GB2404558A

GB2404558A - Ant Barrier Platform

Info

Publication number: GB2404558A
Application number: GB0318444A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew John Watt
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-08-06
Filing date: 2003-08-06
Publication date: 2005-02-09
Also published as: GB0318444D0

Abstract

An ant barrier platform 1 capable of supporting the weight of a vehicle, the platform having a channel 3 around its perimeter which may be filled with liquid to prevent ants from reaching a vehicle resting on the barrier. The platform may have a top surface which may be flat or angled. Preferably, the platform has a hole 6 in the central area 4 surrounded by the channel to allow an object such as a cable 8 to pass through. Preferably the platform is made of a plastics material capable of withstanding the weight of a motor vehicle.

Description

ANT BARRIER PLATFORM This invention relates to a platform upon which a stationary motor vehicle, caravan, or mobile home may be parked, and which provides a barrier to prevent ants from accessing the vehicle. Vehicles that are stationary for any period of time in areas where there are heavy ant populations especially for example campervans, caravans and cars on campsites, run the risk of ants entering the vehicle and establishing nests inside within days. Once ants have established nests and routes into vehicles it is extremely difficult to remove them. An object of this invention is to provide an environmentally friendly way of preventing ants from entering parked vehicles without the use of insecticides which may be harmful to children and pets. Accordingly, this invention provides a platform upon which a motor vehicle, caravan, or mobile home may be parked and which has a channel around its perimeter which may be filled with liquid to create a barrier and prevent ants from entering the vehicle. The ring of liquid is difficult for ants to cross, and will deter them from setting up a path for others to follow and create a nest. Preferably, the Ant Barrier Platform will be made from hard plastics, however, it may be made from any material that can be made to hold water and withstand the weight of the vehicle. A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows an overview of the platform and its use; Figure 2 shows the plan, side view, and cross section of a flat Ant Barrier Platform; Figure 3 shows the plan, side view, and cross section of an angled Ant Barrier Platform; Figure 4 shows a version of the platform which prevents ants from using cables (e.g. mains electricity) as a means to access a parked vehicle. As shown in figure 1, the wheels of the vehicle 2 (which may also be the support legs of a caravan or mobile home) are manoeuvred onto the platform 1 inside the central area 4. The central area 4 is surrounded by a channel 3 which may be filled with liquid once the vehicle is parked on top of the platform. The platform 1 has angled edges 5 which ease the manoeuvring of motor vehicles onto the central area 4. Figure 3 shows an angled block or wedge. Such blocks are commonly used for the purpose of levelling motor homes on uneven ground. The diagram shows how the platform can be adapted for use as a levelling block. Figure 4 shows a version of the platform 1 which has a vertical hole 6 through the centre of central area 4 which is filled with a seal 7 through which a cable 8 (e.g. electrical cable) may be passed without leaving a gap for ants to pass through. To use the ant barrier platform the vehicle should first be manoeuvred to the location at which is to be parked. If the vehicle has wheels then the platforms 1 should be placed in front of each wheel before manoeuvring the vehicle onto the platforms ensuring that the wheels only touch central area 4. If the vehicle is a caravan or mobile home, the support legs should be lowered onto central area 4. When the vehicle is supported on the platforms then channel 3 may be filled with liquid which creates the barrier and prevents ants from entering the vehicle.

Claims

1. A platform which will support the weight of a motor vehicle, caravan, or mobile home with a channel around its perimeter which may be filled with liquid to create a barrier and prevent ants from entering the vehicle.

2. A platform as claimed in Claim 1 where the top surface may be flat or angled to allow for levelling of the vehicle.

3. A platform as claimed in Claim 1 which may include a hole within the area surrounded by the channel to allow a cable, such as mains electricity, to be passed through to prevent ants form using the cable as a means of accessing the vehicle.

4. A platform as claimed in Claim 3 where the hole is fitted with a seal allowing a cable to be passed through without leaving a gap for ants to pass through.

5. A platform as claimed in any proceeding claim which is made form plastic, or any other material which can be made waterproof and capable of supporting the weight a motor vehicle

6. A platform as described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.