WILDLIFE EXCLUDER

Abstract

A device for removing and excluding wildlife from the exterior of a structure includes a flange portion, angled, typically 90 degrees so it can be fitted in corners and other locations where it is best suited for use. A tubular portion or cone is formed integrally with and extends from the flange for positioning over an opening in a structure or house at various locations. The cone is angled in a range of 30 to 90 degrees, preferably closer to 45 degrees to prevent reentry by wildlife. The interior surface of the cone is also highly polished. The first end of the cone at the flange has a somewhat oval shape and a narrower opening at the opposite end that is in communication with the outside atmosphere.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of pest control and to devices for removing and excluding wildlife that have found their way into a structure, in particular, a residence.

2. Description of the Prior Art

My prior application, U.S. application Ser. No. 11/505,768, filed Aug. 18, 2006 and entitled “Bat and Bird Removal and Exclusion Device”, pertains to devices for removing and excluding bats and birds. While the present invention may be used for the same purposes as well, additionally the present invention is useful in the removal and exclusion of other animals as well, including squirrels.

SUMMARY

The primary object of the invention is the provision of a device for removing and excluding wildlife that have found their way into structures such as residences.

These and other objects, features and advantages are accomplished in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, one illustrative embodiment of which comprises a device for removing and excluding wildlife from the exterior of a structure. The device is seen as including a flange portion, angled, typically 90 degrees so it can be fitted in corners and other locations where it is best suited for use. A tubular portion or cone is formed integrally with and extends from the flange for positioning over an opening in a structure or house at various locations. The cone is angled in a range of 30 to 90 degrees, preferably closer to 45 degrees to prevent reentry by wildlife. The interior surface of the cone is also highly polished. The first end of the cone at the flange has a somewhat oval shape and a narrower opening at the opposite end that is in communication with the outside atmosphere.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and accompany drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the device of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the device of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the device of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a view taken along the lines 4-4 in FIG. 3; and,

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view showing the device being installed at various locations on the exterior of a residence.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring first to FIG. 5 of the drawing, there is disclosed, diagrammatically, the exterior of a structure 11, such as a residence, where the device 10 of the present invention would be used to advantage. The device is shown installed along a chimney A, at fascia boards B, C, at the corner of a soffit D, etc.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 4 of the drawing there is disclosed the device 10 of the present invention for removing and excluding wildlife from the exterior of a structure. The device 10 is seen as including a flange portion 21. The flange 21 is angled, typically 90 degrees so it can be fitted in corners and other locations where it is best suited for use such as shown in FIG. 5.

A tubular portion or cone 22 is formed integrally with and extends from the flange 21 for positioning over an opening in a structure or house such as at the various locations shown in FIG. 5. The cone 22 is angled in a range of 30 to 90 degrees, preferably closer to 45 degrees to prevent reentry by wildlife. If the angle is too low reentry is easily achieved, but if too high, exiting by the wildlife becomes difficult. An animal is hesitant if it has to drop straight down, but is more compliant if the angle is such that they can slide more slowly into the cone.

The entire device 10 is made as one piece over a mold of very dense, impact resistant plastic such as Lexan (a trademark of General Electric Company) polycarbonate. The interior surface 23 of the cone 22 is also highly polished. In this way the animal's claws cannot dig into the tube itself. When exiting, the animal can't get traction and it slides right out of the cone. If trying to reenter, the animal can't get traction and is too steep for the animal to climb.

The first end 24 of the cone 22 at the flange 21 that is in communication with the interior of the structure has a somewhat oval shape, typically somewhat less than two inches in its smaller cross-sectional dimension and typically somewhat greater than two inches in its larger cross-sectional dimension. The cone 22 further includes a narrower opening 25 at the opposite end that is in communication with the outside atmosphere, and is, typically one and five eighths inches in diameter. The size of the openings can be varied dependent upon predominant wildlife size in the geographical area where the cone is to be used. The tapered design of the cone also allows the cones to be stacked one on top of the other for shipping purposes and compact packaging. Typically the side of each flange 21 is four inches by seven inches while the cone 22 is six inches high.

The device 10 is placed against the structure over the structural opening. One can use staples, duct tape, screws (the holes for which are shown, but unnumbered) or silicone caulk, to position the cone opening 24 over the structural opening. It can be custom fit to whatever opening there is in the structure.

The device 10 allows wildlife to exit the interior of the structure and prevents their return. The interior surface of the cone 23, being highly polished is slippery so that the wildlife cannot easily grab onto the device. The material may be clear so as to be non-obtrusive.

Once all wildlife has exited a house or structure, the device may be removed and the entry point is sealed with a sealant foam, silicone or wire mesh to prevent reentry. The present invention is superior to prior art devices in that it is simple to install, lightweight, weatherproof, recyclable and, where low profile material is used, is not visible from a distance. It is of particular value in structural crevices along chimneys, fascia board and soffits.

It should be obvious that changes, additions and omissions may be made in the details and arrangement of parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A device for removing and excluding wildlife from the exterior of a structure

having a structural opening through which wildlife enters and exits the interior, the device comprising:

a flange adapted to engage the structure about the structural opening, the flange being angled so as to fit in exterior corners of the structure; and,

a cone extending from the flange and communicating with the interior of the structure through the structural opening at a wide, first end and with the outside atmosphere at a narrow, opposite end, the cone being angled downwardly relative to the flange, the cone having a highly polished interior surface;

the device being made of a dense, impact resistant polycarbonate material.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein flange and cone are one piece.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the device is made of clear material.