Patent Publication Number: US-6990769-B2

Title: Assembly and method for termite ground monitoring

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
   This patent application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/435,724 filed May 8, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,813,858 and identically titled. In said Ser. No. 10/435,724 application, the Examiner imposed a division restriction, requiring the Applicant to elect between method and apparatus claims. Ongoing prosecution of the apparatus claims was elected in said Ser. No. 10/435,724 application. This Divisional Application is filed prior to patent issuance under application Ser. No. 10/435,724; and only the method claims are presented below. 
   The Applicant claims priority relating back to the filing of said Ser. No. 10/435,724 application and requests that this Divisional Application be treated as filed on May 8, 2003. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to methods, apparatus, and assemblies for termite control and extermination. More particularly, this invention relates to such methods and assemblies which include and use ground termite monitoring stations. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Commonly known assemblies for termite control through ground monitoring comprise multiple cylindrical housings, each having termite access ports or apertures, a lid for covering the housing, and a wooden bait stick for insertion into and retention within the housing. In use of such assemblies, cylindrical holes are dug within the ground, typically by augering, the holes being positioned around the periphery of a building to be protected. Thereafter, the cylindrical housings are downwardly inserted into the holes, wooden bait sticks are downwardly inserted into the hollow interior spaces of the cylindrical housings, and lids are attached to the housings, covering the bait sticks within the housings&#39; interior spaces. Thereafter, an operator of the system, typically a pest control company employee, periodically returns to the building for inspection of the bait sticks for evidence of termite activity. 
   A problem or deficiency related to such common termite ground monitoring, baiting, and exterminating systems is that the operator must repeatedly stoop or kneel to ground level for monitoring station installations and for bait stick inspections, resulting in heightened levels of back strain injuries within the pest control company&#39;s work force. 
   The instant inventive assembly and method for termite ground monitoring and baiting solves or ameliorates the problems discussed above by providing ergonomic termite monitoring and baiting station components and method steps which allow for monitoring station installations and bait stick inspections from a standing position and without repeated stooping to ground level. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A primary structural component of the assembly of the instant invention comprises an upwardly opening cylindrical housing having a side wall which defines a hollow interior space. The side wall preferably has a plurality of termite access ports allowing lateral passage of termites from an exterior ground environment, through the access ports, and into the hollow interior space of the cylindrical housing. Also preferably, the cylindrical housing further opens downwardly, facilitating insertion from below of termite bait sticks and further allowing upward access by termites to the interior space defined by the cylindrical housing. While the assembly of the instant invention may suitably comprise as few as a single or a first rendition of such cylindrical housing, the assembly preferably comprises a plurality of second similarly configured housings, the plurality being of a number sufficient for even intermittent spacing within the ground around the periphery of a building to be protected by the monitoring system. 
   A further structural component of the assembly of the instant invention comprises a lid which is fitted for covering the upper opening of the cylindrical housing. Preferably, removable lid attaching means are provided for removably connecting the lid to the cylindrical housing. Preferably, such removable lid attaching means is molded integrally with the lid and integrally with the upper lip of the cylindrical housing, such means preferably comprising a rotating slotted flange and “L” hook combination. Suitably, other removable attaching means may be utilized such as snap ridge and snap channel combinations, snap lug and snap apertures combinations, intermeshing helical threads, mechanical latches, velour crochet pads, and adhesive pads. Numerous other commonly known removable attaching means may similarly be suitably substituted for the preferred “L” hook and rotating slotted flange combination. Where the preferred plurality of cylindrical housings is provided, a matching plurality of lids is similarly provided, the removable lid attaching means further interconnecting the multiple lids and the multiple cylindrical housings. 
   A further structural component of the assembly of the instant invention comprises a bait stick cradle. Necessarily, the bait stick cradle is fitted for downward insertion into the interior space of the cylindrical housing. Preferably, the bait stick cradle has a removable floor and preferably, floor attaching means are provided, such means being adapted for removably connecting the floor to the bait stick cradle. Where the assembly comprises a removable floor and floor attaching means combination, removal of the floor allows a termite bait stick to be inserted upwardly into the bait stick cradle. Regardless of the removability of the floor of the cradle, the floor preferably partially closes the lower end of the bait stick cradle, allowing downward drainage of water and upward termite bait stick access. Preferably, the floor of the bait stick cradle comprises a plastic dowel, and preferably the floor attaching means comprises dowel receiving snap channels or “C” channels which are molded into the lower ends of the walls of the bait stick cradle, such channels holding the dowel in a position spanning across the lower end of the bait stick cradle. Suitably, the preferably removable bait stick cradle floor may alternately comprise an apertured disk or plate and the floor attaching means may alternately comprise removable attaching means similar to those described above for attaching the lid to the upper end of the cylindrical housing. Where the inventive assembly comprises, as preferred, pluralities of cylindrical housings and lids, a plurality of bait stick cradles with attachable and detachable floors is preferably similarly provided. 
   Means for suspending and downwardly extending the bait stick cradle below and from the lid are necessarily provided, such means preferably comprising at least a first, and preferably a pair of rigid ties interconnecting the bait stick cradle and the lid. Other means for suspending and downwardly extending the bait stick cradle below the lid, such as flexible cords, chains, or ties may be suitably substituted for the preferred rigid ties. 
   A further preferred component of the assembly of the instant invention preferably comprises an extension arm, preferably having a length equal to the waist height of a system operator. Preferably, the extension arm comprises an upper handle means such as a “T” handle or knob, and the lower end of the extension arm necessarily forms extension arm attaching means adapted for successive removable attachments to the lids described above. Preferably, the extension arm attaching means comprises, in combination with structure integral with the upper surfaces of the lids, a friction slot and friction tab or flange combination. Other removable attaching means such as snap channel and snap ridge combinations, snap lug, and snap aperture combinations, intermeshing helical threads, and key and key aperture combinations may be suitably alternately utilized as the extension arm attaching means. Numerous other commonly known removable attaching means may be also suitably substituted. 
   According to the method of the instant invention, and assuming that a plurality of monitoring station assemblies as described above are provided, cylindrical holes are augered peripherally around a building to be protected by the system. Preferably, an augering machine of the type which is operable from a standing position is utilized for augering such holes, and preferably, the holes are fitted for receiving the outside diameters and vertical heights of the cylindrical housings. 
   Prior to or following the monitoring station holes augering steps, termite monitoring stations, including components configured as described above, are assembled to include a termite bait stick carried by a bait stick cradle suspended from a lid, the cradle and bait stick assembly extending downwardly from the lid and into the hollow interior space of the cylindrical housing. In such configuration, the lid attaching means preferably holds the lid upon the cylindrical housing, and holds the bait stick cradle and bait stick within the cylindrical housing&#39;s interior space. Following assemblies of such monitoring station components, the cylindrical housings are successively embedded within the ground by inserting them into the monitoring station holes. For prevention of bending or stooping in such insertions steps, the extension arm is preferably utilized for downwardly extending and inserting the assembled monitoring stations into the monitoring station holes. 
   Typically, the termite monitoring stations are allowed to remain within the ground undisturbed for approximately one month, at which time an operator of the system returns to inspect the bait sticks which are housed within the embedded stations. In order to inspect the bait sticks without stooping or bending, the operator preferably utilizes the extension arm to disengage the lid attaching means of the monitoring stations, and to upwardly retract the lids, bait stick cradles, and carried bait sticks for visual inspections. Thereafter, the extension arm may be utilized for re-assembly of the stations within the ground without stooping to ground level. 
   Accordingly, objects of the instant inventive assembly and method comprise providing a termite monitoring station having a lid and having a downwardly extending bait stick carrying cradle, such lid facilitating ease of insertion and retrieval of bait sticks. 
   It is a further object of said invention to provide structure, implements, and method steps integral with or associated with the inventive monitoring station and allowing for bait monitoring station installations and subsequent bait stick inspections without bending or stooping to ground level. 
   Other and further objects, benefits, and advantages of the present invention will become known to those skilled in the art upon review of the Detailed Description which follows, and upon review of the appended drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of the monitoring station of the instant inventive assembly and method. 
       FIG. 2  is a sectional view as indicated in  FIG. 1 , the view showing the monitoring station embedded within the ground, and the view showing attachment of an extension arm shown in partial view. 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the assembly depicted in  FIG. 2 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to  FIG. 1 , the termite monitoring station of the assembly of the instant invention is referred to generally by Reference Arrow  1 . The monitoring station  1  comprises a cylindrical housing  2  having at least a plurality of, and preferably a multiplicity of termite access ports  4 . Referring simultaneously to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the cylindrical housing  2  preferably has a hollow interior space  8  which opens upwardly and, preferably, has a lower opening  6 . The upper lip of the cylindrical housing  2  preferably comprises an outwardly extending annular ground engaging flange  10 . The upper surface of flange  10  preferably forms an annular lid receiving and centering ridge  12 , said ridge  12  supporting a pair of radially opposed lid retaining “L” hooks  14  and  16 . 
   Referring simultaneously to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3 , a bait stick cradle and lid combination is referred to generally by Reference Arrow  25 , such combination preferably comprising a lid  32 , a bait stick cradle  24 , and a pair of rigid ties  18  extending downwardly from the lid  32 , and interconnecting the bait stick cradle  24  with the lid  32 . Preferably, the rigid ties  18  form and define laterally opening termite access ports  20  and  21 . Also preferably, upper ends of ties  18  form and define a hollow cylindrical space  26 , such space functioning to retain bait stick  60  in its upright position. Also preferably, the lower end of bait stick cradle  24  forms “C” clip channels  28  for receipt of and for removable attachment of a dowel rod  30 . The dowel rod  30  serves as a floor of bait stick cradle  24 , the dowel rod  30  retaining a bait stick  60  below lid  32 , while providing for downward drainage of water, and upward termite access. Preferably, the outside diameter of the lid  32  is fitted for nesting receipt within the inside diameter of ridge  12 . Also preferably, the lid  32  is molded to include a cylindrical upwardly opening cavity  34 , such cavity  34  having a flange or wall  40  spanning thereacross, the flange or wall  40  serving as a removable attaching means for alternate connection to and detachment from an extension arm which is referred to generally by Reference Arrow  50 . 
   Referring simultaneously to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the vertical thickness of lid  32  is slightly less than the vertical height of “L” hooks  14  and  16 , allowing lid  32  to slidably rotate beneath “L” hooks  14  and  16 . Lid  32  has slots  36  and  38  for alternate engagement and disengagement of lid  32  with and from flange  10 . Upon rotation of lid  32  90° from the position depicted in  FIG. 1 , slots  36  and  38  respectively underlie “L” hooks  14  and  16 . In such position, lid  32 , along with underlying cradle  24 , may be freely inserted into and withdrawn from the interior space  8  of the cylindrical housing  2 . Upon rotation of lid  32  to the orientation depicted in  FIG. 1 , “L” hooks  14  and  16  effectively retain the lid  32  and the underlying cradle  24  within space  8 . 
   Referring simultaneously to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , extension arm  50  preferably has a shaft  52  having a length equal to waist height, a “T” handle, and an enlarged foot  56 , the foot  56  having a slot  58 . The dimensions of slot  58  are preferably closely fitted to the dimensions of flange  40 , allowing the foot  56  in combination with flange  40  to serve as a removable lid attaching means. 
   In use of the assembly depicted in  FIGS. 1–3 , an augering machine (not depicted) is preferably utilized for augering a monitoring station hole  64  within ground material  62 . Preferably, such augering machine is operable from a standing position without bending or stooping. Thereafter, or alternately preliminarily, the lid and bait stick cradle combination  25  is secured within cylindrical housing  2 , and bait stick  60  is secured within space  26  to rest upon dowel rod  30 . In commercial packaging and use of multiple renditions of the monitoring station  1 , such station is preferably shipped upside down within a box (not depicted), and in the latched configuration depicted in  FIG. 1 . In such shipping configuration, lower ends of bait stick cradles  24  are exposed within the opening of such box, allowing an operator to remove dowels  30 , insert bait sticks  60  through the opened lower cradle ends, and to replace dowels  30 . In such configuration, such box may be held upon a portable waist height working stand in close proximity with monitoring station holes  64  augered within the ground. Thereafter, an operator, while grasping extension arm  50  in one hand, may retrieve from such box with his other hand a termite monitoring station  1 . Thereafter, the operator may manually align slot  58  of foot  56  with flange  40 , and compressively drive slot  58  over slot  40 , connecting the lid and bait stick cradle combination  25 , the bait stick  60 , and the cylindrical housing  2  to the lower end of the extension arm  50 . Thereafter, the operator may release the monitoring station  1 , allowing the monitoring station  1  to suspend from the lower end of the extension arm  50 . Thereafter, the operator may utilize the extension arm  50  to downwardly extend and direct the monitoring station  1  into the monitoring station hole  64 , embedding the monitoring station  1  within the ground without stooping. Thereafter, the operator may place a foot upon exposed upper surfaces of the lid  32  or of the flange  10 , and upwardly pull the extension arm  50 , disengaging slot  58  from flange  40 . Repetition of the procedure described above allows the operator to embed numerous renditions of monitoring station  1  within the ground  62  without bending or stooping to ground level. 
   Upon departure and subsequent return of the operator to the monitoring station site (typically weeks later), the operator may downwardly extend extension arm  50 , aligning slot  58  of foot  56  with flange  40 , and downwardly drive slot  58  over flange  40 , engaging the lower end of extension arm  50  with lid  32 . Thereafter, the operator may rotate “T” handle  54  90°, rotating lid  32  90°, and aligning slots  36  and  38  with “L” hooks  14  and  16 . Thereafter, the operator may upwardly raise the extension arm  50  along with the lid and bait stick cradle combination  25 , such combination carrying bait stick  60 . Upon raising the lid and bait stick cradle combination  25  to eye level, the operator may view the bait stick  60  through port  20  or through  21  to determine whether termites have begun to feed upon bait stick  60 . Thereafter, the lid and bait stick cradle combination  25 , along with bait stick  60 , or a replacement insecticide carrying bait stick (not depicted), may be returned to its original position within cylindrical housing  2 , and without stooping, through a reversal of the steps described above. Through repetition of the bait stick inspection procedure described above, an operator may inspect several monitoring stations without stooping or bending to ground level. 
   While the principles of the invention have been made clear in the above illustrative embodiment, those skilled in the art may make modifications in the structure, arrangement, portions, components, and method steps of the invention without departing from those principles. Accordingly, it is intended that the description and drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in the limiting sense, and that the invention be given a scope commensurate with the appended claims.