Insect barrier

Abstract

An insect barrier is variable in peripheral dimensions, and can be adapted for installation into a catch basin opening having a ledge to support a grate cover. The barrier frame consists of substantially planar corner members and side members, each having respective channel portions. A corner member is comprised of two female connectors, which have an inner and outer folded tab. The side member is comprised of two male connectors having flanges for interfacing with the tabs of the corner members. The male connector of the side member is placed into the female connector of the corner member, during assembly of the closed frame to define an opening. The inner and outer folded tabs of the female connector can be compressed into the flanges of the side member to secure, via friction, the connection between corner and side members. The assembled frame is completed such that adjacent respective channel portions abut to form a continuous channel. A mesh screen is installed in the channel to inhibit ingress and egress of insects through the defined opening of the closed frame. The assembled insect barrier is installed by placing it onto the support ledge of the catch basin.

1 . A barrier of variable dimensions configured for inhibiting an ingress and egress of insects with respect to an adjacent entrance, the barrier comprising; 
 a substantially planar closed frame including a plurality of interconnecting members for defining an opening, at least some of the members configured for adjustment in length to conform the peripheral dimension of the assembled frame to those of the adjacent entrance;    a first member of the plurality of interconnecting members having a base and a pair of tabs extending from the base to provide a female connector;    a second member of the plurality of interconnecting members having a pair of flanges providing a male connector configured for being received by the female connector, the pair of flanges for overlapping with the pair of tabs of an adjacent said first member for coupling said first member and the second member to one another;    a plurality of respective channel portions attached to at least some of the members, the channel portions configured for providing a continuous channel extending around the closed frame once assembled; and    an insect screen configured for attachment to the continuous channel for covering the defined opening of the closed frame.    
   
   
       2 . The barrier of  claim 1 , wherein the overlap of the tabs and the flanges is compressible for providing frictional engagement between an inside surface of the tabs and an outside surface of the flanges, the frictional engagement for inhibiting separation of the first member and the second member once assembled.  
   
   
       3 . The barrier of  claim 2  further comprising a supplementary fastener for the overlap of the tabs and flanges, the fastener selected from the group comprising mechanical fasteners and an adhesive.  
   
   
       4 . The barrier of  claim 3 , wherein the mechanical fastener is selected from the group comprising; crimping, welding, bolts, rivets, nails, staples, and screws.  
   
   
       5 . The barrier of  claim 1  further comprising the continuous channel having an entrance facing the interior of the assembled frame, the entrance configured for inhibiting damage to the adjacent screen.  
   
   
       6 . The barrier of  claim 5 , wherein the first member is a corner member and the second member is a side member.  
   
   
       7 . The barrier of  claim 6 , wherein the length of the side member is variable.  
   
   
       8 . The barrier of  claim 7 , wherein the plurality of interconnecting members includes four right angled corner members and at least four side members to provide a four sided frame once assembled.  
   
   
       9 . The barrier  claim 5  further comprising said channel portion is an extension of one of said tabs.  
   
   
       10 . The barrier of  claim 5 , wherein the second member is a key member for joining two adjacent first members, the key having a male connector on each end.  
   
   
       11 . The barrier of  claim 5 , wherein the second member is a corner member and the first member is a side member.  
   
   
       12 . The barrier of  claim 11 , wherein the male connector is a key member connected to a base of the corner member at one end and having a male connector at the other end.  
   
   
       13  The barrier of  claim 10 , wherein the key member provides for an abutment of said channel portions on adjacent first members.  
   
   
       14 . A kit for providing a barrier of variable dimensions configurable to conform to the peripheral dimension of an adjacent entrance, the barrier comprising; 
 a plurality of substantially planar members configured for interconnection to form a substantially planar closed frame defining an opening, at least some of the members being variable in length;    at least one first member of the plurality of members having a base and pair of tabs extending from the base to provide a female connector;    at least one second member of the plurality of members having a pair of flanges providing a male connector configured for being received by the female connector, the pair of flanges for interacting with the pair of tabs of an adjacent said first member for coupling the first member and the second member to one another;    a plurality of channel portions, each of the channel portions attached to a respective one of the members, the channel portions configured for providing a continuous channel extending around the closed frame once assembled.    
   
   
       15 . The kit of  claim 14  further comprising an insect screen configured for attachment to the continuous channel for covering the defined opening of the closed frame, wherein the assembled said frame and said screen inhibit an ingress and egress of insects when installed adjacent to the entrance.  
   
   
       16 . The kit of  claim 15 , wherein the adjacent opening is a catch basin opening.