sizes and shapes. One solution is to provide an insect barrier that is variable in peripheral dimensions, and can be adapted for installation into a catch basin opening having a ledge to support a grate cover. The frame of the barrier consists of substantially planar corner members and side members, each having respective channel portions. The longitudinal lengths of the members are variable. The corner member is comprised of two female connectors, which have an inner and outer folded tab. The side member is comprised of two male connectors having flanges for interfacing with the tabs of the corner members. The male connector of the side member is placed into the female connector of the corner member, during assembly of the closed frame to define an opening. The inner and outer folded tabs of the female connector can be compressed into the flanges of the side member to secure, via friction, the connection between corner and side members. The assembled frame is completed such that adjacent respective channel portions abut to form a continuous channel. A mesh screen is installed in the channel to inhibit ingress and egress of insects through the opening of the closed frame. The assembled insect barrier is installed by placing it onto the support ledge of the catch basin grate cover.

[0007] According to the present invention there is provided a barrier of variable dimensions configured for inhibiting an ingress and egress of insects with respect to an adjacent entrance. The barrier comprises: a substantially planar closed frame including a plurality of interconnecting members for defining a central opening, at least some of the members configured for adjustment in length to conform the peripheral dimension of the assembled frame to those of the adjacent

Problems solved by technology

Existing insect screen barriers are not generally applicable to coverage of catch basins due to the relatively thick profile of the screen framing, which can interfere with placement of grate covers over the catch basin once the screen barrier is installed.

Further, existing insect screen barriers may not be variable in peripheral dimension so as to accommodate a variety of catch basin sizes and shapes.

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