Patent Abstract:
The present application includes a system configured to simplify the application of plugs into holes created in concrete slabs during a termiticide treatment process. The system includes a flexible plug for insertion into the hole one or more times. A plug tip is coupled to a tool and selectively adjusted to a particular depth. A locating element is included to prevent the over protruding of the plug tip in the hole. The tool is used by the user to insert the plug tip into the hole wherein the depth is governed by the location of the locating element. The plug tips may be interchanged or adjusted in depth along with the locating element. Once the plug has been located properly, a patch is then applied to the remaining hole.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present application relates generally to a termiticide treatment process, more particularly, to a system and method for using termiticide. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    Termites are a common problem facing a large number of residential and commercial structures. Termites feed on dead plants (i.e. wood) among other things. There are three ecological groups of termites, namely drywood termites living in hardwood forests, dampwood termites living in coniferous forests, and subterranean termites living in diverse areas underground. Subterranean termites build tunnels to look for food and travel typically below ground. 
         [0005]    Various treatments are available to prevent or kill termites. In particular with subterranean termites, ground treatments are necessary. For homes, treatments are done in the walls and around the foundation via the application of termiticide in trenches. Additional treatments are commonly done beneath the slab or cement foundation. This includes the drilling of a hole into the foundation at spaced intervals, the injection of termiticide into the hole, and the filling of the hole in a concrete patch. 
         [0006]    It is desirable to separate the moisture from the termiticide from the cement patch used to cover the hole, so as to allow for proper setting of the concrete. Typically a paper product is wadded up and stuck in the holes. These are less effective because the paper absorbs the moisture and wicks it up to the concrete or pulls the moisture out of the concrete, each affecting the setting of the concrete negatively. In some cases rubberized plugs have been used. These are hardened and work to prevent the absorption of moisture but are extremely difficult to set in the hole. Additionally they are rather expensive. Another disadvantage of the hardened plastic plugs are that they are not removable from the holes. In order to remove them, they must be drilled out. 
         [0007]    It is desirable to have a plug for the holes that prevents absorption and is easy to set in the hole to a selected depth to give room for the cement patch. Additionally it is recognized that a number of holes are to be drilled in concrete around the exterior of a structure and are subject to rain and moisture. It is undesirable to leave the open holes exposed over time before and after injection of the termiticide. Therefore it is advantageous to have a plug that is removable to allow the holes to be drilled, plugged for a period of time, and then removed when the termiticide is ready to be injected. 
         [0008]    Another disadvantage of present methods for treating with termiticide is the method of setting the “plugs” to a proper depth in the hole. The depth can depend on a number of factors. Currently, pencils are used to push down the plug. It is very difficult to use a pencil with holes of different diameters and also measure the appropriate depth of the plug. The setting of plugs takes a considerable amount of time and results in large man-hour costs. 
         [0009]    It is desirable to have a better tool that can fit holes of various diameters and easily sets a particular depth for each plug. It is ideal if such tool allowed for the adjustment of the depth setting as well. This would decrease man-hour costs and labor tremendously and help to ensure a more predictable quality. 
         [0010]    Although some strides have been made in treating for subterranean termites, considerable shortcomings remain. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The novel features believed characteristic of the application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the application itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a termiticide flex plug system according to the preferred embodiment of the present application; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a side view of a tool and a plug in the termiticide flex plug system of  FIG. 1  wherein the plug is preset in a hole of a concrete slab; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the tool and plug of  FIG. 2  with the tool locating the plug to a preselected depth; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a side section view of the tool of  FIGS. 2 and 3 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a side view of a locating element used on the tool of  FIGS. 2 and 3 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a side view of a plurality of plugs, as seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , each of a different diameter; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a side view of a plurality of plug tips, as seen used in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , each having a different tip diameter; and 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a side section view of an alternative embodiment of the tool of  FIGS. 2 and 3  for use in the termiticide flex plug system of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
       [0020]    While the system and method of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the application to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the process of the present application as defined by the appended claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0021]    Illustrative embodiments of the preferred embodiment are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer&#39;s specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
         [0022]    In the specification, reference may be made to the spatial relationships between various components and to the spatial orientation of various aspects of components as the devices are depicted in the attached drawings. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of the present application, the devices, members, apparatuses, etc. described herein may be positioned in any desired orientation. Thus, the use of terms to describe a spatial relationship between various components or to describe the spatial orientation of aspects of such components should be understood to describe a relative relationship between the components or a spatial orientation of aspects of such components, respectively, as the device described herein may be oriented in any desired direction. 
         [0023]    The system in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with conventional termiticide treatment methods. Specifically, the system of the present application is configured to selectively seal and locate a plug in a hole of the concrete slab after the insertion of termiticide beneath the slab. The plug may be inserted prior to or after injection of the termiticide through the hole. Moisture is not permitted to transfer through or around the plug in the hole. The plug forms to the contour of the hole to create a seal. A tool is used to quickly permit the setting of the plugs to a proper depth. The tool allows for the presetting of depth. These and other unique features of the system are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
         [0024]    The system and method will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless otherwise described. 
         [0025]    The termiticide flex plug system of the present application is illustrated in the associated drawings. The system includes a plug configured to translate within the hole in the concrete slab to a predetermined location. A tool is operated by a user to push the plug into the hole. A plug tip is coupled to a lower portion of the tool and configured to extend into the hole. A locating element is coupled to at least one of the tool and the plug tip and is used to set a depth in which the plug tip will extend into the hole. The method includes selecting and coordinating the sizing of the plug and the plug tip. The locating element is set and the plug tip is secured relative to the tool. The user walks by each hole and inserts the plug tip into the hole to push the plug a predetermined distance into the hole as designated by the locating element. 
         [0026]    Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements in form and function throughout the several views.  FIG. 1  in the drawings illustrates a side view of a termiticide flex plug system  101  according to the preferred embodiment of the present application. System  101  includes a plug  103 , a plug tip,  105 , a tool  107 , and a locating element  109  all configured to simplify the insertion and sealing of holes formed in concrete slabs formed during termiticide treatments. It is understood that this system and the following method may be used independently outside termiticide treatments. 
         [0027]    Referring now also to  FIGS. 2 and 3  in the drawings, the operation of system  101  is illustrated. Plug  103  is a reusable item in system  101  and is configured to be sacrificed in the hole. Plug  103  is located into the hole adjacent the surface of the concrete slab. When the moment requires, tool  107  is used to align plug tip  105  with plug  103  and press plug  103  further into the hole. Locating element  109  is shown as restricting the travel of plug tip  105  into the hole and setting it at a desired depth. Once set, the hole may be patched and filled. Prior to filling/patching of the hole, plug  103  may be removed from the hole as needed. 
         [0028]    Referring now also to  FIGS. 4-7  in the drawings, the various components and members of system  101  is illustrated. Plug  103  is configured to seal the hole to prevent the passage of liquid below the concrete slab. Plug  103  conforms to the contours of the hole and forms a seal along the interior surface of the hole. Plug  103  is made from one or more materials and is configured to prevent the passage of liquid and moisture through the hole. A preferred material for plug  103  is a closed cell foam. The closed cell nature of plug  103  prevents absorption liquid and moisture. As seen in  FIG. 6 , plug  103  may come in a variety of sizes. Sizes are shown below each plug tip in a measurement of inches. The size of plug  103  is selectively chosen based on the size of the hole. The sizes of available plugs are shown. It is understood that the plug sizes may be different from those depicted. 
         [0029]    It is preferred that the plug is slightly larger than the hole diameter to allow the plug to compress and conform to the interior surfaces of the hole, thereby creating the seal. The compressive nature of plug  103  also allows it to be removed and reinserted into the hole. In way of example, plug  103  may be used to temporarily seal the hole prior to the insertion to termiticide. This could prevent the introduction of rain or other moisture into the holes and affect treatment conditions. Plug  103  may then be removed to allow for the injection of termiticide and reinserted, all without the need to drill it out of the hole. 
         [0030]    Referring in particular to  FIG. 7 , various sized plug tips  105  are illustrated. Each illustrated plug tip  105  illustrated is of a different size. Sizes are shown below each plug tip in a measurement of inches. The size of plug tip  105  is selectively chosen based on the size of plug  103  and the hole. It is understood that the sizes of plug tip  105  may be different from those depicted. 
         [0031]    Plug tip  105  includes a flared end  111  and a central shaft  113 . End  111  is configured to flare out from shaft  113  to a particular size dimension. End  111  is configured to match the relative sizing of plug  103 , however, end  111  is sized slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the hole to permit plug tip  105  to translate through the hole. Shaft  113  is configured to couple to tool  107 . One method of coupling is to use a threaded connection wherein tool  107  includes a female threaded end and shaft  113  is a male threaded end (see  FIG. 4 ). Other methods of attachment are contemplated. For example, plug tip  105  may couple to tool  107  internally or externally. Additionally, threads may be used or ball springs and detents similar to those of sockets may also be used. It is important to note that plug tip  105  is detachable from tool  107  and may selectively be located in position relative to tool  107 . 
         [0032]    Locating element  109  is in communication with plug tip  105  and configured to locate the depth of the plug in the hole. Element  109  is designed to have a diameter larger than the hole, such that when tool  107  is used to push plug  103  in the hole, locating element contacts a portion of the concrete slab and prevents the over protruding of plug tip  105 . 
         [0033]    Many different methods exist to attach and operate locating element  109 . The depth of plug  103  in the hole is a measurement from the end of flared end  111  to a bottom surface of locating element  109 . To allow for the precise measurement of that depth measurement, one method of adjustment is to use a threaded connection. As seen in  FIG. 4 , element  109  is in threaded connection with plug tip  105 . Locating element  109  may be set on shaft  113  to an appropriate depth measurement and then tip  105  be threaded into tool  107 . The contacting of element  109  creates a binding force that secures tip  105 . In the preferred embodiment, element  109  is a combination of one or more washers having either right and/or left hand threads. It is understood that other element  109  may be configured to couple directly to tool  107  as opposed to tip  105 . In this embodiment, tool  107  may have external threads. 
         [0034]    Tool  107  is configured to provide an operator a handle  115  portion to grasp for operation and a lower portion for carrying tip  105 . Multiple shapes and sizes of tool  107  may be used. In the preferred embodiment, the internal threaded portion for tip  105  is sized to correlate with the smallest flared end  111  size used, so as to avoid issues where the shaft  113  creates a shoulder and restricts insertion through the hole. 
         [0035]    Referring now also to  FIG. 8  in the drawings, an alternative embodiment of system  101  is illustrated. Tool  207  is similar in form and function to that of tool  107  except that it includes a strike plate  117  for the operator to apply pressure and force. Tool  207  may be used in place of tool  107  in system  101 . 
         [0036]    As stated previously, in operation a user selects the size of the plug and plug tip that will be used. The plug(s) will be located in the holes initially. Once the proper depth has been determined, the user will set the locating element  109  to the proper position and then secure the plug tip  105  to tool  107 . If element  109  coupled directly to tool  107 , then element  109  would be set and tip  105  would be secured to either a set predetermined station or to one of many optional stations. Once the tool, plug tip, and locating element are ready, the user walks along to each hole and merely protrudes the plug tip into the hole until the locating element contacts a portion of the concrete slab. If the hole sizes change, the plug tip may be interchanged. Furthermore, if the depth measurement changes, the locating element may be adjusted to a second station. 
         [0037]    The current application has many advantages over the prior art including at least the following: (1) increased speed of setting the plugs; (2) proper seal to prevent passage of moisture through the hole; (3) reusable plugs; (4) infinite depth setting distances; (5) a locating element that is set for multiple uses; and 6) adjustable and interchangeable plug tips. 
         [0038]    The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the application may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. It is apparent that an application with significant advantages has been described and illustrated. Although the present application is shown in a limited number of forms, it is not limited to just these forms, but is amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0