Methods and devices for impeding crawling arthropods from entering enclosed and semi-enclosed spaces

Gasket devices having a crawling arthropod deterring substance for fitting adjacent to connection points to permanent fixture objects on walls, ceilings and floors to interior spaces. The novel gasket devices can be used for protecting gaps and spaces between permanent fixtures such as shower heads, faucets, drainpipes, incoming waterlines into various rooms such as but not limited to bathrooms and/or kitchens, and anywhere these fixtures exist. Additionally, the gasket devices can be used for protecting gaps and spaces between other permanent fixtures such behind plates such as but not limited to electrical sockets, switches, cables, telephone jacks thermostats, and the like. Additionally, the gasket devices can be used behind ventilation vent covers, and the like. Finally, the gasket covers can be used about wall mounted stems of on hanging fixtures such as lights, chandeliers, and ceiling fans, and the like.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART

Arthropods such as ants and roaches, are a known pest that can invade inside spaces of residences, commercial buildings, and the like. The arthropods often enter the inside spaces through various openings such as receptical openings, switches and switch plates, along pipe flanges, around plumbing fixtures, ventilation outlets, and any other gap in the walls, ceilings, and floors of an enclosed space.

In addition to their unsightly appearance, arthropods can clog passageways. After entering an enclosed space arthropods can be seen traveling on all surfaces from walls, ceilings, and floors to chairs, desks and tabletops creating a nuisance everywhere they go. They can form nests in most areas within an enclosed space.

As a health hazard, they can spread disease and filth by their traveling from one location to another location. In addition, arthropods can bring dirt, sand, food, and waste products into the enclosed spaces and leave fecal matter in their place.

Warmer and wetter climates such as Florida and large crowded cities such as New York City tend to breed greater amounts of arthropods such as cockroaches and ants. In particular in Florida, fire ants are a known nuisance that often sting unsuspecting humans causing painful bites and sores requiring hospital care. And in some cases for example, where there is an allergic reaction, injury and even death has been known to occur from the fire ant bites. Arthropods, especially ants, have also been a problem in hospitals, healthcare facilities, and nursing homes, in addition to residential and commercial buildings.

Widely known techniques such as pesticidal powders as well as liquid and spray pesticides such as those found in bug sprays tend to offer short-term relief. These known techniques often must be reapplied over and over again in large quantities to be effective. Thus, the repetitive use of applying known pesticides can also be an expensive and time-consuming endeavor. Great care for handling toxic pesticide sprays and liquids such the requirements of: using gloves and/or masks; not coming into contact with the chemicals; not breathing the fumes; and the like. In addition, applying powders, sprays and liquids disseminates toxic chemicals from the pesticides into the atmosphere which can cause discomfort and dangers to humans that come into contact with the those chemicals. Furthermore, powders, sprays and liquids can stain and damage items within the enclosed space such as furniture surfaces and wall coverings.

Thus, the need exists for solutions to the above problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the invention is to provide relatively inexpensive methods and devices for impeding the travel of crawling arthropods from entering into an enclosed space such as a room, where they are ready made and sized for various applications.

The secondary object of the invention is to provide long-lasting and long residual lifespan methods and devices for impeding the travel of crawling arthropods from entering into an enclosed space such as a room. The invention can be applied and kept in place as effective impediment for up to several years before being replaced.

The third object of the invention is to provide easily useable methods and devices for impeding the travel of crawling arthropods from entering into an enclosed space such as a room. No special skills need to be used, and no special handling such the care that is used with pesticide powders, liquids and sprays needs to be done.

The fourth object of the invention is to provide easily removable methods and devices for impeding the travel of crawling arthropods from entering into an enclosed space such as a room.

The fifth object of the invention is to provide relatively nontoxic methods and devices for impeding the travel of crawling arthropods from entering into an enclosed space such as a room, when the methods and devices are properly used. The novel invention methods and devices can be safely handled by humans without always the need for gloves and masks.

The sixth object of the invention is to provide methods and devices for impeding the travel of crawling arthropods from entering into an enclosed space such as a room, that do not breakdown upon contact with water.

The seventh object of the invention is to provide methods and devices for impeding the travel of crawling arthropods from entering into an enclosed space such as a room that can also function as airflow barriers for closing spaces and gaps into and/or out of the enclosed space where such spaces and gaps occur.

The eighth object of the invention is to provide methods and devices for impeding the travel of crawling arthropods from entering into an enclosed space such as a room, that acts as a barrier in the enclosed space, thus reducing air conditioning and/or heating expenses.

The ninth object of the invention is to provide inexpensive methods and devices for impeding the travel of crawling arthropods from entering into an enclosed space such as a room, that reduces or eliminates the infiltration of air or drafts into the enclosed spaces, closing spaces and gaps along outside walls.

The tenth object of the invention is to provide methods and devices for impeding the travel of crawling arthropods from entering into an enclosed space such as a room, that acts as a moisture barrier preventing humidity and moisture, from entering and/or exiting into and/or out of the enclosed space.

The eleventh object of the invention is to provide methods and devices for impeding the travel of crawling arthropods from entering into an enclosed space such as a room, whose effects do not break down upon becoming in contact with moisture and water.

The twelfth object of the invention is to provide inexpensive methods and devices for impeding the travel of crawling arthropods from entering into an enclosed space such as a room. This can work in conjunction with or as a potential substitute for existing approved pest control methods, thus making better pest control within enclosed space, such as a room.

The thirteenth object of the invention is to provide an arthropod deterring substance molded within the pliable gasket material which has a slow release capability for repelling or deterring arthropods from passing beyond the point of entry.

The fourteenth object of the invention is to provide an arthropod deterring substance and gasket material that can reduces and/or eliminates allergy effects resulting from insects and pesticides and pollutants existing outside of a structure by helping seal the structure against those effects.

Novel embodiments of arthropod deterring gaskets and gasket inserts include those for various applications including plumbing pipes, about faucet lines, in drainpipes, and the like. Additional novel arthropod deterring gaskets and gasket inserts are for applications such with electrical wall switch covers, cable wall jack covers, telephone wall jack covers, vent covers, thermostats, ceiling fan mounts, and the like. The novel gaskets and gasket inserts can be used on top of, and/or behind existing covers, and outside of or behind the walls, as needed.

Further objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment which is illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention can be used with impeding the travel routes of various types of arthropods, such as but not limited to crawling insects such as ants, cockroaches, silver fish, earwigs, weevils, flower beetles, centipedes, millipedes, spiders, scorpions, and the like. Additionally, the invention can be used to inhibit the traveling of bed bugs, and the like.

The invention helps block the progression of arthropods attempting to enter an enclosed space such as any type of room in a residential and/or commercial building.

The invention utilizes a barrier material in gasket type shapes, that are preferably formed from a pliable flexible polymer material such as but not limited to a moldable PVC polymer with an arthropod repelling substance imbedded within the material. The arthropod repellant substance can include but not limited to pyrethoid, and the like, which is generally intended to function as a repellant, and not as an immediate killing substance. The repellant substance can leach out of the pliable material over time, and last up to approximately several years or more without being replaced.

The gaskets which will be described in reference to the Figures, can use a pliable material having a thickness of approximately {fraction (1/32)} inches(1 mil) to approximately {fraction (1/64)} inches(2 mil) thick.

FIG. 1is a perspective side view of a room enclosed space I housing the novel invention embodiments. Space1can be any room in a building such as but not limited to a livingroom, bedroom, kitchen, apartment, office, and the like, for housing various fixtures such as but not limited to sink incoming waterline(s)20, sink drain30, ceiling fixture40such as but not limited to a ceiling fan, light, combinations thereof, and the like, air vent60, wall power switch70, telephone jack80, wall power receptical85, cable jack90and thermostat95.

FIG. 2is a perspective side view a shower enclosed space5housing the novel invention embodiments for use with fixtures such as but not limited to a shower faucet(s)10, shower head35and drain50.

FIG. 3Ashows a front view of the flat gasket insert100that can be used adjacent to the shower faucet handles10of FIG.2.FIG. 3Bis a side view of the gasket insert100ofFIG. 3Aalong arrow A.FIG. 3Cis an enlarged perspective view of the gasket insert100ofFIGS. 3A-3Bon the stem14of faucet handle12.

Referring toFIGS. 2,3A-3C, gasket insert100can include a thin flat and disk shape110having a rounded perimeter edge112, and a through-hole115therethrough for allowing the gasket100to wrap about the stem14to a faucet handle12. An optional precut or perforated line117can allow the gasket to more easily slip over the stem14without having to remove the faucet handle. Gasket100can be positioned on the interior wall surface2of room5or behind the wall2.

FIG. 4Ais a bottom view of a small conical gasket insert200that can be used about the incoming water pipe lines20beneath the sink25in the room enclosure of FIG.1.FIG. 4Bis a side view of the conical gasket insert200ofFIG. 4Aalong arrow B.FIG. 4Cis an enlarged perspective view of the gasket insert200ofFIGS. 4A-4Bon the incoming water pipeline(s)20beneath the sink25of FIG.1.

Referring toFIGS. 1,4A-4C, gasket insert200can include a conical shape with an enlarged bottom edge212that can be slightly beveled about a large bottom opening213, inwardly sloping sides210and top edge216about a smaller upper opening215. The gasket insert200can fit about the incoming water pipeline20beneath sink25. If existing capcover22such as an existing aesthetic conical cover exists at this location, the gasket insert200can fit underneath the existing cap cover22and wall6, or over the existing cap cover and the wall6. An optional precut or perforated line217can allow the gasket200to more easily slip over the line20.

FIG. 5Ais a bottom view of a large conical gasket insert300that can be used about the drain pipe lines30under the sink25in the room enclosure1of FIG.1.FIG. 5Bis a side view of the conical gasket insert300ofFIG. 5Aalong arrow C. FIG. SC is an enlarged perspective view of the gasket insert300ofFIGS. 5A-5Bon the drain pipe line30under the sink25in FIG.1.

Referring toFIGS. 1,5A-5C, gasket300can include a conical shape with an enlarged bottom edge312that can be slightly beveled about a larger bottom opening313, inwardly sloping sides310and a top edge316, with a flat disc shaped top318with a central through-hole315therethrough. The gasket insert300can fit about the drain pipe line30beneath sink25. If an existing cap cover32such as an aesthetic cover already exists at this location, the gasket insert300can fit over cap cover32or under cap cover32to be between cap cover32and the wall6. For larger sized drain pipes30, the flat top disc318can be removed to enlarge the upper opening to upper edge316. For example, pre-perforations existing about edge316would allow the opening to be enlarged as needed. An optional precut or perforated line317can allow the gasket to more easily slip over the drain line30. Additionally, insert300can be used with water lines20, and alternatively insert200(of the preceding embodiment) can be used with drain pipe(s)30. Although the drain line30and water line20are shown coming out of the wall6, the invention can be used with drain lines and water lines coming out of floors, and ceilings as well.

FIG. 6Ais a top view of a bell gasket insert400that can be used about the mounting stem10supporting the ceiling fan/light40shown in FIG.1.FIG. 6Bis a side view of the bell gasket insert400ofFIG. 6Aalong arrow D.FIG. 6Cis an enlarged perspective view of the gasket insert400ofFIGS. 6A-6Babout the mounting stem44.

Referring toFIGS. 1,6A-6C, gasket400can include a bell shaped outer side410with enlarged bottom edge412that can be slightly beveled about a large bottom opening413, bell shaped sides41and a top outer edge416that can also be beveled, with a flat disc shaped top418and a through-hole415therethrough. Gasket insert400can fit about an existing mounting stem40above an electrical fixture40such as a ceiling fan, light, and the like, and combinations, thereof. Gasket400can fit over an existing cap cover42or between the cap cover42and the ceiling8. For larger sized mounting stems44, the flat top disc418can be removed to enlarge the upper opening to upper edge416. For example, pre-perforations existing about edge416would allow the opening to be enlarged as needed. An optional precut or perforated line417can allow the gasket400to more easily slip over stem44without having to re-moved the fixture40. Although the figures show fixtures400attached to-a ceiling, the gasket400can be used with wall and floor supported fixtures also having sterns and/or supports that extend into a room space.

FIG. 7is an enlarged exploded view of a floor or drain gasket insert500for use with the shower floor drain of FIG.2. Drain insert500is hollow and includes an upper cylindrical rim510, with through-holes515, and a cup shaped bottom520having inwardly sloping sides to the bottom open end. Referring toFIGS. 2 and 7, drain insert500can fit within a conventional drain50having a drain cover screen plate52over a catch type basin56that can have a rim portion58with drain cover connector through-holes57. A conventional type drain pipe59can extend from under catch basin56. Conventional fasteners such as screws, and the like can pass through drain cover screen plate fastener holes55into the rim through-holes515and into catch basin through-holes57to attach each of the components together. The inner edge512of the rim can include perforations for allowing the rim510to be used by itself in case the cup shaped bottom520is not being used. Although the drain gasket500is shown in a floor drain50, the drain gasket can be used for other drains such as but not limited to sink drains, bathtub drains, and the like, and any other indoor and outdoor drains.

FIG. 8is an enlarged exploded view of the air vent gasket insert600that can be used about the air vent60shown in FIG.1. Gasket insert600can have a planar rectangular frame shape having thicknesses as previously described with four sides610,620,630and640. Through-holes615,625,635,645, can be located in the comer edges of the gasket insert600. Referring toFIGS. 1 and 8, the gasket insert600can be inserted behind a conventional air vent cover60, so that the mounting fasteners65for the vent cover601match up to the through-holes615,625,635,645of the gasket insert600. Additionally, the gasket insert600can be placed on the outside of the vent cover60. Although the gasket insert600is shown on a ceiling vent60mounted on a ceiling8, the gasket insert600can be used with any air vent such as but not limited to wall vents, floor vents, and the like. In addition to deterring crawling arthropods from crawling through the vent cover louvers, and any openings about the cover, the novel gasket can also seal air leaks between the gasket cover and the surface on which it is being mounted.

FIG. 9is an enlarged exploded view of the wall switch gasket insert700that can be used with the wall switch plate70shown inFIG. 1, and be mounted to a wall6. The novel wall switch gasket insert700can include a planar rectangular shape710having similar exterior dimensions to that of the switch cover plate72, and having thicknesses as previous described, with fastener opening through-holes715and toggle switch opening717which are sized to the same location as the fastener through-holes75and toggle switch opening77in the switch cover plate72. Gasket insert700is sized so that cover plate72can fit over gasket insert700by being moved in the direction of arrow G1. By moving both the cover plate72and gasket rectangular shape710in the direction of arrow G2, the toggle switch74of the toggle switch case76, can extend through toggle switch openings717and77of the novel gasket insert700and switch cover plate70. The toggle switch case76can easily still fit in the, direction of arrow G3within the wall switch housing78. In addition to deterring crawling arthropods from crawling through any openings and cracks adjacent to a conventional switch cover plate, the novel gasket can also seal air leaks between the gasket cover and the surface on which it is being mounted so that an added insulation effect can also be achieved.

FIG. 10is an enlarged exploded view of the telephone gasket insert800that can be used with the telephone wall plate800shown in FIG.1and be mounted to a wall6. The novel wall switch gasket insert800can include a planar rectangular shape810having similar exterior dimensions to that of the telephone wall cover plate82, and having thicknesses as previous described, with fastener opening through-holes815and telephone jack opening817which are sized to the same location as the fastener through-holes81and telephone jack opening83in the telephone cover plate82. Telephone gasket insert800is sized so that telephone cover plate82fits over gasket insert800by being moved in the direction of arrow H1. By moving both the cover plate82and gasket rectangular shape810in the direction of arrow H2, the telephone jack86of the telephone jack case86, lines up with jack openings817and83of the novel gasket insert800and telephone cover plate80. In addition to deterring crawling arthropods from crawling through any openings and cracks adjacent to a conventional telephone jack cover plate, the novel gasket can also seal air leaks between the gasket cover and the surface on which it is being mounted so that an added insulation effect can also be achieved. Although this embodiment is described for telephone jack cover plates, this embodiment can function with cable type cover plates having other types of female connector slots with other types of cables such as those for modems, and the like.

FIG. 11is an enlarged exploded view of the thermostat gasket insert950that can be used with the wall thermostat95shown inFIG. 1. Awall thermostat can have a rear surface97that is generally sized to fit against a wall surface6. The novel gasket insert950can have a planar rectangular frame shape having thicknesses as previously described with four sides960,970,980and990. Referring toFIGS. 1 and 11, the gasket insert950can be inserted behind a conventional wall thermostat95, so that a seal substantially exists between the backing97of the thermostat95and the wall surface6. Additionally, the gasket insert950can be placed on the outside and/or around the thermostat95. In addition to deterring crawling arthropods from crawling through spaces, and any openings about the thermostat95, the novel gasket can also seal air leaks and function as an extra insulator between the thermostat and the surface on which it is being mounted.

FIG. 12is an exploded view of the electrical receptical gasket850that can be used with the electrical receptical85shown in FIG.1and be mounted to a wall6. The novel wall switch gasket insert850can include a planar rectangular shape860having similar exterior dimensions to that of the electrical receptical cover plate86, and having thicknesses as previous described, with fastener opening through-hole865and electrical receptical openings867which are sized to the same location as the fastener through-hole89and electrical receptical openings867in the receptical cover plate86. Gasket insert850is sized so that cover plate86can fit over gasket insert850by being moved in the direction of arrow J1. By moving both the cover plate86and gasket rectangular shape860in the direction of arrow J2, the electrical recepticals88are accessible through openings867and87of the novel gasket insert850and cover plate85. The electrical recepticals88can easily still fit in the direction of arrow J3within the wall housing88.5. In addition to deterring crawling arthropods from crawling through any openings and cracks adjacent to a conventional wall receptical cover plate, the novel gasket can also seal air leaks between the gasket cover and the surface on which it is being mounted so that an added insulation effect can also be achieved.

FIG. 13is an enlarged exploded view of the cable wall gasket insert900that can be used with the cable wall plate90shown in FIG.1. The novel wall switch gasket insert900can include a planar rectangular shape910having similar exterior dimensions to that of the cable wall cover plate92, and having thicknesses as previous described, with fastener opening through-holes917and cable jack opening915which are sized to the same location as the fastener through-holes91and cable jack opening93in the cable cover plate92. Cable gasket insert900is sized so that cable cover plate92fits over gasket insert900by being moved in the direction of arrow K1. By moving both the cover plate92and gasket rectangular shape910in the direction of arrow K2, the cable jack94of the cable jack case94.5, lines up with jack openings915and93of the novel gasket insert900and cable cover plate90. In addition to deterring crawling arthropods from crawling through any openings and cracks adjacent to a conventional cable jack cover plate, the novel gasket can also seal air leaks between the gasket cover and the surface on which it is being mounted so that an added insulation effect can also be achieved. Although this embodiment is described for cable jack type cover plates, this embodiment can function with any other type cover plates having other types of female connector slots.

The gasket insert devices100,200,300, and/or400, can be used with or without a pre-cut line from the central opening of the gasket to the outer end of the gasket inserts100,200,300,400. Additionally, additional pre-cut lines, cutouts and other openings such as those needed for any type of fasteners, and the like, can also be used with the invention gasket inserts.

The gasket devices can come in different colors, such as but not limited to black, white, grey, blue, green, yellow, silver covered, brass colored, with shiny surfaces, flat surface colors, and the like.

While some of the gasket inserts are described as being behind wall, floor and ceiling covers, the gaskets can be used on top of existing covers and attached thereto by conventional fasteners, such as existing screws, and/or other types of techniques such as peel and stick tape, and the like. Similarly, while some of the gaskets and gasket inserts are shown outside a wall, floor, and the like, the novel gaskets and gasket inserts can be behind walls, floors, ceilings, and the like, and vice versa.

Although the preferred embodiments describe using a repellant material such as permetherin directly molded into the barrier material, the invention can use other types of repellant substances, pesticide substances, and the like, and combinations thereof, and the like. While being a repellant is a preferred application, stronger substances such as active pesticides, and the like can be used for killing the arthropods directly and/or killing the arthropods over time. Additionally, the use of substances such as but not limited to slippery substances such as polytetraflurorethylene(Teflon) coatings, petroleum jelly, and the like, can be applied to the barrier material, and will also deter the crawling arthropods from entering the enclosed space.

The arthropod repellant substance can be directly molded into the gasket barrier material. Additionally, the repellant substance can be applied on one or both side surfaces by various techniques such as but not limited to painting it on, inserting a cartridge thereon, and the like.

While the embodiments are described for using pliable materials, the invention can alternatively, or in combination be composed of stiff or rigid material.

Although the embodiments describe gasket devices having exterior shapes that can be circular and rectangular, the embodiments can be used with different shapes such as but not limited to triangular, oblong, square, and the like, and be flat, concave, convex, embossed, and the like. Other configurations can include but not be limited to shapes as a wafer, a flap, a washer, a sheet, a plate, shelf, leaf, thimble, coating, grommet, foil, membrane, and the like.