Patent Publication Number: US-2023136311-A1

Title: Rodent protection insert for a structure opening

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1) Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to inserts for use in structure opening such as a vent opening in a crawl space or basement, and more particularly, to an insert that conforms to the structure opening walls to hold the insert in place without mechanical fasteners, forms an airtight seal to control airflow through the structure opening, is adaptable to provide a combination of sealing, insulation and ventilation as needed for a given space, and provides protection against rodent and insect intrusion and damage. 
     2) Description of Related Art 
     Crawl spaces and basements may often be equipped with various vent openings in the walls to allow for airflow to control moisture levels and temperatures. These vent openings need to be covered to prevent rodents, debris, and water from entering into the crawl space or basement, while also allowing for airflow when necessary, or to provide insulation and resist airflow. It is also common to install various types of wire mesh behind vent covers to further protect against rodent intrusion. Typically, the vent covers and wire mesh are mechanically fastened to the walls of the opening to secure them in place, which requires a significant amount of installation work. Originally installed vent covers are usually held in place with mortar, making replacement a major project. Over time, these vent covers, or wire mesh can break, corrode, or otherwise fail and require replacement at significant time and expense. 
     An issue with installing inserts, such as a vent cover, into structure openings involves imperfect openings resulting from excess mortar that interferes with fitment, construction variances in size and shape, human error, and various other unexpected situations such as sealing an opening that was the result of damage or other unintended gaps for which no insert was designed or intended to fill. 
     Typically, a vent cover is attached to a foundation wall using fasteners such as screws, mortar and other such permanent mounted options. This requires various tools to level and shim the cover unit, as well as to drill and insert the screws into concrete, mortar and brick. The vent covers are typically constructed of a rigid material that leaves gaps between the wall and vent covers that air can pass through, which adversely impacts performance and allows debris, water, bugs and even rodents to enter the crawl space. While such gaps can be filed with caulk and the like, the installation is more complex and less accommodating for imperfect openings. Existing vent covers are not designed to form airtight seals without extensive additional installation steps to seal the rodent protection insert to the crawl space or basement walls. Thus, as a result, when an original vent cover fails, the first option is to install wire mesh behind the vent cover with mechanical fasteners simply to prevent rodent intrusion, while leaving the original vent cover in place. 
     Vent covers are known in the art that can include insulation to assist with temperature control around the vent opening. However, these insulation materials are typically rigid and brittle types of polymer foams that are easily broken or crack and will not flex and conform to a space for mounting a cover unit in a vent opening. These insulation foams are intended purely as an insulation layer and not a mounting element of any type. 
     Some rodent protection inserts have tried to use a flexible foam sheet with wire mess on the outside surface. The wire mesh is attached using a spray on adhesive and as the foam sheet flexes during installation, the wire mesh easily separates from the foam sheet and becomes ineffective. These covers are intended only to seal a vent closed and do not provide any ventilation option. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a rodent protection insert for use in a structure opening such as a crawl space or basement vent opening that includes a flexible polymer foam sheet carrying a mesh protective layer for mounting in a structure opening in a quick and simple installation without the need for mechanical fasteners or removing the existing vent cover or wire mesh. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a rodent protection insert having a flexible polymer foam sheet carrying a mesh protective layer wherein the flexible polymer foam sheet compresses and conforms to the shape of the vent opening walls to hold the rodent protection insert in place and form an airtight seal. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a rodent protection insert having a flexible polymer foam sheet carrying a mesh protective layer wherein the mesh protective layer is mechanically attached but movably carried on the polymer sheet to avoid complete separation and allow for adjustments when mounting in the structure opening. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a rodent protection insert for a structure opening such as crawl space or basement vent opening that is adaptable to both seal and ventilate the associated space. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The above objectives are accomplished according to the present invention by providing a rodent protection insert for use in structure openings such as vent openings in crawl spaces, basements, foundation walls and the like, the rodent protection insert comprising a flexible polymer foam sheet; at least one airflow port disposed in said flexible polymer foam sheet; a removable plug disposed in at least one said airflow port for controlling airflow through said airflow port; at least one protective mesh sheet movably carried on a front side of said flexible polymer foam sheet; at least one securing member having a first portion anchored in said foam sheet and a second portion engaging said at least one protective mesh sheet, wherein said second portion loops over at least one wire of said at least one protective mesh sheet such that said at least one protective mesh sheet is movable in both horizontal and vertical directions; whereby said at least one protective mesh sheet is mechanically connected to and adjustable relative to said front side of said flexible polymer foam sheet. 
     In a further advantageous embodiment, said at least one protective mesh sheet includes a first protective mesh sheet adjacent said front side of said flexible polymer foam sheet, and a second protective mesh sheet carried on said first protective mesh sheet so that said first protective mesh sheet is disposed between said front side of said flexible polymer foam sheet and said second protective mesh sheet. 
     In a further advantageous embodiment, said first and second protective mesh sheets have a staggered layered arrangement so that vertical and horizontal strands of the protective mesh sheet do not align. 
     In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one of said first and second protective mesh sheets comprises a metal wire mesh. 
     In a further advantageous embodiment, an insect screen is carried on a front side of said flexible polymer foam sheet covering over said at least one airflow port, wherein said insect screen is disposed between said at least one protective mesh sheet and said flexible polymer foam sheet. 
     In a further advantageous embodiment, said flexible polymer foam sheet is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyester, polyurethane, and combinations thereof. 
     In a further advantageous embodiment, said flexible polymer foam sheet comprises a polyethylene foam having a closed cell structure on a front surface and a rear surface, and an open cell structure around a perimeter surface. 
     In a further advantageous embodiment, an insulation backing layer is carried on a rear side of said flexible polymer foam sheet. 
     In a further advantageous embodiment, said first portion of said at least one securing member includes a generally V-shaped end section extending parallel along a rear surface of said flexible polymer foam sheet and a shaft extending through said flexible polymer foam sheet to a front surface. 
     In a further advantageous embodiment, said second portion of said at least one securing member includes a hook looping over at least one wire of said at least one protective mesh sheet. 
     In a further advantageous embodiment, said removable plug includes a connecting member securing said removable plug to said flexible polymer foam sheet, wherein said connecting member is integral with said flexible polymer foam sheet and said removable plug, and wherein said connecting member is severed to allow said plug to be removed from said airflow port. 
     In a further advantageous embodiment, said flexible polymer foam sheet is compressed against said removable plug in said airflow port to form an airtight seal between said removable plug and said flexible polymer foam sheet. 
     In a further advantageous embodiment, said flexible polymer foam sheet includes a compressible perimeter surface that compresses against and conforms to interior wall surfaces within a structure opening when mounted to hold said foam sheet in position and form an airtight seal against said interior wall surfaces. 
     In a further advantageous embodiment, said at least one protective mesh sheet is smaller than said front side of said flexible polymer foam sheet, and wherein said protective mesh sheet engages said interior wall surfaces when said perimeter surface of said flexible polymer foam sheet is compressed in said structure opening so that said protective mesh sheet stabilizes and supports said flexible polymer foam sheet within said structure opening. 
     The above objectives are further accomplished according to the present invention by providing a rodent protection insert for a structure opening comprising a flexible polymer foam sheet; a protective mesh sheet carried on a front side of said flexible polymer foam sheet which moves independently on said front side of said flexible polymer foam sheet; at least one securing member maintaining a mechanical connection between said flexible polymer foam sheet and said protective mesh sheet; an airflow port disposed in said flexible polymer foam sheet; a removable plug disposed in said airflow port for controlling airflow through said airflow port; wherein a perimeter edge of said flexible polymer foam sheet compresses against and conforms to interior wall surfaces within a structure opening when mounted to form an airtight seal against said interior wall surfaces and hold said foam sheet in place; and, wherein said protective mesh sheet engages said interior wall surfaces when said flexible polymer foam sheet is compressed in said structure opening so that said protective mesh sheet stabilizes and supports said flexible polymer foam sheet within said structure opening. 
     In a further advantageous embodiment, an insect screen is carried on said front side of said flexible polymer foam sheet covering over said airflow port, wherein said insect screen is disposed between said protective mesh sheet and said flexible polymer foam sheet. 
     In a further advantageous embodiment, said at least one securing member includes a first portion having a generally V-shaped end section extending parallel along a rear surface of said flexible polymer foam sheet and a shaft extending through said flexible polymer foam sheet to a front surface. 
     In a further advantageous embodiment, said at least one securing member includes a second portion having a hook looping over at least one wire of said protective mesh sheet so that said protective mesh sheet is movable relative to said front side of said flexible polymer foam sheet. 
     The above objectives are further accomplished according to the present invention by providing a rodent protection insert for a structure opening comprising a flexible polymer foam sheet; a protective mesh sheet movably carried on a front side of said flexible polymer foam sheet; at least one securing member maintaining a mechanical connection between said flexible polymer foam sheet and said protective mesh sheet; and, wherein a perimeter edge of said flexible polymer foam sheet compresses against and conforms to interior wall surfaces within a structure opening when mounted to hold said foam sheet in place; and, wherein said protective mesh sheet engages said interior wall surfaces when said flexible polymer foam sheet is compressed in said structure opening so that said protective mesh sheet stabilizes and supports said flexible polymer foam sheet within said structure opening. 
     In a further advantageous embodiment, said at least one securing member includes a first portion anchored in said foam sheet and a second portion engaging said protective mesh sheet, wherein said second portion engages at least one wire of said protective mesh sheet such that said protective mesh sheet is movable in both horizontal and vertical directions. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The system designed to carry out the invention will hereinafter be described, together with other features thereof. The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, wherein an example of the invention is shown and wherein: 
         FIG.  1    shows an exploded front perspective view of a rodent protection insert according to the present invention; 
         FIG.  2    shows a rear view of the rodent protection insert with the removable plugs installed in the airflow port according to the present invention; 
         FIG.  3    shows a detailed front view of a portion of the rodent protection insert according to the present invention; 
         FIG.  4    shows a perspective view of a securing member of the rodent protection insert according to the present invention; 
         FIG.  5    shows a rear perspective view of the removable plugs and a connecting member according to the present invention; 
         FIG.  6    shows a side view of a perimeter edge of the flexible polymer foam sheet having exposed open cells according to the present invention; 
         FIG.  7    show a front perspective cut-away view of the rodent protection insert mounted in a structure opening according to the present invention; 
         FIG.  8    shows an exploded front perspective view with multiple mesh sheets and an insect screen disposed over the airflow ports of the rodent protection insert according to the present invention; 
         FIG.  9    shows a detailed front view of a portion of the rodent protection insert according to the present invention; and, 
         FIG.  10    shows a front perspective view of the rodent protection insert including an insulation block carried on a rear side according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     It will be understood by those skilled in the art that one or more aspects of this invention can meet certain objectives, while one or more other aspects can meet certain other objectives. Each objective may not apply equally, in all its respects, to every aspect of this invention. As such, the preceding objects can be viewed in the alternative with respect to any one aspect of this invention. These and other objects and features of the invention will become more fully apparent when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying figures and examples. However, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are of a preferred embodiment and not restrictive of the invention or other alternate embodiments of the invention. In particular, while the invention is described herein with reference to a number of specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that the description is illustrative of the invention and is not constructed as limiting of the invention. Various modifications and applications may occur to those who are skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention, as described by the appended claims. Likewise, other objects, features, benefits and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from this summary and certain embodiments described below, and will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such objects, features, benefits and advantages will be apparent from the above in conjunction with the accompanying examples, data, figures and all reasonable inferences to be drawn therefrom, alone or with consideration of the references incorporated herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     With reference to the drawings, the invention will now be described in more detail. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter belongs. Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the presently disclosed subject matter, representative methods, devices, and materials are herein described. 
     Unless specifically stated, terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. Likewise, a group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. 
     Furthermore, although items, elements or components of the disclosure may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 10   , example embodiments are shown of a rodent protection insert, designated generally as  10 , for use in a structure opening such as a vent opening in a crawl space or basement. The rodent protection insert  10  conforms to the structure opening walls to hold the rodent protection insert in place and form an airtight seal to control airflow through the structure opening without the need for mechanical fasteners. As shown and described herein, the rodent protection insert  10  is adaptable to provide a combination of sealing, insulation and ventilation as needed for a given space. Further, the rodent protection insert  10  includes protection against rodent intrusion and damage, and even insect intrusion. The insert can be used in basically any opening in the structure and is not limited to use in vent openings. Rather, it can be used to seal and control airflow and prevent rodent intrusion in attics, basements, crawl spaces, walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, roofs, and anywhere else an opening in the structure needs to be filled to control airflow and prevent rodent and insect intrusion. The rodent protection insert  10  of the present invention can be installed without the need to remove any existing vent covers or wire mesh that may have previously been installed, saving significant time and money while providing all the requirements for insulation, ventilation and rodent protection. Additionally, the rodent protection insert  10  is operable as a flood vent for structure openings in crawl spaces and basements. Because the rodent protection insert  10  does not use any mechanical fasteners to hold it in place, when water pressure in a flood situation reaches a certain point, the rodent protection insert  10  simply pops out of place and allows water to flow through the vent opening in the structure foundation. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , in an illustrated embodiment, rodent protection insert  10  includes a flexible polymer foam sheet  12  with at least one protective mesh sheet  14  carried on a front side  12   a  of the flexible polymer foam sheet  12 . In the preferred embodiment, at least one airflow port  16  is disposed in the flexible polymer foam sheet  12  with a removable plug  18  disposed in the airflow opening  16  for controlling airflow through the airflow port  16 . The protective mesh sheet(s) are movably carried on front side  12   a  of flexible polymer foam sheet  12  to allow for adjustment during installation in a structure opening when engage the walls of the structure opening together with the flexible polymer foam sheet to hold the rodent protection insert  10  in position. To secure the protective mesh sheet(s)  14  to the flexible polymer foam sheet  12 , at least one securing member  28  is provided having a first portion anchored in the foam sheet  12  and a second portion engaging at least one protective mesh sheet. The second portion loops over at least one wire of the at least one protective mesh sheet  14  such that the at least one protective mesh sheet  14  is movable in both horizontal and vertical directions ( FIG.  10   ). Accordingly, the at least one protective mesh sheet  14  is mechanically connected to and adjustable relative to the front side  12   a  of flexible polymer foam sheet  12 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  7   , a perimeter edge surface  20  of the flexible polymer foam sheet  12  compresses against and conforms to interior wall surfaces  22  within a structure opening, designated generally as  24 . Accordingly, when mounted or otherwise installed in a structure opening  24 , which in the illustrated embodiment is a crawl space vent opening, flexible polymer foam sheet  12  forms an airtight seal against the interior wall surfaces  22  and firmly hold the foam sheet  12  in place with a friction fit arrangement. In a preferred embodiment, flexible polymer foam sheet  12  comprises a polyethylene foam sheet. Polyethylene foam is flexible, trimmable to custom fit to any non-standard size opening, waterproof, and UV resistant. Other flexible types of polymer foam sheets are also contemplated within the scope of the present invention so long as they are able to conform to and form an airtight seal against the walls of the structure opening. Suitable materials for the flexible polymer foam sheet can include polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyester, polyurethane, and combinations thereof, so long as the material is constructed and arranged to be flexible, compressible and conforming in nature. 
     As noted above, an issue with installing inserts into common structure openings involves various imperfections in the structure openings, for example, excess mortar that interferes with fitment, construction variances in size and shape, human error, or even sealing an opening that was the result of damage or other unintended gaps for which no other insert was designed or intended to fill. The flexible polymer foam sheet  12  allows for mounting in rough and irregular shaped openings by compressing and conforming to imperfections in the interior wall surfaces  22  of the structure opening  24  to form an airtight seal against the walls defining the structure opening  24 . Thus, no screws or drilling are needed to mount the rodent protection insert of the present invention in the structure opening  24 . The flexible polymer foam sheet  12  has sufficient friction engagement to hold the rodent protection insert  10  in place in the structure opening  24 . Thus, foam sheet  12  is squeezed into and seals against the interior surface of the structure. Accordingly, foam sheet  12  provides many benefits including an insulation layer that forms an airtight mounting within the structure opening, installs easily without the need to drill holes for screws or other types of mechanical fasteners, is waterproof, UV resistant, can easily be trimmed for odd sizes, and does not crack or break like other rigid insulation foams. This design helps contractors reduce labor installation time. 
     Additionally, the at least one protective mesh sheet  14  is smaller than front side  12   a  of flexible polymer foam sheet  12 . The protective mesh sheet  14  thus engages interior wall surfaces  22  when perimeter surface  20  of flexible polymer foam sheet  12  is compressed in the structure opening  24  so that the protective mesh sheet  14  stabilizes and supports flexible polymer foam sheet  12  within structure opening  24 . Further, the protective mesh sheets  14  can be folded over the foam sheet  12  to further conform to a given space. The foam sheet  12  will seal around the folded over mesh sheet  14  and still form an airtight seal against the wall surface  22  of the structure opening  24 . Also, the protective mesh sheet  14  can be trimmed to confirm to a given structure opening. 
     In one arrangement, an adhesive or other sealing or bonding material can be applied to perimeter surface  20  around the perimeter of foam sheet  12  for further sealing and bonding of the flexible polymer foam sheet  12  to the interior wall surfaces  22  of structure opening  24 . To apply the adhesive, the flexible polymer foam sheet  12  is first installed in the structure opening, and then a nozzle from the adhesive dispenser is inserted between the foam sheet  12  and wall surfaces  22  and moved around perimeter edge  20  to apply the adhesive or other sealant. The perimeter edge  20  deforms as the nozzle is inserted and moved across a given area. The perimeter edge  20  of foam sheet  12  then recompress against the interior wall surfaces  22  after the adhesive is applied and the nozzle removed. The adhesive preferably maintains at least 25% flexibility to allow for expansion and contraction. However, the use of adhesive is optional for a more permanent installation, but not required to hold the rodent protection insert  10  in position. 
     In a preferred embodiment, flexible polymer foam sheet  12  is a polyethylene foam having a closed cell structure on the front surface  12   a  (see  FIG.  1   ) and the rear surface  12   b  (see  FIGS.  2  and  5   ), and an exposed open cell structure around perimeter edge  20  (see  FIGS.  1  and  6   ). This allows the adhesive to penetrate deeper into the perimeter surface  20  for sealing and bonding foam sheet  12  to the walls  22  of the structure opening  24 , as shown in  FIG.  7   . Accordingly, flexible foam sheet  12  forms a tight seal to prevent air from leaking around the sides of the rodent protection insert  10  to prevent unwanted airflow leaking into or out of the associated structure opening. 
     The protective mesh sheet  14  flexes with the flexible polymer foam sheet  12  as needed during installation without detaching from the flexible polymer foam sheet  12  when mounting in the structure opening  24  to facilitate conforming and sealing the flexible polymer foam sheet  12  within the structure opening  24 . In a preferred embodiment, flexible polymer foam sheet  12  is slightly bigger than protective mesh sheet  12  so that when foams sheet  12  is compressed against interior wall surfaces  22 , it allows the mesh sheet  14  to locate adjacent the interior wall surfaces  22  without interfering in the engagement and compression of foam sheet  12  in structure opening  24 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1  -  4   , to prevent separation of the protective mesh sheet  14  from foam sheet  12  when flexing, at least one securing member  28  is used. In the illustrated embodiment, a series of securing members  28  are inserted into the rear surface  12   b  of flexible polymer foam sheet  12  and extend through and outward from front surface  12   a . Securing members  28  engage with the protective mesh sheet  14  in a movable arrangement to provide a mechanical connection between the mesh sheet  14  and foam sheet  12  to prevent separation. In the illustrated embodiment, securing member  28  includes a first portion and a second portion. As best shown in  FIG.  2   , the first portion includes a generally V-shaped end section  28   a  that extends parallel along a rear surface  12   b  of flexible polymer foam sheet  12  when mounted in foam sheet  12 . The first portion also includes a shaft  28   b  extending through flexible polymer foam sheet  12  to a front surface  12   a . The second portion of securing member  28  includes a hook  28   c  looping over at least one wire of the at least one protective mesh sheet  14 . As shown in  FIG.  10   , the strands of the protective mesh sheets  14   a  and  14   b  are arranged within hook  28   c  to be movable in both horizontal and vertical directions to provide adjust during installation in a structure opening which maintaining a mechanical connection to form sheet  12 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, securing members  28  are attached between airflow ports  16  and perimeter edge  20 , and between both of airflow ports  16  along a straight line across the center of foam sheet  12 . The securing members  28  eliminates any wrinkles and separation of protective mesh sheet  14  and foam sheet  12  when flexing during installation. The protective mesh sheet  14  when secured to foam sheet  12  helps to stabilize the rodent protection insert  10  in the structure opening  24  against wind or animal dislodging without the specific need for additional seals or mechanical securing members. While additional sealant or adhesive can be included around perimeter surface  20  for a more permanent installation as noted above, it is not required. The protective mesh sheet  14  flexes with the flexible polymer foam sheet  12  without detaching from the flexible polymer foam sheet when mounting in the structure opening  24  to facilitate conforming and sealing the flexible polymer foam sheet  12  within the structure opening  24 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  3 ,  8 ,  9  and  10   , the use of securing members  28  allows for the stacking and securing of multiple layers of protective mesh sheet  14 , particularly for commercial applications where additional rodent protection is needed. In the illustrated embodiments, a first protective mesh sheet layer  14   a  is secured to front surface  12   a  of foam sheet  12 . A second protective mesh sheet layer  14   b  is then disposed on top of first protective mesh sheet layer  14   a . The additional layer of mesh sheet  14   b  could be a larger mesh than first mesh sheet  14   a . If the same size mesh is used for both sheets, it is desirable to off-set the mesh sheets  14   a  and  14   b  so that mesh does not line up, as best shown in  FIG.  9   . This arrangement further frustrates rodents that may attempt to chew threw the mesh. The mesh sheets  14   a  and  14   b  preferably comprise metal, or other durable rodent resistant mesh material. In one embodiment, protective mesh sheets  14   a  and  14   b  are preferably comprised of stainless steel. Mesh sheets  14   a  and  14   b  may also have a different thickness gauge such that mesh sheet  14   b  has a thicker gauge mesh sheet than mesh sheet  14   a . 
     Referring to  FIG.  8   , in one embodiment, the rodent protection insert  10  includes an insect screen  30  carried on front side  12   a  of flexible polymer foam sheet  12  covering over the airflow port  16 . Insect screen  30  is disposed between the protective mesh sheet  14  and the flexible polymer foam sheet  12 . Insect screen  30  is intended to deter smaller critters, insects, and debris. This removable fine mesh insect screen  30 , slides in from a top edge between the foam sheet  12  and mesh sheet  14 . Insect screen  30  can be removed to meet airflow code requirements as needed since the finer mesh screen can restrict airflow. Optionally, when using insect screen  30 , airflow openings  16  may be increased or made larger to compensate for restricted airflow. Insect screen  30  can be made of any suitable material such as fiberglass, metal wire, plastic etc. 
     Referring to  FIG.  2   , in the illustrated embodiment, the V-shaped end section  28   a  of the first portion of securing members  28  also function as a guide prong to assist with positioning rodent protection insert  10  in structure opening  24 . A user’s finger can be inserted under the V-shaped end section  28   a  to grab for manipulating the position of foam sheet  12  in a structure opening  24 . Thus, in addition to resisting securing member  28  for pulling through foam sheet  12 , V-shaped end section  28   a  provide a grab point to help control and hold rodent protection insert  10  while adjusting and fine tuning the position in structure opening  24 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , airflow port  16  comprises a 5 ¼” opening formed in foam sheet  12 . Smaller structure openings may require a rodent protection insert  10  with only one airflow port  16  while larger structure openings may require a rodent protection insert  10  with multiple airflow ports  16  that may be of various sizes. For example, a standard structure opening  24  such a vent in a crawl space is intended to be 8”x16″ but every crawl space and basement vent opening can be different. The typical 8”x16” will require two 5 ¼” opening with removable plugs  18 , as shown in the illustrated example embodiment. A 16”x16” opening could use four openings; the size and number of openings is determined by various building codes. Regardless of the size of airflow port(s)  16 , it is important to leave a minimum of 1″ of foam sheet  12  material between the edge of the airflow port  16  and perimeter surface  20  to allow for compression of foam sheet  12  in structure opening  24  and to provide space on front surface  12   a  for securing mesh sheet  14  with securing members  28 . Removable plugs  18  disposed in airflow ports  16  are squeezed when foam sheet  12  is compressed in structure opening  24  to help hold removable plugs  18  in place and form an airtight seal with the rest of foam sheet  12 . 
     To form the airflow ports  16  in foam sheet  12  and removable plugs  18 , the foam sheet must be cut without removing material so that removable plugs  18  form a tight fit in airflow ports  16 . To do so, foam sheet  12  must first be compressed and then cut so it does not remove product and then removable plugs fit tight. This is done by making a round cutter without teeth that is plunged into the foam sheet  12  which cuts the airflow port  16  and creates the removable plug  18 . Removable plugs  18  are typically used for sealed crawl space environments or used in winter months, in some climates, to reduce airflow and temperature in the crawl space vent opening. Removable plugs  18  can then be removed in the summer to allow greater airflow circulation. The rodent protection insert  10  is also a solution for converting a crawl space from vented to an encapsulated space just by inserting the removable plugs  18  in airflow ports  16 . Accordingly, rodent protection insert  10  can be used on all applications, whether sealed, vented and both while also providing a high degree of rodent and insect intrusion protection. Referring to  FIG.  5   , in the illustrated embodiment, removable plugs  18  includes at least one connecting member  36  securing the removable plug  18  to the flexible polymer foam sheet  12 . Connecting member  36  is integral with flexible polymer foam sheet  12  and removable plug  18 . The connecting member  36  can be severed to allow removable plugs  18  to be removed from a given airflow port  16 . Accordingly, connecting member  36  ensures removable plug  18  is not accidentally removed or falls out. 
     An option to meet regional codes for sealed crawl spaces is to have additional R value insulation on rodent protection inserts  10 . This is accomplished by attaching an additional insulation backing layer  34  on the rear side  12   b  of flexible polymer foam sheet  12 . In one embodiment, insulation backing layer  34  comprises a traditional foam block insulation piece added to the rodent protection insert  10 , for example, a 7 7/8″ x 15 7/8″ insulation block. This block may also have a borate additive to discourage termite activity. In one embodiment, the insulation block is attached using a hot melt adhesive or the like on rear surface  12   b  of foam sheet  12 . 
     This product eliminates the need to cut wire on site and drill and screw to install rodent protection in a structure opening. It saves over 90% of labor time to install open or sealed crawl space vent openings inserts for rodent protection. This rodent protection insert  10  can be used for sealing, venting and new rodent protection or replacing damaged openings in basements and crawl spaces, or any other opening in a structure. This multi-use rodent protection insert  10  compresses and seals against the structure opening walls, can be easily trimmed to fit odd sized opening, and removable plugs  18  are held in place in an airtight arrangement or removed to allow for increased airflow as desired for a given application. Accordingly, the rodent protection insert  10  can be used for sealed and encapsulated space application with rodent protection, or for vented rodent resistant insert applications. In either case, the rodent protection insert  10  of the present invention can be used without replacing existing vent covers or rodent protection inserts such as wire mesh that is already in place. Rather, the rodent protection insert  10  can be inserted behind such prior existing covers or rodent protection in the same structure opening. The rodent protection insert  10  can be adapted to provide several options for protective mesh sheet arrangements, including layering sheets for commercial applications. The rodent protection insert  10  is easily adaptable to various structure opening sizes and can further be easily cut or trimmed on site to custom fit any opening. The protective mesh sheets  14  can also be trimmed or folded over the foam to adjust to a given size opening while still allowing the foam sheet  12  to conform to the wall surface and form an airtight engagement. The rodent protection insert  10  is also dual use as being vented when the removable plugs  18  are removed, such as during summer months to increase airflow, and sealed when removable plugs  18  are placed in airflow ports  16 , such as during winter months to seal a vent opening, while also providing rodent protection for all uses. 
     While the present subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific exemplary embodiments and methods thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing may readily produce alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations and/or additions to the present subject matter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art using the teachings disclosed herein.