Composite material and method for preventing rodent access

Abstract

Composite materials are provided for sealing openings, slits, or holes on walls and other barriers. The composite material is particularly suitable for providing a long-lasting seal across the holes to prevent rodents from entering the holes. The composite material includes a wire mesh layer, an adhesive, and an outer protective layer. The silk screen layer can resist biting of rodents, so that the rodents are prevented from biting through the material. The protective layer provides an aesthetically pleasing outer layer covering the tacky adhesive layer and provides a surface for handling the tape. The adhesive is used both to bond the protective layer to the wire mesh and to provide an opposing tacky surface for adhering the composite material to a target area on a wall, bulkhead, door, roof or other barrier.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 394,525, filed on August 2, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to composite materials and methods for sealing holes, gaps, cracks or openings in walls, partitions, doors, roofs and other barriers, and more particularly to pest control devices and methods for preventing entry of pests, such as rodents, through such barriers. Background Art

[0004] Controlling pests, including rodents, has always been a problem for many households and businesses, especially commercial entities such as the food industry. This problem is exacerbated when pests, such as rodents or insects, are present or active in hard-to-reach areas, making it extremely difficult to set, retrieve and repair traps.

[0005] Rodents are often able to move freely in and out of buildings through gaps, cracks or holes in walls or foundations. For example, holes in walls are a convenient and common entry point for mice to enter buildings. As buildings age and settle, even the smallest holes are enough for mice to get inside.

[0006] Once these rodents are inside a building, it is difficult to remove them with traps. Some rodents, such as rats, are extremely sensitive to changes in their environment and will avoid new objects, such as traps. While poison may be more effective, it also has drawbacks, such as safety issues for children and other small animals (such as pets).

[0007] Therefore, a more effective way to control rats is to prevent them from entering a building in the first place. However, this can be challenging, as rats are known for their ability to chew through most barriers. The muscles that control a rat's jaws are extremely powerful. These pests will typically chew through anything that is not as hard as their teeth, including wood, bricks, cinder blocks, and softer concrete and metal. Summary of the invention

[0008] The following is a brief summary of the claimed subject matter, which is intended to provide a basic understanding of certain aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an exhaustive review of the claimed subject matter. It is neither intended to identify the key elements of the claimed subject matter nor to delimit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the claimed subject matter in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description that follows.

[0009] In one aspect, a composite material or tape for sealing an opening is provided. The composite material includes a screen layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and an adhesive extending through the screen layer from the first surface to the second surface. The composite material also includes a protective layer bonded to the adhesive at the second surface.

[0010] The composite material or tape is particularly useful for preventing rodents from entering through holes or gaps in walls or other barriers. The mesh layer is preferably made of a material that is resistant to the gnawing of rodents to prevent rodents from biting through the material. The protective layer provides an aesthetically pleasing outer layer covering the sticky adhesive layer and provides a surface for handling the tape. The adhesive is used both to bond the protective layer to the mesh and to provide a relatively sticky surface for adhering the composite material to a target area on a wall, partition, door, roof or other barrier.

[0011] In some embodiments, the composite material may further include a release layer or film removably connected to the adhesive layer. The release film covers and protects the adhesive layer until the user is ready to apply the material, at which time the release film is removed to expose the sticky adhesive layer, which can be attached to the target area of ​​the wall or other barrier.

[0012] The wire mesh layer may include a metal that is formed into an interlocking ring structure and that is strong enough to resist being chewed through by rodents. Suitable materials for the wire mesh layer include copper and all its alloys, stainless steel and all its alloys, various types of steel, carbon steel, coated steel, super alloys, iron, titanium, galvanized steel, tungsten, zinc, nickel, aluminum and all its alloys, or any combination of the above. In one embodiment, the wire mesh layer includes stainless steel or a steel alloy.

[0013] In some embodiments, the wire mesh layer is formed by a cylindrical wire mesh, such as a knitted sleeve or the like. The cylindrical wire mesh is cut along its longitudinal axis and then flattened to form a planar wire mesh layer. The advantage of doing so is that the planar wire mesh layer has sharp edges only at the cut edges.

[0014] In some embodiments, the adhesive layer comprises a hot melt adhesive. Suitable hot melt adhesives include ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene acrylate copolymers, polyolefins (PO), polybutylenes, amorphous polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, polyurethanes, styrene block copolymers (SBC), polycaprolactones, polycarbonates, fluoropolymers, silicone rubbers, polypyrroles (PPY), and the like.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the adhesive layer includes a thermoplastic rubber, such as styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) and / or styrene-isoprene (SIS). The thermoplastic rubber may also include an antioxidant and / or a resin tackifying rosin, such as aliphatic and / or aromatic tackifying esters / rosin of C5 to C9.

[0016] The protective layer may include any suitable material that bonds to and covers the screen to prevent exposure of the adhesive on the second surface of the screen, such as cotton, silicone, triacetate, cellulose and cellulose polymers, and other woven and nonwoven fabrics.

[0017] In some embodiments, the outer protective layer comprises a polymer material. Suitable polymers include acrylics, such as polyacrylic acid (PAA) or poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polyethylenes, such as ultra-high density polyethylene, high density polyethylene (HDPE), medium density polyethylene or low density polyethylene (LDPE), all types of polypropylene (PP) and all other olefins, polyamides, such as nylon, polylactic acid, polycarbonate, polyethersulfone, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherimide, polyethylene, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and all other vinyl derivatives, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon), polyethylene terephthalate (polyester), polyamide, polystyrene, etc.

[0018] In one embodiment, the protective layer comprises low-density polyethylene (LDPE). In an exemplary embodiment, the protective layer comprises an LDPE film having a thickness of about 25 μm to about 150 μm, preferably about 50 μm to about 100 μm, and more preferably about 75 μm (this thickness is obtained under a pedal pressure of 50 KPa).

[0019] In another aspect, a method of preparing a composite material or tape for sealing an opening includes: forming a planar screen layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, introducing an adhesive into the planar screen layer from the first surface to the second surface, and bonding an outer protective layer to the adhesive at the second surface of the planar screen layer.

[0020] In some embodiments, the planar wire mesh is formed by a cylindrical wire mesh or sleeve. The cylindrical wire mesh is cut along its transverse axis and flattened to form the planar wire mesh.

[0021] The composite material can be formed by a variety of methods, such as gluing, chemical welding, heat welding, pressure welding, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the wire mesh layer is disposed between the protective layer and the adhesive layer and bonded by heat pressing, which is performed at a suitable temperature and pressure to introduce the adhesive throughout the wire mesh and bond the protective layer to the adhesive.

[0022] In some embodiments, the release layer or release film is removably connected to an adhesive on a side of the screen opposite the protective layer. The release layer can be bonded simultaneously with the other layers by heat compression, or by other methods known to those skilled in the art.

[0023] The description of the desired objectives met by various embodiments in this specification does not mean or imply that any or all of these objectives, whether individually or in combination, are present as essential technical features in the general embodiments of this specification or in any of its more specific embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] This specification and the accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments and should not be considered restrictive. The scope of this specification is defined by the claims, including their equivalents. Various mechanical, compositional, structural and operational changes may be made without departing from the scope of this specification and the claims (including equivalents). In some cases, well-known structures and techniques are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring the contents of the specification. In two or more figures, the same number represents the same or similar elements. In addition, for elements and related aspects described in detail with reference to a certain embodiment, as long as it is practicable, even if they are not specifically shown or described in other embodiments, these elements and related aspects may also be included therein. For example, if an element is described in detail with reference to a certain embodiment and is not described with reference to another embodiment, the element may still be required to be included in the other embodiment. In addition, the description herein is for illustrative purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the actual shape, size or dimensions of the system or the components shown.

[0025] It should be noted that the singular forms "a", "an", "the", and any word in the singular used in this specification and the appended claims include plural objects unless expressly and unambiguously limited to referring to only one object. The term "include" and its grammatical variations as used herein are intended to be interpreted in a non-restrictive manner, such that when items are listed, other similar items that can be substituted or added to the listed items are not excluded.

[0026] Unless otherwise indicated, any quantitative values ​​are approximate, whether or not the term "about" or "approximately" is used. The materials, methods, and examples described herein are illustrative only and not limiting.

[0027] A composite material or tape for sealing openings, gaps or holes in walls and other barriers is provided. The composite material is particularly suitable for providing a strong and durable seal across such holes to prevent rodents from entering therethrough.

[0028] The composite material generally comprises a wire mesh having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and also comprises an adhesive which penetrates the wire mesh layer from the first surface to the second surface. The composite material also comprises a protective layer bonded to the adhesive on the second surface.

[0029] The wire mesh layer is preferably made of a rodent-resistant material to prevent rodents from biting through the material. The wire mesh can be made of a variety of materials, such as metal, plastic, fiber, multifilament, etc., which are processed into an interlocking ring structure. In some embodiments, the wire mesh layer includes a hardness (unit: N / mm 2 ) metal, which is preferably harder than the teeth of rodents. Suitable metals for the mesh include copper and all its alloys, stainless steel and all its alloys, various types of steel, carbon steel, coated steel, super alloys, iron, titanium, galvanized steel, tungsten, zinc, nickel, aluminum and all its alloys, nickel or any combination of the above metals.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the wire mesh comprises stainless steel or a stainless steel alloy. The steel may have a width of about 50 mm to about 150 mm, preferably about 75 mm to about 125 mm, and a thickness of about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm, preferably about 0.4 mm to about 0.6 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the wire mesh has a width of about 95 mm and a thickness of about 0.453 mm.

[0031] The wire mesh may include about 0.5 stitches per centimeter to about 15 stitches per centimeter, preferably about 5 stitches per centimeter to about 10 stitches per centimeter, more preferably about 5 stitches per centimeter, and may be classified as fine, medium fine, standard, coarse or extra coarse. The wire mesh may be formed by curling, calendering, folding, layering and rolling processes.

[0032] In some embodiments, the wire mesh may be preformed into a generally cylindrical shape, such as the shape of a sock or sleeve. A suitable metal sock is described in European Patent No. 3231404 to Knitmesh Ltd., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The cylindrical wire mesh may be cut along its transverse axis to form a generally planar shape. This provides a mesh layer without any sharp edges other than the cut edges.

[0033] The adhesive is used to bond the protective layer to the screen and to provide a relatively sticky surface to adhere the composite material to a target area on a wall, partition, door, roof or other barrier. The adhesive layer may include any suitable adhesive. In some embodiments, the adhesive layer includes a hot melt adhesive or a thermoplastic adhesive, which may include a base layer including ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene-acrylate copolymers, polyolefins (PO), polybutylene, amorphous polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, polyurethanes, styrene block copolymers (SBC), polycaprolactone, polycarbonate, fluoropolymers, silicone rubber, polypyrrole (PPY), etc.

[0034] The thermoplastic adhesive may include one or more additives such as tackifiers, waxes, plasticizers, antioxidants, UV stabilizers, pigments, dyes, glitter, insecticides, flame retardants, antistatic agents, fillers, and the like.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive layer comprises a thermoplastic rubber, such as a thermoplastic rubber styrene-butadiene-styrene (TP-SBS) and / or a thermoplastic rubber styrene-isoprene (TP-SIS). The thermoplastic rubber may further comprise an antioxidant and / or a resin tackifying rosin, such as an aliphatic and / or aromatic tackifying ester / rosin of C5 to C9.

[0036] The protective layer provides an aesthetically pleasing outer layer covering the tacky adhesive layer and provides a surface for handling the tape. The outer protective layer may include any suitable material that bonds to the screen and covers it, preventing the adhesive from being exposed on the second surface of the screen, such as cotton, silicone, polymers, or metal sheets. In some embodiments, the outer protective layer includes a polymer material.

[0037] The polymer layer may include any suitable polymer that can bond to the metal mesh layer. In certain embodiments, the polymer layer includes a thermoplastic material that becomes flexible or moldable at a certain high temperature and solidifies when cooled. Suitable thermoplastic materials include acrylics, such as polyacrylic acid (PAA) or poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), various types of PP and all other olefins, polyamides, such as nylon, polylactic acid, polycarbonate, polyethersulfone, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherimide, polyethylene, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and all other vinyl derivatives, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon), polyethylene terephthalate (polyester).

[0038] In other embodiments, the protective layer may include other materials such as cellulose triacetate, cellulose and cellulose polymers, cotton, and other woven and nonwoven fabrics.

[0039] In one embodiment, the protective layer comprises polyethylene, such as ultra-high density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene or low density polyethylene (LDPE). In an exemplary embodiment, the protective layer comprises an LDPE film having a thickness of about 25um to about 150um, preferably about 50um to about 100um, more preferably about 75um.

[0040] Also provided is a method for making the above-mentioned composite material. In one of the methods, a planar screen is first made by a cylindrical mesh sleeve as described above. An outer protective layer is placed on one surface of the screen, and an adhesive is placed on the opposite surface of the screen. Under suitable pressure, these three layers are pressed together so that the adhesive runs through the screen (that is, from the first surface to the second surface), and the outer protective layer is bonded to the screen by the adhesive. In certain embodiments, the pressure is about 50 pounds per square inch (psi).

[0041] Once the three layers are properly bonded to each other, a release film or release layer can be applied to the adhesive layer (as opposed to the protective layer). The release film can be used to assist in handling the composite material and protect the sticky adhesive layer from environmental influences. When applying the composite material, the release film is removed and the adhesive surface is applied to the target area so that the screen layer completely covers the holes or gaps in the barrier and the outer protective layer faces the user. This provides a relatively quick and easy method for applying the composite material to any such holes in a wall or other barrier. Hot melt adhesives are easily attached to walls or other barriers, thereby providing a durable and secure seal across the hole, thereby preventing rodents from entering through the hole.

[0042] Although the apparatus, system and method have been described in detail according to certain preferred embodiments, many modifications and changes may be made thereto by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the foregoing description should not be interpreted as being limited thereto, but should be interpreted as including the above-mentioned obvious changes, and only limited by the spirit and scope of the following claims.

[0043] For example, in a first aspect, a first embodiment is a composite material comprising a screen layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, an adhesive extending through the screen layer from the first surface to the second surface, and a protective layer bonded to the adhesive at the second surface.

[0044] A second embodiment is the first embodiment wherein the adhesive layer is configured to bond the first surface of the screen layer to another surface.

[0045] The third embodiment is any combination of the first two embodiments, the composite material further comprising a release layer removably connected to the adhesive layer.

[0046] A fourth embodiment is any combination of the first three embodiments, wherein the wire mesh layer comprises metal.

[0047] The fifth embodiment is any combination of the first four embodiments, wherein the wire mesh layer is formed of a cylindrical wire mesh.

[0048] A sixth embodiment is any combination of the first five embodiments, wherein the cylindrical screen comprises a knitted sleeve.

[0049] The seventh embodiment is any combination of the first six embodiments, wherein the cylindrical wire mesh is cut along the transverse axis to form a planar wire mesh layer.

[0050] An eighth embodiment is any combination of the first seven embodiments, wherein the adhesive layer comprises a hot melt adhesive.

[0051] The ninth embodiment is any combination of the first eight embodiments, wherein the hot melt adhesive comprises thermoplastic rubber.

[0052] The tenth embodiment is any combination of the preceding nine embodiments, wherein the hot melt adhesive comprises an additive.

[0053] An eleventh embodiment is any combination of the preceding ten embodiments, wherein the additive comprises an antioxidant or a tackifying resin.

[0054] A twelfth embodiment is any combination of the previous eleven embodiments, wherein the polymer layer comprises a thermoplastic material.

[0055] A thirteenth embodiment is any combination of the previous twelve embodiments, wherein the polymer layer comprises low density polyethylene (LDPE).

[0056] In a second aspect, there is provided a composite material comprising any combination of the first thirteen embodiments for use in sealing an opening.

[0057] In a third aspect, an adhesive tape is provided, comprising any combination of the first thirteen embodiments.

[0058] In a fourth aspect, a first embodiment is a tape for preventing rodent entry through an opening, the tape comprising a screen layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, an adhesive layer bonded to the first surface, and an outer protective layer bonded to the second surface.

[0059] The second embodiment is the first embodiment, wherein the wire mesh layer is formed of a cylindrical wire mesh.

[0060] A third embodiment is any combination of the first two embodiments, wherein the cylindrical screen comprises a knitted sleeve.

[0061] The fourth embodiment is any combination of the first three embodiments, wherein the cylindrical wire mesh is cut along the transverse axis to form a planar wire mesh layer.

[0062] The fifth embodiment is any combination of the first four embodiments, wherein the adhesive layer comprises a hot melt adhesive.

[0063] A sixth embodiment is any combination of the first five embodiments, wherein the outer protective layer comprises a polymer.

[0064] The seventh embodiment is any combination of the first six embodiments, wherein the outer protective layer comprises cotton.

[0065] An eighth embodiment is any combination of the previous seven embodiments, wherein the outer protective layer comprises polysiloxane.

[0066] In a fifth aspect, a first embodiment is a method for making a composite material for sealing an opening. The method includes: forming a planar wire mesh layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, introducing an adhesive into the planar wire mesh layer from the first surface to the second surface, and bonding an outer protective layer to the second surface of the planar wire mesh.

[0067] A second embodiment is the first embodiment, the method further comprising providing a cylindrical wire mesh and cutting the cylindrical wire mesh to form a planar wire mesh layer.

[0068] A third embodiment is any combination of the first two embodiments, wherein the cylindrical wire mesh is cut along the transverse axis.

[0069] A fourth embodiment is any combination of the first three embodiments, the method further comprising: laminating the planar screen layer, the adhesive, and the outer protective layer together to form a composite material.

[0070] A fifth embodiment is any combination of the first four embodiments, the method further comprising: removably bonding a release layer to the adhesive at the first surface.

[0071] A sixth embodiment is any combination of the first five embodiments, wherein the wire mesh layer comprises metal.

[0072] The seventh embodiment is any combination of the first six embodiments, wherein the adhesive layer comprises a hot melt adhesive.

[0073] An eighth embodiment is any combination of the first seven embodiments, wherein the hot melt adhesive comprises thermoplastic rubber.

[0074] A ninth embodiment is any combination of the first eight embodiments, wherein the hot melt adhesive comprises an additive.

[0075] The tenth embodiment is any combination of the preceding nine embodiments, wherein the additive comprises an antioxidant or a tackifying resin.

[0076] An eleventh embodiment is any combination of the previous ten embodiments, wherein the protective layer comprises a thermoplastic material.

[0077] A twelfth embodiment is any combination of the previous eleven embodiments, wherein the protective layer comprises low-density polyethylene (LDPE).

[0078] In a sixth aspect, there is provided an adhesive tape prepared by any combination of the preceding eleven embodiments.

Claims

1. A composite material comprising: a wire mesh layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; an adhesive extending through the wire mesh layer from the first surface to the second surface; as well as A protective layer is bonded to the adhesive at the second surface.

2. The composite material according to claim 1, wherein The adhesive layer is configured to bond the first surface of the screen layer to another surface.

3. The composite material of claim 1, further comprising a release layer removably connected to the adhesive layer.

4. The composite material according to claim 1, wherein The wire mesh layer includes metal.

5. The composite material according to claim 1, wherein The wire mesh layer is formed of cylindrical wire mesh.

6. The composite material according to claim 3, wherein The cylindrical screen includes a knitted sleeve.

7. The composite material according to claim 3, wherein The cylindrical wire mesh is cut along a transverse axis to form a planar wire mesh layer.

8. The composite material according to claim 1, wherein The adhesive layer includes a hot melt adhesive.

9. The composite material according to claim 8, wherein The hot melt adhesive includes thermoplastic rubber.

10. The composite material according to claim 8, wherein The hot melt adhesive includes an additive.

11. The composite material according to claim 10, wherein The additives include antioxidants or tackifying resins.

12. The composite material according to claim 1, wherein The polymer layer comprises a thermoplastic material.

13. The composite material according to claim 1, wherein The polymer layer comprises low density polyethylene (LDPE).

14. The composite material of claim 1, which is used for sealing an opening.

15. An adhesive tape comprising the composite material according to claim 1.

16. An adhesive tape for preventing rodents from entering through an opening, the adhesive tape comprising: a wire mesh layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; an adhesive layer bonded to the first surface; as well as An outer protective layer is bonded to the second surface.

17. The adhesive tape according to claim 16, wherein The wire mesh layer is formed of cylindrical wire mesh.

18. The adhesive tape of claim 16, wherein: The cylindrical screen includes a knitted sleeve.

19. The adhesive tape of claim 16, wherein: The cylindrical wire mesh is cut along a transverse axis to form a planar wire mesh layer.

20. The adhesive tape of claim 16, wherein: The adhesive layer includes a hot melt adhesive.

21. The adhesive tape of claim 16, wherein: The outer protective layer includes a polymer.

22. The adhesive tape of claim 16, wherein: The outer protective layer comprises cotton.

23. The adhesive tape of claim 16, wherein: The outer protective layer includes polysiloxane.

24. A method of making a composite material for sealing an opening, the method comprising: forming a planar wire mesh layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; introducing adhesive into the planar screen layer from the first surface to the second surface; as well as An outer protective layer is bonded to the second surface of the planar screen.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising providing a cylindrical wire mesh and cutting the cylindrical wire mesh to form the planar wire mesh layer.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein: The cylindrical wire mesh is cut along the transverse axis.

27. The method of claim 24, further comprising laminating the planar screen layer, adhesive, and outer protective layer together to form the composite material.

28. The method of claim 24, further comprising removably bonding a release layer to the adhesive at the first surface.

29. The method of claim 24, wherein: The wire mesh layer includes metal.

30. The method of claim 24, wherein: The adhesive layer includes a hot melt adhesive.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein: The hot melt adhesive includes thermoplastic rubber.

32. The method of claim 30, wherein: The hot melt adhesive includes an additive.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein: The additives include antioxidants or tackifying resins.

34. The method of claim 24, wherein: The protective layer includes a thermoplastic material.

35. The method of claim 24, wherein: The protective layer includes low density polyethylene (LDPE).

36. An adhesive tape prepared by the method of claim 24.