Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a weep hole insert ( 10, 10′ ) for providing a barrier in a weep hole ( 11 ). A handle ( 24, 24′ ) for facilitating insertion of the insert ( 10, 10′ ) in the weep hole ( 11 ) is also disclosed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is related to Australian Patent Application No. 2013211506, the content of which is incorporated herein by way of reference. 
       TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a vent insert and vent insert system. The insert and system have been developed primarily for use in a weep hole opening in a masonry wall and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, the insert and system are not limited to this application and may also be used, for example, in underfloor vents, retaining walls and tilt-up concrete walls. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    In cavity brick or block masonry construction, weep hole openings are left in mortar joints just above the flashing to allow both ventilation and drainage of the wall cavity between the exterior masonry and the interior wall. A weep hole opening is typically formed by the omission of mortar between two adjacent bricks or blocks. The weep hole opening provides ventilation and drainage to keep the wall cavity dry. Without adequate ventilation, dampness causes mildew and rot, which reduce the life of the structure. 
         [0004]    Weephole openings vary considerably in size and shape dependent on the skill and care of the tradesmen and the type of brick and type of finishes being applied. A problem with weep hole openings situated close to ground level, as are common, is that they can become an entry for rodents and reptiles. Similarly, a problem with weep hole openings around windows or second floors is that they can provide an entry for insects. In particular, the weep hole opening leading to the wall cavity is an ideal home for bees, wasps and other insects, which themselves create food sources for other pests. Another problem associated with weep hole openings is that they provide an entry point for water, particularly during excessive rain or from garden sprinklers. Another problem with weep hole openings is that they can allow sparks and firebrands to penetrate a building. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. 
         [0006]    In a first aspect, the invention provides an insert for providing a barrier in a weep hole in a masonry wall, said insert comprising: 
         [0007]    a body comprising:
       a spine portion defining a longitudinal axis and having a reinforcing rib extending therearound, and   a resilient fringe extending at least partially around the spine portion and adapted to engage walls of the weep hole,       
 
         [0010]    wherein the insert is formed from metal sheet that is strengthened by the reinforcing rib. 
         [0011]    Openings may be formed in the spine portion. The openings may be axially spaced apart along the longitudinal axis. Some of the openings may be provided on one lateral side of the plane of the spine portion and some of the projections may be provided on the opposite lateral side of the plane. 
         [0012]    The reinforcing rib may be defined by a deformed portion of the metal sheet. The metal sheet may be stainless steel sheet. 
         [0013]    The fringe may be formed by radially inwardly extending slits around a periphery of the insert which define tabs therebetween. 
         [0014]    The fringe may extend along at least two sides of the body. In some embodiments, the fringe extends along three or four sides of the body. 
         [0015]    The resilient fringe may be preformed with a curve away from a plane of the spine portion to facilitate insertion of the insert into the weep hole. 
         [0016]    In a second aspect, there is provided a handle for facilitating manual insertion of an insert into a weep hole and manipulation of the insert within the weep hole, the handle comprising: 
         [0017]    an elongate body, defining a longitudinal axis, the body having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being sized to fit within the weep hole and defining an elongate, substantially rectangular, abutment surface for abutting the insert; and 
         [0018]    projections extending longitudinally from the distal end of the body for engaging corresponding openings in the insert, wherein the projections are axially spaced apart along a major dimension of the distal end of the body, and wherein some of the projections extend from one lateral side of the distal end of the body and some of the projections extend from the other lateral side of the distal end of the body. 
         [0019]    In a third aspect, there is provided a handle for facilitating manual insertion of an insert into a weep hole and manipulation of the insert within the weep hole, the handle comprising: 
         [0020]    an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being sized to fit within the weep hole; and 
         [0021]    a depth setting flange extending outwardly from the body between the proximal and distal ends, the depth setting flange being oversized relative to the weep hole opening so as to engage the weep hole during insertion of the insert to control an insertion depth of the insert, 
         [0022]    wherein a distance between the depth setting flange and the distal end is selected to correspond with a desired insertion depth of the insert. 
         [0023]    The proximal end may be sized to fit within the weep hole, and a distance between the depth setting flange and the proximal end may be different to the distance between the depth setting flange and the distal end and may be selected to correspond with another desired insertion depth of the insert. 
         [0024]    The depth setting flange may have a fixed position on the body, such as by being formed in unitary one-piece construction with the body. Alternatively, the depth setting flange may be longitudinally moveable along the body to adjust the desired insertion depth of the insert. 
         [0025]    There is also provided an insert system for a weep hole, said system comprising: 
         [0026]    an insert for providing a barrier in a weep hole in a masonry wall, said insert comprising a body having a spine portion and a resilient fringe extending at least partially around the spine portion, the resilient fringe being adapted to engage walls of the weep hole; and a handle according to the second or third aspect above, the handle being engageable with the insert to facilitate insertion of the insert into a weep hole. 
         [0027]    The insert of the insert system may be an insert according to the first aspect above. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0028]    Embodiments will now be described, by way of an example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: 
           [0029]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an insert for a weep hole ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 2  is a top view of a weep hole in which the insert of  FIG. 1  has been inserted; 
           [0031]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an insert for a weep hole; 
           [0032]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a handle for use with the insert of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a weep hole insert system comprising the insert  FIG. 3  and the handle of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the weep hole insert system of  FIG. 5  aligned with a weep hole; and 
           [0035]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a weep hole insert system comprising the insert of  FIG. 3  and an alternative handle embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0036]    Referring initially to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there is shown an insert  10  for a weep hole  11  in a masonry wall (not shown). The insert  10  comprises a unitary body  12  having a relatively rigid spine portion  14  and a resilient fringe  16  extending around the top and opposite side edges of the body  12 . The fringe  16  is defined by slits  18  in the body  12  and is oversized relative to the size of the weep hole. A front (relative to a forward insertion direction F of the insert  10 ) surface  20  of the fringe  16  is adapted for engaging walls  21  of the weep hole  11 . The body  12  is formed from linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), which is a relatively low friction material, and as such facilitates insertion of the insert  10  into the weep hole  11 . The fringe  16  is also impregnated with a pesticide, such that vermin that squeeze past the fringe  16  are dosed with the pesticide. 
         [0037]    A mesh screen  22  is embedded in the body  12 , and as such is spaced apart from the first side  20  of the fringe  16 . Accordingly, when the insert  10  is inserted into the weep hole  11  , the body  12  separates the mesh screen  22  from the walls  21  of the weep hole  11 . 
         [0038]    A detachable handle  24  is connected to the body  12  for facilitating manual insertion of the insert  10  into the weep hole  11  and manipulation of the insert  10  within the weep hole  11 . The handle  24  has a proximal end  24   a  and a distal end  24   b  and includes a plurality of locking stubs  26  on its distal end  24   b  that are engageable with apertures  28  in the spine portion  14  of the body  12  to connect the handle  24  to the body  12 . The apertures  28  also provide for ventilation of the weep hole  11  through the body  12 . Engagement of the stubs  26  in the apertures  28 , in combination with the rectangular shape and length of the distal end  24   b,  facilitate the insert  10  being resistant to twisting as it is inserted into a weep hole  11 . 
         [0039]    Prior to insertion in a weep hole  11 , the detachable handle  24  is pre-assembled to the body  12 . To install the insert  10 , the user simply grips the handle  24  and aligns the body  12  with the weep hole  11 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the user then pushes the insert  10  into the weep hole  11  in a forward insertion direction, indicated by arrow F, using the handle  24 , to the desired depth. During this insertion, outer ends of the fringe  16 , and the mesh screen  22  embedded therein, fold back toward the weep hole  11  due to the oversizing of the fringe  16  relative to the weep hole  11 . The resilience of the fringe  16  ensures that the individual elements  16   a  of the fringe are biased outwardly into engagement with the walls  21  of the weep hole  11  to anchor the insert  10  in place. Once installed, the handle  24  can be removed by disengaging the stubs  26  from the apertures  28 , thereby opening the apertures  28  for ventilation through the weep hole  11 . 
         [0040]    It will be appreciated that the illustrated weep hole insert  10  advantageously facilitates insertion of a mesh screen  22  into a weep hole  11  by separating the mesh screen  22  from the weep hole walls  21  during insertion, thereby reducing friction and protecting the screen  22  from damage. 
         [0041]    A second embodiment of a weep hole insert  10 ′ is shown in  FIGS. 3-6 , and shares many features in common with the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , where corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding features with corresponding functionality. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 3-6 , however, the entire insert  10 ′ is formed from stainless steel sheet. The resilient fringe  16  of the insert  10 ′ is preformed with a curve away from a plane of the spine portion  14  to facilitate insertion of the insert  10 ′ into the weep hole  11 . The insert  10 ′ has a reinforcing rib  30  formed on the body  12 . The reinforcing rib  30  is substantially rectangular and extends around the spine portion  14  of the body  12 , inwardly of the fringe  16 . The reinforcing rib  30  is defined by a deformed portion of the stainless steel sheet. The handle  24 ′ used with insert  10 ′ includes a depth setting flange  32  intermediate the proximal and distal ends  24   a,    24   b  and oversized with respect to the weep hole  11 . The distal end  24   b  of the handle  24 ′ is substantially rectangular and sized to both fit within the weep hole  11  and to engage the correspondingly shaped rib  30 . The distance D between the distal end  24   b  and the flange  30  of handle  24 ′ is selected to achieve a desired insertion depth of the insert  10  in the weep hole  11 . The stubs  26  of handle  24 ′ take the form of pins, which are grouped in laterally spaced apart pairs. A plurality of the pairs of pins are provided at spaced apart intervals along the distal end  24   b  of the handle. The engagement of the pairs of pins  26  in the apertures  28  of the insert  10 ′, in combination with the rectangular shape and length of the distal end  24   b,  facilitate the insert  10 ′ being resistant to twisting as it is inserted into weep hole  11 . The handle  24 ′ may be formed from a plastics material, such as PC or ABS. The handle  24 ′ may also be used with other forms of weep hole inserts, including weep hole inserts formed from metal sheet, plastics, or composite materials, provided that such inserts have openings  28  for receiving the pins  26 . In such other forms of weep hole insert formed from plastics or composite materials, the insert may be impregnated with a pesticide as discussed above with reference to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         [0042]    It will be appreciated that the weep hole insert system illustrated in  FIGS. 3-6  advantageously facilitates insertion of weep hole insert  10 ′ into a weep hole  11  by providing a rearwardly curved resilient fringe  16 , a handle  24 ′ and insert  10 ′ with features that inhibit twisting of the insert  10 ′ during its insertion into the weep hole  11 . 
         [0043]    Another embodiment of a weep hole insert system is shown in  FIG. 7 , which shares many features in common with the embodiment of  FIGS. 5 and 6 , where corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding features with corresponding functionality. In the  FIG. 7  embodiment, however, the handle  24 ′ is double-ended and has stubs  26  at both its proximal and distal ends  24   a,    24   b,  such that the insert  10 ′ may be connected to either end of the handle. Moreover, the depth setting flange  32  is positioned such that its distance D 1  from the distal end  24   b  is different than its distance D 2  from the proximal end  24   a,  such that the insert may be connected to the particular end  24   a,    24   b  that provides the desired insert insertion depth into the weep hole  11 . In the illustrated embodiment, the distance D 1  from the distal end is 15 mm and the distance D 2  from the proximal end is 25 mm. 
         [0044]    It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Examples of possible modifications and/or variations include, but are not limited to:
       other portions of the body  12  of insert  10  apart from the fringe being impregnated with pesticide;   the mesh screen  22  used with insert  10  being connected to a rear side of the body  12  relative to a forward insertion direction F of the insert  10  into the weep hole  11 ;   the body  12  of insert  10  or  10 ′ being formed from other materials, such as polypropylene or fire- retardant acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin;   the fringe  16  being provided only on opposite side edges of the body  12  or insert  10  or  10 ′, or alternatively on all four edges of the body  12 ;   the handle  24  being permanently connected to the body  12  of insert  10 ;   the depth setting flange  30  may be longitudinally movably connected to the rest of the handle  24  to allow the insertion depth of the insert  10  to be adjusted;   the metal sheet from which insert  10 ′ is formed may be aluminium, brass, another type of steel, such as galvanised steel or powder-coated steel, or another metal sheet;   the insert  10 ,  10 ′ may include a plurality of substantially parallel, spaced apart fringes  16 ; and/or   the insert  10 ,  10 ′ may be formed in one piece or from a plurality of pieces that interconnect (e.g. the spine portion  14  may be formed from one piece and the resilient fringe  16  may interlock with the spine portion  14 ).