Protective device against biting of arthropods

Abstract

A new protective device for use against biting of mosquitoes and other arthropods and in particular, a material which can be used in the manufacture of regular clothing or specialty clothing to protect an individual from bites from mosquitoes and other arthropods.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 070,671 filed Mar. 3, 2005.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a new protective device for use against biting of mosquitoes and other arthropods and in particular, a material which can be used in the manufacture of regular clothing or specialty clothing to protect an individual from bites from mosquitoes and other arthropods.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]One of the most serious concerns of today's society is the transfer of disease from mosquitoes and other arthropods to humans. For example, every twelve seconds a child dies from malaria. Almost half a billion people contract the disease annually. One of the most common ways of contracting the disease is when a human is bitten by a mosquito which carries the tiny blood-dwelling parasites that cause malaria.[0004]Many efforts have been made to reduce the spread of malaria. For example, mosquito larvae thrive...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017]To at least partially overcome the disadvantages of the prior art, the present invention provides a novel protective device for use to assist in the prevention of the biting of arthropods.

[0018]It is another object of the present invention to provide a material from which articles of clothing may be made to assist in the prevention of biting of arthropods.

Problems solved by technology

Malaria is such a large concern that it contributes significantly to economic malaise.

The major drawback of this method is that it becomes hot and sweaty in hot weather and is therefore uncomfortable.

While chemoprophylaxis is available for malaria, there are no similar preventive measures for such other mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue.

Also, DEET is toxic when ingested and may cause skin irritation in persons.

Significant disadvantages arise as a result of the use of chemical products, including, the fact that the chemicals must be repeatedly applied as a result of “wearing off” over time and as a result of human activity such as sweating, showering or swimming.

Frequent application of chemical repellents is also expensive and may harm the environment.

From the viewpoint of the military, recent studies have shown that arthropods can obstruct movement and field positions, prevent concealment and cover and disrupt manoeuvres and cause panic.

There is clearly a lost work time, treatment and hospitalisation costs are increasing substantially.

One of the problems encountered with respect to the netting which is currently available is that the netting all use a mesh which touches the skin of the individual.

The problem is that when the arthropod lands on the mesh, it can bite through the mesh itself thereby transmitting the disease to the human notwithstanding that netting is applied to the body.

Attempts to try to keep a safe distance between the netting and the skin by wide brimmed hats or hoops are impractical and often ineffective.

There is also clearly a problem in retaining visibility through the netting.

The alternative to netting is the use of tightly woven material which does not allow the skin to breathe or to dissipate perspiration and is therefore very uncomfortable to use.

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