RICHARDSON, Geoffrey Wayne (48 Century Road, Malaga, Western Australia 6090, AU)
THOMSON, Wayne (48 Century Road, Malaga, Western Australia 6090, AU)
SALA, Tonio Umberto (48 Century Road, Malaga, Western Australia 6090, AU)
RICHARDSON, Geoffrey Wayne (48 Century Road, Malaga, Western Australia 6090, AU)
THOMSON, Wayne (48 Century Road, Malaga, Western Australia 6090, AU)
| The Claim Defining the Invention is as Follows: 1. A termite barrier adapted for location between a part of a building or other structure and a penetration passing through said part, the termite barrier comprising a termite barrier body defining space to receive the penetration, the body comprising two or more body sections which are separable for placement of the body about the penetration, and connection means for connecting the body sections together for retaining the body about the penetration. 2. The termite barrier according to claim 1 wherein the two or more body sections comprise entirely separate portions adapted to be positioned about the body and connected together. 3. The termite barrier according to claim 2 wherein there are two separate body sections adapted for placement about the penetration from opposed sides thereof and connection together for retention about the penetration. 4. The termite barrier according to claim 1 wherein the body is configured with the two body sections interconnected save for a location at which the two sections can be separated to form a gap therebetween through which the penetration can pass to facilitate placement of the body about the penetration, the connection means being operable to connect the two sections together at the location. 5. The termite barrier according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the body comprises an inner peripheral portion defining the space to receive the penetration and an outer peripheral portion adapted for engagement with said part of a building or other structure. 6. The termite barrier according to claim 5 wherein the inner peripheral portion provides a collar for positioning about the penetration. 7. The termite barrier according to claim 6 wherein the collar is formed of a moulded plastics material. 8. The termite barrier according to claim 6 or 7 wherein the collar is formed in two or more collar sections. 9. The termite barrier according to claim 8 wherein the collar sections are moulded using a mould adapted to receive an insert selected from a group of available inserts for production of various collar sections accommodating a range of penetration diameters. 10. The termite barrier according to any one of claims 5 to 9 wherein the outer peripheral portion comprises a barrier flange. 1 1. The termite barrier according to claim 10 wherein the barrier flange comprises a flexible termite barrier material. 12. The termite barrier according to claim 11 wherein the termite barrier material comprises mesh material. 13. The termite barrier according to claim 10, 1 1 or 12 wherein the barrier flange is provided with a peripheral rib at the outer edge thereof. 14. The termite barrier according to claim 13 wherein the rib is formed of a moulded plastics material. 15. The termite barrier according to any one of claims 0 to 14 wherein the barrier flange comprises two or more sections configured to overlap at adjacent ends. 16.The termite barrier according to claim 15 wherein the overlapping adjacent ends of the flange sections are adapted for attachment together to provide a termite resistant interconnection therebetween. 17. The termite barrier according to claim 15 or 16 wherein each overlapping adjacent end of the of the flange sections comprises an alignment hole. 18. The termite barrier according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the connection means comprises mating male and female connection parts. 19. The termite barrier according to claim 18 wherein the mating male and female connection parts are configured to provide a dovetail connection. 20. The termite barrier according to claim 18 wherein the mating male and female connection parts are configured as a spigot and socket arrangement. 21. The termite barrier according to claim 20 wherein the female connection parts are configured as opposed sockets provided in abutment faces of the body sections and the male parts are configured as connectors having opposed ends configured as spigots for reception in the opposed sockets. 22. The termite barrier according to any one of the preceding claims further comprise locking means for locking the termite barrier in position in relation to the penetration. 23. The termite barrier according to claim 22 wherein the locking means is provided on the body and adapted to securely engage the penetration to inhibit movement of the body with respect to the penetration. 24. The termite barrier according to claim 23 wherein locking means is configured to grippingly engage both the body and the penetration to provide secure engagement therebetween. 25. The termite barrier according to claim 24 wherein the locking means comprises a locking element adapted to be installed on the body to grippingly engage the penetration once the body has been positioned about the penetration. 26. A termite barrier adapted for location between a part of a building or other structure and a penetration passing through said part, the termite barrier comprising an inner peripheral portion providing a collar defining a space to receive the penetration, and an outer peripheral portion providing a barrier flange adapted for engagement with said part, the collar comprising two or more collar sections, connection means for connecting the collar sections together for retaining the collar about the penetration, and the barrier flange comprising two or more flange sections each attached to one corresponding collar section, the flange sections being configured to overlap at adjacent ends. 27. The termite barrier according to claim 28 wherein the overlapping adjacent ends of the flange sections are adapted for attachment together to provide a termite resistant interconnection therebetween. 28. The termite barrier according to claim 26 or 27 wherein the collar sections have abutment faces adapted to be disposed in opposed relation when assembled to provide the collar. 29. The termite barrier according to claims 26, 27 or 28 wherein the collar sections are formed of a moulded plastics material with the respective flange sections embedded therein. 30. The termite barrier according to any one of claims 26 to 29 wherein the collar comprises two collars sections and the termite flange comprises two corresponding flange sections. 31 . The termite barrier according to any one of claims 26 to 30 wherein the connection means comprises mating male and female connection parts. 32. The termite barrier according to claim 31 wherein the mating male and female connection parts are configured to provide a dovetail connection. 33. The termite barrier according to claim 31 wherein the mating male and female connection parts are configured as a spigot and socket arrangement. 34. The termite barrier according to claim 33 wherein the female connection parts are configured as opposed sockets provided in the abutment faces of the collar sections and the male parts are configured as connectors having opposed ends configured as spigots for reception in the opposed sockets. 35.A termite barrier adapted for location between a part of a building or other structure and a penetration passing through said part, the termite barrier comprising a termite barrier body defining space to receive the penetration, the body comprising two or more sections which are separable for placement of the body about the penetration, the sections having abutment faces adapted to be disposed in opposed abutting relation when the body is about the penetration, and connection means for connecting the sections together for retaining the body about the penetration, the connection means being associated with the abutment faces. 36. The termite barrier according to claim 35 wherein the connection means is be associated with the abutment faces by being provided at the abutment faces. 37. The termite barrier according to claim 36 wherein the connection means comprises mating male and female connection parts. 38. The termite barrier according to claim 37 wherein the female connection parts are configured as opposed sockets provided in the abutment faces and the male parts are configured as connectors having opposed ends configured as spigots for reception in the opposed sockets. 39. A termite barrier section adapted to cooperate with one or more other such termite barrier sections to provide a termite barrier, the termite barrier section comprising two abutment faces each having a socket adapted to receive a spigot end section of a connector, whereby a plurality of the termite barrier sections can be positioned together with respective abutment faces in opposed abutting relation and adjacent sections interconnected by respective connectors extending between the sockets in abutting faces. 40. A method of establishing a termite barrier between a part of a building or other structure and a penetration, the method comprising use of a termite barrier . according to any one of claims 1 to 38. 41. A termite barrier substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 42. A termite barrier section substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 43. A method of establishing a termite barrier substantially as herein described. |
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the control of termites in relation to buildings or other structures, and in particular to provision of a termite barrier for a penetration extending through a part of a building or other structure.
The invention has been devised particularly, although not necessarily exclusively, for penetrations (such as, for example, conduits, pipework and cabling) extending through a concrete slab of a building.
Background Art The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.
The need for termite barriers in relation to penetrations extending through the concrete slab of buildings is well known. There have been various proposals in relation to such penetrations, some typical examples of which are disclosed in the Applicant's Australian Patent 2006202598.
Termite barriers previously proposed for penetrations utilise an annular structure which is disposed about the penetration and which is embedded in the concrete slab. Typically, the annular structure is located over the outer end of the penetration and then moved axially along the penetration into the position which it is to occupy when functioning as a termite barrier between the penetration and any concrete slab subsequently poured about the penetration.
While such an arrangement may provide an effective termite barrier which is easy to install in most circumstances, there are occasions where an end of the penetration is not accessible in order for the annular structure to be located over the end of the penetration and then moved axially along the penetration into position. Furthermore, such previously proposed termite barriers utilising an annular structure are not conducive to being retrofitted onto existing penetrations in concrete slabs.
It is against this background that the present invention has been developed. Disclosure of the Invention
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a termite barrier adapted for location between a part of a building or other structure and a penetration passing through said part, the termite barrier comprising a termite barrier body defining space to receive the penetration, the body comprising two or more sections, which are separable for placement of the - body about the penetration, and connection means for connecting the sections together for retaining the body about the penetration.
Typically, the part of a building or other structure comprises a concrete slab.
In one arrangement, the two or more sections may comprise entirely separate portions adapted to be positioned about the body and connected together. Conveniently, there are two separate sections adapted for placement about the penetration from opposed sides thereof and connection together for retention about the penetration.
In another arrangement, the body may be configured with the two sections interconnected save for a location at which the two sections can be separated to form a gap therebetween through which the penetration can pass to facilitate placement of the body about the penetration, the connection means being operable to connect the two sections together at the location.
Preferably, the body comprises an inner peripheral portion defining the space to receive the penetration, and an outer peripheral portion adapted for engagement with the concrete slab.
The inner portion may provide a collar for positioning about the penetration. The collar may be formed of a moulded plastics material. The collar may be formed in two or more sections.
The collar sections may be moulded using a mould adapted to receive an insert, typically selected from a group of available inserts, for production of various collar sections accommodating a range of penetration diameters. The outer peripheral portion may comprise a barrier flange. The barrier flange may be of any suitable construction.
The barrier flange may be formed of flexible termite barrier material. The termite barrier material may comprise mesh material, although other type of barrier material may also be used, including barrier film material. The mesh material may be of any suitable type, a typical example of which is metal mesh as disclosed in Australian Patent 695436.
The barrier flange may be provided with a peripheral rib at the outer edge thereof. The rib may provide a protective edge on the flange. This may be useful in protecting a person installing or otherwise handling the termite barrier to reduce the likelihood of injury from the otherwise exposed edge of the metal mesh flange.
The rib may be formed of a moulded plastics material.
The termite barrier flange may be attached to the slab in any suitable way. One form of attachment, which is particularly suitable and convenient, is attachment by embedding the termite barrier flange in the concrete slab. Other arrangements for attachment of the termite barrier flange to the concrete slab are of course possible, including bonding of the termite barrier flange to an exposed face of the slab about the penetration.
Preferably, the barrier flange comprises two or more sections configured to overlap at adjacent ends.
The overlapping adjacent ends of the flange sections may be adapted for attachment together to provide a termite resistant interconnection therebetween. The overlapping sections may be attached together by any suitable means such a mechanical fixing or chemical bonding. A particularly convenient form of attachment may comprise a stapled connection. Each overlapping adjacent end of the of the flange sections may comprise an alignment hole for the purpose of maintaining alignment of the mesh in a mould in which the corresponding collar section is moulded-.
The termite barrier may further comprise locking means for locking the termite barrier in position in relation to the penetration.
The locking means may be provided on the body and adapted to securely engage the penetration to inhibit movement of the body with respect to the penetration.
The locking means may be configured to grippingly engage both the body and the penetration to provide secure engagement therebetween. The locking means may comprise a locking element adapted to be installed on the body to grippingly engage the penetration once the body has been positioned about the penetration.
Where the collar is formed in sections, there may be one locking element corresponding to each collar section. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a termite barrier adapted for location between a part of a building or other structure and a penetration passing through said part, the termite barrier comprising an inner peripheral portion providing a collar defining a space to receive the penetration, and an outer peripheral portion providing a barrier flange adapted for engagement with said part, the collar comprising two or more collar sections, connection means for connecting the collar sections together for retaining the collar about the penetration, and the barrier flange comprising two or more flange sections each attached to one corresponding collar section, the flange sections being configured to overlap at adjacent ends. The overlapping adjacent ends of the flange sections may be adapted for attachment together to provide a termite resistant interconnection therebetween.
Preferably, the collar sections have abutment faces adapted to be disposed in opposed relation when assembled to provide the collar. The collar sections may be formed of a moulded plastics material with the respective flange sections embedded therein
Preferably, the collar comprises two collars sections and the termite flange comprises two corresponding flange sections.
The connection means may be of any appropriate form. A particularly convenient form of connection means comprises mating male and female connection parts. In one arrangement, the mating male and female connection parts may be configured to provide a dovetail connection. In another arrangement, the mating male and female connection parts may be configured as a spigot and socket arrangement. The spigot may be of any appropriate form such as, for example, a lug formed integrally with one of the collar sections and adapted for insertion in a socket on the other collar section to provide a connection between the two collar sections, or a dowel adapted for installation between the two collar sections to provide a connection therebetween.
A particularly advantageous form of connection means comprises mating male and female connection parts in which the female connection parts are configured as opposed sockets provided in the abutment faces of the collar sections and the male parts are configured as connectors having opposed ends configured as spigots for reception in the opposed sockets.
Such an arrangement is advantageous as it facilitates construction of the termite barrier as a plurality of body sections each comprising a one of the respective collar sections, with the body sections being similar in construction. In this way, any of the body sections can be selected for use to assemble the termite barrier. According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a termite barrier adapted for location between a part of a building or other structure and a penetration passing through said part, the termite barrier comprising a termite barrier body defining space to receive the penetration, the body comprising two or more sections which are separable for placement of the body about the penetration, the sections having abutment faces adapted to be disposed in opposed abutting relation when the body is about the penetration, and connection means for connecting the sections together for retaining the body about the penetration, the connection means being associated with the abutment faces. The connection means may be associated with the abutment faces by being provided at the abutment faces.
The connection means may comprises mating male and female connection parts in which the female connection parts are configured as opposed sockets provided in the abutment faces and the male parts are configured as connectors having opposed ends configured as spigots for reception in the opposed sockets. According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a termite barrier section adapted to cooperate with one or more other such termite barrier sections to provide a termite barrier, the termite barrier section comprising two abutment faces each having a socket adapted to receive a spigot end section of a connector, whereby a plurality of the termite barrier sections can be positioned together with respective abutment faces in opposed abutting relation and adjacent sections interconnected by respective connectors extending between the sockets in abutting faces.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of establishing a termite barrier between a part of a building or other structure and a penetration, the method comprising use of a termite barrier according to any one of the preceding aspects of the invention.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of several specific embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a termite barrier according to a first embodiment, with the termite barrier being shown at one stage of an installation process about a conduit; Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 , except that the termite barrier is shown at a further stage of the installation process;
Figure 3 is a plan view of the body of the termite barrier;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the body of the termite barrier;
Figure 5 is a schematic view showing the body configured as two sections which are adapted to be fitted together about the conduit from opposed sides thereof;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a locking element adapted to be installed on the termite barrier to grippingly engage the penetration;
Figure 7 is a further perspective view of the locking element, with some hidden parts shown;
Figure 8 is a schematic plan view of a termite barrier according to a second embodiment, with the termite barrier being shown being positioned about a conduit;
Figure 9 is a perspective view of a termite barrier according to a third embodiment, with the termite barrier being shown being positioned about a conduit;
Figure 10 is a side view of the termite barrier according to the third embodiment in position about the conduit;
Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of the termite barrier according to the third embodiment;
Figure 12 is a schematic view showing the body configured as two sections which are adapted to be fitted together about the conduit from opposed sides thereof;
Figure 13 is a perspective view of one of the two sections, together with two dowels used in conjunction with the two sections; Figure 14 is a view similar to Figure 13 except that the two dowels are shown installed in position;
Figure 15 is a perspective view of the other of the two sections; and
Figure 16 is a perspective view of a conduit about which the termite barrier according to the third embodiment is to be positioned, with a tie installed on the conduit to retain the termite barrier in position prior to pouring of the concrete slab.
Best ode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention
Referring to Figures 1 to 7 of the drawings, there is shown a termite barrier 10 according to the first embodiment for installation between a penetration 1 1 and a building structure (not shown) through which the penetration extends. In the arrangement illustrated, the penetration 1 1 comprises a conduit or pipe. The building structure typically includes a foundation structure comprising a concrete slab and a footing. The penetration 1 1 typically extends into the building structure through the concrete slab in accordance with standard building practice. The termite barrier 10 incorporates a locking system 12 for retaining the termite barrier in the desired position on the penetration prior to, and during, pouring of the concrete slab
The termite barrier 10 comprises a body 21 comprising an inner peripheral portion 23 and an outer peripheral portion 25. The inner peripheral portion 23 provides a collar 27 defining a central space 28 to receive the penetration 1 1. The outer peripheral portion 25 provides a barrier flange 29 adapted for engagement with the concrete slab. Typically, the barrier flange 29 is ultimately embedded into the concrete slab, as is conventional practice with physical termite barriers installed between penetrations and concrete slabs.
The body 21 is formed in two sections, being a first body section 31 and second body section 32, which are adapted to be assembled together about the penetration 11. In the arrangement shown, the first body section 31 is configured as a male body section, and the second body section 32 is configured as a female body section. With this arrangement, the collar 27 and the barrier flange 29 are also each formed in two sections. Specifically, the collar 27 comprises a first collar section 33 and a second collar section 35, with the first collar section 33 being part of the first body section 31 and the second collar section 35 being part of the second body section 32. Similarly, the barrier flange 29 is formed in two sections, comprising a first barrier flange section 37 and a second barrier flange section 39, with the first barrier flange section 37 being part of the first body section 31 and the second barrier flange section 39 being part of the second body section 32.
The barrier . flange 29 is of annular configuration, with an inner edge 29a embedded into the collar 27 and an outer edge 29b configured as a protective edge. In the arrangement shown, the protective edge is provided by a peripheral rib 30 on the flange 29. The rib 30 in the arrangement shown is formed of a moulded plastics material. Other arrangements are of course possible, including crimping of the outer peripheral edge 29b to provide the protective rib. With the body 21 formed in two sections 31 , 32, the protective rib 30 is also formed in two sections.
The two sections 33, 35 of the collar 27 are formed of a moulded plastics material. The sections 33, 35 each present two abutment faces 41 on opposed sides of the space 28, as best seen in Figure 5 of the drawings. When two collar sections 33, 35 are in an assembled condition to provide the collar 27 and define the space 28, corresponding abutment faces 41 are in abutting relationship with each other, as best seen in Figure 3 of the drawings.
A connection means 45 is provided for connecting the two collar sections 33, 35 together for retaining the collar 27 in the assembled condition, as best seen in Figure 3. This serves to retain the collar 27 about the penetration 1 1.
In the arrangement shown, the connection means 45 is formed integrally with the collar sections 33, 35. The connection means 45 comprises male parts 47 and corresponding female parts 49, with the male parts 47 being provided on the first body section 31 (which defines the male body section) and the female parts 49 being provided on the second body section 32 (which provides the female body section). In this embodiment, the male and female parts 47, 49 are configured to provide a dovetail connection.
The two collar sections 33, 35 are moulded to configure the space 28 as a hole of a prescribed diameter which is sized to snugly accommodate the penetration 11. The barrier flange 29 is formed of metal mesh material which is resistant to breakdown in the environment of use, which is substantially resistant to termite secretions, which has a hardness of not less than about Shore D60 and preferably about Shore D70 or more, and in which the pores of which have a linear dimension in any direction less than the maximum linear dimension of the cross- section of the head of the species of termite to be controlled. The barrier flange 29 can, however, be of any appropriate material, including plastics, or metal material having a termite deterrent associated therewith. The termite deterrent may comprise a termite repellent and/or a temiticide. The barrier flange 29 can also be of composite construction; for example, with part of the barrier flange 29 being of plastics material and another part being metal.
The flange sections 37, 39 are configured to overlap at adjacent ends. Specifically, flange section 37 extends beyond the abutment face 41 of the first collar section 33 to provide end extensions 37a, 37b. Similarly, second flange section 39 extends beyond the abutment faces 41 of the second collar section 29 to provide end extensions 39a, 39b. The various end extensions provide the overlapping portions referred to previously.
When the barrier body 21 is assembled about the penetration 11 , with the two collar sections 27, 29 interconnected, the end extensions 37a, 39a overlap and the end extensions 37b, 39b also overlap, as illustrated in Figure 3 of the drawings. The overlapping end extensions of the flange sections are adapted for attachment together to provide a termite resistant interconnection therebetween. In the arrangement shown, the overlapping sections are attached together with a mechanical fixing system such as a stapled connection comprising one or more staples 51. The end extension of the flange sections 37, 39 incorporate alignment holes 53 for the purpose of maintaining alignment of the mesh material in a mould in which the corresponding collar section 33, 35 is moulded.
The alignment holes 53 are so positioned in the respective end extensions that they do not overlap or register with each other when the end extensions overlap. This is to ensure that the holes 53 do not cooperate to provide a passageway through which termites can move past the barrier flange 29.
The collar sections 33, 35 can be moulded to accommodate various diameters of penetrations. In this regard, the collar sections 33, 35 can be moulded using a mould adapted to receive an insert, typically selected from a grbup of available inserts, for regulating the size of the particular hole 28 to be formed in the collar 27. By appropriate selection of a particular insert, the diameter of the hole 28 defined by space 28 can be varied.
The termite barrier 10 further comprises the locking system 12 for locking the body 21 of the termite barrier in position in relation to the penetration 11. This is for the purpose of retaining the termite barrier 10 at a selected position in relation to the penetration 10. This obviates the need for a spacer or other supporting device for retaining the termite barrier 10 at a selected position with the penetration 1 1. In this embodiment, the locking system 12 comprises a locking means 60 comprises two locking elements 61 , each associated with one of the collar sections 33, 35.
The locking means 60 further comprise a recess 63 in each collar section 33, 35 adjacent the inner periphery thereof and also adjacent one of the abutment faces 41. Each recess 63 is configured to receive the respective locking element 61. In the arrangement shown, each recess 63 opens onto the upper face 65 of the respective collar section 33, 35. The recess 63 has a bottom wall 67, a side wall 68 and an inner wall 69. The recess 63 also opens onto the inner periphery of the respective collar section 33, 35 and the adjacent abutment face 41. The locking element 61 is configured as a clip 71 comprising a body 77 configured to define an insert portion 79 and a grip portion 81. A user is able to hold the body 77 by way of the grip portion 81 and locate the insert portion 79 within the respective recess 63. The insert portion 79 has a first protrusion 83 and a second protrusion 85, with the two protrusions being in opposed relationship. The first protrusion 83 is configured to grippingly engage the penetration 1 1 when the insert portion 77 is introduced into the respective recess 63. Additionally, the second protrusion 85 is configured to grippingly engage the inner wall 69 of the recess 63. In the arrangement shown, the first protrusion 83 is defined by a flange 87 and the second protrusion 85 is also defined by a flange 89. The flange 87 projects substantially normally from the face of the insert portion 77 and the flange 89 projects outwardly and upwardly towards the grip portion 81. With this arrangement, the flange 89 can deflect slightly to facilitate insertion of the insert portion 77 into the recess 63 and thereafter bite into the inner wall 69 of the recess to inhibit removal of the clip 71 from the installed position. In effect, the insert portion 77 is wedged into the recess 63 for engagement with the penetration 1 1.
Each clip 71 formed of any appropriate material, such as carbon steel, of hardness greater than that of the penetration 1 . In the arrangement shown, the body 77 is of pressed metal construction, within the insert portion 79, the grip portion 81 and the two flanges 87, 89 being of integral construction.
With this arrangement, the locking elements 61 provide a gripping connection between the termite barrier 10 and the penetration 1 1 for the purposes of retaining the termite barrier in the installed position on the penetration until such time as the concrete slab is poured about the penetration.
Referring now to Figure 8, there is shown a termite barrier 10 according a second embodiment. The termite barrier 10 according a second embodiment is similar in many respects to the termite barrier according to the first embodiment and similar reference numeral are used to identify similar parts. In this embodiment, the connection means 45 comprise male parts 47 and corresponding female parts 49, with the male parts 47 configured as spigots 91 and the female parts 49 configured as complementary sockets 93 for frictionally receiving the spigots. In the arrangement shown, the connection means 45 is associated with the abutment faces 41 in that the male part 47 is provided on one abutment face 41 and the corresponding female part 49 is provided on the opposed abutment face 41 . The spigots 91 may be of any appropriate form; for example, the spigots 91 may comprise lugs formed integrally with the collar section 33 or may comprise elements such as dowels fitted into the collar section 33.
This connection arrangement is advantageous as it allows the two collar sections 33, 35 to be brought directly together and interconnected, without lateral manipulation of the collar sections that is necessary with the dovetail connection in the first embodiment.
Referring now to Figures 9 to 16, there is shown a termite barrier 10 according a third embodiment. The termite barrier 10 according a third embodiment is similar in many respects to the termite barrier according to the first and second embodiments and similar reference numeral are used to identify similar parts.
In this third embodiment, the two collar sections 33, 35 are of similar construction, and the connection means 45 comprises female parts 95 configured as two holes 96 in each collar sections 33, 35 and male parts 97 configured as two dowels 98. The dowels 98 are adapted for location in the holes 96. In the arrangement illustrated in Figure 14, the dowels 98 are shown inserted in the holes 96 of collar • section 33 such that when the two collar sections 33, 35 are brought together about the penetration 1 1 , the dowels 98 are also received in the holes 96 of the collar section 35 to connect the two collar sections 33, 35 together. However, the two collar sections 33, 35 are essentially the same as each other; that is, collar sections 33 is the same in appearance as collar section 35 which is depicted Figure 15.
The holes 96 function as sockets and the end portions of the dowels 98 function as spigots configured to be received in the sockets. In this embodiment, the sockets and spigots are dimensioned for frictionally engagement for retention of the connection therebetween. Other retention arrangements can, of course, be used, including adhesive bonding of the sockets and spigots together. Such an arrangement is advantageous as the two collar sections 33, 35 can be identical parts. This allows the first body section 31 and second body section 32 to also be identical, thereby facilitating use of a common part as either the first body section 31 or second body section 32. In other words, the first body section 31 and second body section 32 do not need to be produced as separate parts; that is, the common part can perform the function of either the first body section 31 or the second body section 32 as required. This offers cost benefits in production and handling. Accordingly, the termite barrier according to this third embodiment is a particularly preferred embodiment. In this embodiment, a supporting device 99 is fitted onto the penetration 1 1 for retaining the termite barrier 10 at a selected position on the penetration 1 1 prior to pouring of the concrete slab. The supporting device 99 comprises a cable tie 101 installed on the penetration 1 1 , as best seen in Figure 16, to define a ledge 103 on which the termite barrier 10 can rest. This provides a simple yet highly effective arrangement for retaining the termite barrier 10 at the selected position on the penetration 11 prior to pouring of the concrete slab. This support arrangement can also be used in conjunction with the termite barriers according to the earlier embodiments, if so desired.
From the foregoing, it is evident that the present embodiments each provides a simple yet highly effective termite barrier which can assume a separated condition for installation on a penetration without the need for the termite barrier to be fitted over an end of the penetration and then moved axially along the penetration, as is required for conventional termite barriers. Because of its construction, the termite barrier can also be readily retro-fitted onto existing penetrations in concrete slabs and other parts of buildings.
It should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments described.
Modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.