WOVEN WIRE MESH

Abstract

The invention is a wire mesh for pest control and deterrence.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is wire meshes, and more particularly, wire meshes for pest control.

The burrowing behaviors of certain animals like nutria, rats, muskrats, gophers, groundhogs, armadillo, etc. become a problem when the burrowing occurs in man-made structures like earthen dams, levees, embankments and decorative landscaping. The present methods of burrowing control include killing, trapping or other reactive measures. However, prevention and protection of the structures where burrowing is unwanted may be a more appropriate and humane response. Finally, anti-burrowing methods are often harmful to pets and non-invasive animals.

There are a variety of mechanisms for pest exclusion; however, currently there is a need in the art for economical pest exclusion device that is environmentally friendly and easily adaptable to a variety of environments and locations. Moreover, the current mechanisms for pest control are ill-suited for ground laying applications due to corroding, heavy materials, expensive materials, and too stiff for ground or dirt applications. The present invention solves these problems as well as others.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the invention rather than limiting, the scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

The invention is a wire mesh for pest control and deterrence.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and configurations shown.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cross-section of the metal wire.

FIG. 3 is perspective view of the cross-section of the near round metal wire.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cross-section of the round metal wire.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cross-section of the metal wire being shaved by the serrated blade.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the serrated blade.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the cross-section of the metal wire with thickness I.

FIG. 8A is a cross-section of the metal wire with the cord-shaped cross section.

FIG. 8B is a cross-section of the angled metal wire being redrawn. FIG. 8C is a cross-section of the angled metal wire being redrawn. FIG. 8D is a cross-section of the angled metal wire being redrawn. FIG. 8E is a cross-section of the near round metal wire being redrawn.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Generally speaking, the invention is a wire mesh 10 comprising a plurality of interwoven metal wires 20, as shown in FIG. 1. The metal wires 20 are interwoven in a diamond shaped pattern 12. The plurality of metal wires 20 includes a cord-shaped cross-section 22 with at least two sharp edges 24 and a circular edge 28, as shown in FIG. 2. The cord-shaped cross-section has a vertical and horizontal direction, shown as the y-direction and the x-direction in FIG. 2. The longitudinal direction of the metal wire 20 extends in the z-direction, while the sharp edges 24 extend in the x-direction. The sharp edges 24 act as a pest deterrent for the wire mesh 10. In one embodiment of the invention, the sharp edges 24 are folded up towards the y-direction to give a near-round metal wire 30, as shown in FIG. 3. The cord-shaped section 34 of the near-round metal wire 30 is much thinner and lighter than conventional cyclone woven wire for above ground fencing.

The wire mesh 10 focuses on prevention and protection of the structures where burrowing is unwanted. The wire mesh 10 is installed by burying the wire mesh 10 just underneath the surface soil and planting grass or other plants over the top. Plants readily root through the diamond shaped pattern 12. Additionally, the wire mesh 10 helps to stabilize the ground surface against erosion. The wire mesh 10 is not harmful to the animals but is effective in creating a permanent anti-burrowing barrier that is invisible. The metal wires 20 woven with sharp edges 24 to provide for additional deterrent for excluding pests in any environment. The wire mesh 10 is significantly lighter than traditional fence and significantly cheaper to produce.

The diamond shaped pattern 12 may have various dimensions, as appropriate to exclude pests, as shown in FIG. 1. In one embodiment of the invention, the diamond shape diameter D may be 12-75 mm across. In one embodiment of the invention, the diameter D is 20 mm across. In another embodiment of the invention, the diameter D is 40 mm across. The diameter D of the diamond shaped pattern 12 may be increased or decreased for the wire mesh 10 according to the size of the pest anticipated to burrow in each particular location. For example, if the pest is a rat, the diameter of the diamond shaped pattern would be smaller, such as 20 mm. Alternatively, for larger pests, the diameter of the diamond shaped pattern 12 would be larger, such as 60 mm for nutria and the like. Alternatively, the wire mesh 10 may include alternative dimensions such as a plain weave pattern, twill square weave pattern, double crimp pattern, or intercrimp pattern.

Metal Wires

In one embodiment of the invention, the metal wires 20 are formed by shaving a cylindrical metal wire 40 with diameter H, as shown in FIG. 4. Alternatively, the metal wire 40 may be any suitable metal wire shape, such as rod-shaped, elliptical, etc. As shown in FIG. 5, the metal wire 40 is shaved in the longitudinal direction with a serrated blade 50 and a lubricant to produce the cord-shaped cross section 22 with the sharp edges 24. The lubricant may be oil. The serrated blade 50 includes serrated edges 52, as shown in FIG. 6. The pattern of the serrated edges may be any pattern to sufficiently shave the metal wire 40 and produce the sharp edges 24. The finished shaved metal wire 20 includes a diameter I that is less than 50% of the beginning diameter H to give the cord-shaped cross section 22 with two sharp edges 24, as shown in FIG. 7. In one embodiment of the invention, the cross-sectional area is 15% of the original and the weight per length of the wire is 15% of the original weight. The diameter is, for example, H=0.115″ to start and diameter I=0.025″ at finish. The diameter I of the shaved metal wire 20 may be increased in order to increase tensile strength. Alternatively, the diameter I of the shave metal wire 20 may be decreased to increase the flexibility of the wire mesh 10.

In one embodiment of the invention, the metal wire 20 is made from stainless steel, as to prevent rusting and corrosion of mesh. However, the metal wire 20 can also be made from bronze, carbon steel, copper, aluminum, metal alloys, and other suitable metals that can be shaved into suitable metal fibers to suit a variety of pest deterring applications. If the wire mesh 10 is made from stainless steel wires, the wire mesh 10 requires no additional coating to protect the wire mesh 10 from rusting or eroding. Typically, wires used for fences require zinc coatings, which are applied by galvanizing after weaving or galvanizing before weaving. Galvanized after weaving (“GAW”) is a process in which wire rod is drawn to the finished gauge, then woven into chain link fabric. The fabric is then pulled through a pot of molten zinc. This process applies 1.2 ounces of zinc coating per square foot of fabric and conforms to ASTM standards. If the wire mesh is made from carbon steel, then galvanizing the metal wire is preferred. Alternatively, nonferrous metals may be preferable in certain environmental conditions. Alternatively, the wire mesh 10 may be coated with a non-corrosive material.

The metal wires can have an average cross sectional dimension similar to round wire between about 6-16 gauge. Gauge is the diameter of round wire, where the higher the gauge number the smaller the wire diameter, each diameter represents a given cross-sectional area. A gauge of 6 corresponds to 0.192 inches diameter (29,000 mils) and 12 gauge corresponds to 0.106 inches diameter (8,800 mils). The preferred embodiment of this invention uses cord-shaped cross section wire of between 2,000-4,000 mils.

In one embodiment of the invention, the metal wire 20 includes a flat edge 26 and the circular edge 28, as shown in FIG. 8A. Alternatively, the metal wire 20 may be re-drawn to fold the sharp edges 22 in an upward angle 80 to form an angled metal wire 82, as shown in FIG. 8B. Wire drawing is a manufacturing process used to reduce or change the cross section of a wire by using a series of draw plates or dies. Various lubricants, such as oils, are employed to facilitate the redrawing of the metal wires. The wire-drawing machines include a means for holding the dies accurately in position and for drawing the wire steadily through the holes. The usual design consists of a table having a bracket standing up to hold the die, and a vertical drum which rotates and by coiling the wire around its surface pulls it through the die, the coil of wire being stored upon another drum or swift which lies behind the die and reels off the wire as fast as required. The wire drum or block is provided with means for rapidly coupling or uncoupling it to its vertical shaft, so that the motion of the wire may be stopped or started instantly. The block is also tapered, so that the coil of wire may be easily slipped off upwards when finished. Before the wire can be attached to the block, a sufficient length of it must be pulled through the die; this is effected by a pair of gripping pincers on the end of a chain which is wound around a revolving drum, so drawing the pincers along, and with them the wire, until enough is through the die to be coiled two or three times on the block, where the end is secured by a small screw clamp or vice ready for the drawing operation. The wire has to be pointed or made smaller in diameter at the end before it can be passed through the die; the pointing is done by hammering, filing, rolling or swaging in dies, which effect a reduction in diameter. When the wire is on the block the latter is set in motion and the wire is drawn steadily through the die. The block rotates evenly and runs true to pull the wire in an even manner to prevent snatching, which will break the wire or weaken the wire.

As shown in FIG. 8B, the angled metal wire 82 includes the upward angle 80 extending from the longitudinal plane of the flat edge 86. Redrawing the metal wire 20 to form an angled metal wire 82 requires circular draw plates 88 to form the upward angle 80 of the sharp edges 22. The angled metal wire 82 may be used to form the wire mesh 10, or may be used in subsequent redrawing steps.

As shown in FIG. 8C, in another embodiment of the invention, the angled metal wire 82 may be redrawn further to fold the sharp edges 22 in an upward angle 90 to further increase the circular angle of the circular edge 28 and form angled metal wire 92. Upward angle 90 extends from the longitudinal plane of the flat edge 96. Redrawing the angled metal wire 82 to form angled metal wire 92 requires circular draw plate 98 to give the appropriate upward angle 90 of the sharp edges 22. The angled metal wire 92 may be used to form the wire mesh 10. As shown in FIG. 8D, in another embodiment of the invention, the metal wire 92 may be further redrawn to fold sharp edges 22 in an upward angle 100 and form angled metal wire 102. Upward angle 100 extends form the longitudinal plane of the edge 106. Redrawing the angled metal wire 102 requires circular draw plate 108 to give the appropriate upward angle 100 of the sharp edges 22. In another embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 8E, the angled metal wire 102 may be further redrawn to fold sharp edges 22 at an angle 32 to form a near-round metal wire 30. Upward angle 30 extends form the longitudinal plane of the edge 36. Redrawing the angled metal wire 102 requires circular draw plate 38 to give the appropriate upward angle 32 of the sharp edges 22. By redrawing the angled metal wire 102 to the near-round metal wire 30, the tensile strength of the near-round metal wire 30 is significantly increased. Additionally, the near-round metal wire decreases the chances of young children being injured by the metal wire 10 when digging near burrowing sites. The near-round metal wire 30 is not as sharp on one side of the wire mesh 10, but is still effective as a digging deterrent to pests. The near-round metal wire 30 is also effective at preventing pet animals, such as dogs, from digging under fences or into gardens and flower beds, while being safe for pet animals. Finally, the near-round metal wire 30 enables the production of the wire mesh 10 on high speed weaving machinery.

Redrawing metal wire 20 to the near-round metal wire 30 in a single step from metal wire 20 may break the wire or snap the sharp edges 24 from the metal wire 20. Thus, redrawing in several steps to the near-round metal wire 30 ensures proper structural integrity of the sharp edges 24 on the near-round wire 30.

Construction of the Wire Mesh

The wire mesh 10 is made by a weaving machine. The weaving machine continually feeds one or two strands of the metal wires into a weaving blade and trough mechanism that bends and weaves the metal wires together. The weaving blade and trough interweave the metal wires by helically winding them to provide a continuous wire mesh, without knots or ties, except possibly at the edges of the finished fabric. After being woven together, the formed continuous links of the wire mesh are cut off at the edges, leaving sharp wire end portions. The wire mesh is finished by knuckling or barbing the, depending on the intended use of the wire mesh. If a knuckled edge is desired, an assembly on the weaving machine bends the metal wire end portions of the wire mesh over one another, forming a knuckle at the edge of the wire mesh. Similarly, if a barbed edge is desired, an assembly on the weaving machine twists the metal wire end portions creating a sharp barb at the edge of the wire mesh 10. Alternatively, the ends of the wire mesh 10 may be integrated into a single metal wire that runs along the border of the wire mesh. The ends of the wire mesh 10 may be woven into the border metal wire.

The wire mesh 10 may be made in lengths of 12″ to 144″. In one embodiment of the invention, the wire mesh is formed by weaving a series of spirals together. Wire meshes less than 72″ may have both ends knuckled. Wire meshes 72″ and higher, is generally twisted or barbed at one end and knuckled on the other. For longer wire meshes, the wire mesh can be obtained with both ends twisted or barbed. In one embodiment of the invention, knuckled both ends prevents the sharp wire ends from protruding above ground level after installation and injuring vegetation. The wire mesh does not require welding to secure the diamond shaped pattern 10; however, welding may be used if further fastening is required.

The diameter of the diamond shaped pattern 12 may be adjusted during the weaving process to produce a larger or smaller diameter of the diamond shaped pattern 12. The weaving process may also be adjusted to position the sharp edges 22 to the exterior the wire mesh 10. By positioning the sharp edges 22 towards the exterior of the wire mesh 10, further anti-burrowing effects are obtained by the wire mesh 10.

In one embodiment of the invention, the border of the wire mesh 10 includes attachment points, to attach the wire mesh to another structure. Such attachment points may further secure the wire mesh 10 to the ground. Alternatively, the border of the wire mesh may be secured to additional pieces of wire mesh by C staples, hog rings, D rings, and the like. Alternatively, the wire mesh may be attached to another structure by nails, staples, screws, and the like.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A wire mesh for pest deterrence comprising:

a. a plurality of interwoven metal wires, wherein the interwoven metal wires include a cord-shaped cross-section with a circular edge, and one flat edge with a first sharp end and a second sharp end, wherein the first and second sharp ends include an angle less than 60 degrees with respect to the circular edge to prevent pest burrowing.

2. The wire mesh of claim 1, wherein the interwoven metal wires are stainless steel wires.

3. The wire mesh of claim 1, wherein the circular edge includes an arc less than 180 degrees.

4. The wire mesh of claim 1, wherein the flat edge is shaved by a blade.

5. The wire mesh of claim 1, wherein the interwoven metal wires include a diameter between about 50 to about 102 mm.

6. The wire mesh of claim 1, wherein the interwoven metal wires are woven into a diamond shaped pattern.

7. The wire mesh of claim 6, wherein the first end and second sharp ends include an angle with respect to the longitudinal plane of the flat edge.

8. A wire mesh for pest deterrence comprising:

a. a plurality of interwoven metal wires, wherein the interwoven metal wire includes a cord-shaped cross-section with a circular edge, at least two sharp edges, and a flat edge surface; and

b. the two sharp edges drawn at an upward angle with respect to the longitudinal plane of the flat edge surface to prevent pest burrowing.

9. The wire mesh of claim 8, wherein the angle with respect to the longitudinal plane of the flat edge surface is greater than about 20 degrees.

10. The wire mesh of claim 9, wherein the interwoven metal wires are woven into a diamond shaped pattern.

11. The wire mesh of claim 10, wherein the circular edge includes an arc of greater than 180 degrees.

12. A method for producing a wire mesh, comprising the steps of:

a. shaving a plurality of metal wires;

b. providing the plurality of shaved metal wires including a cord-shaped cross-section with a circular edge, and one flat edge with a first sharp end and a second sharp end, wherein the first and second sharp ends include an angle less than 60 degrees with respect to the circular edge; and

c. interweaving the shaved metal wires into a wire mesh.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the interweaving step further comprises interweaving the metal wires into a diamond shaped pattern.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the diamond shaped pattern includes a width to prevent pest burrowing.

15. (canceled)

16. The method of claim 13, further comprising

a. drawing the cord-shaped cross-section shaved metal wires through a circular die such that the first and second sharp ends of the flat edge are bent at an upward angle with respect to the longitudinal plane of the flat edge of the metal wire.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the angle respect to the longitudinal plane of the flat edge of the metal wire is greater than about 10 degrees.

18. The wire mesh of claim 8, wherein the interwoven metal wires include a diameter between about 50 to about 102 mm.

19. The wire mesh of claim 7, wherein the angle with respect to the longitudinal plane of the flat edge is greater than about 20 degrees