Portable insect repellant device

Abstract

An insect repellant device including a repellant portion including: a lower body including a flat lower surface configured for placement on a surface such that the insect repellant device remains upright, wherein the lower surface includes at least one drain opening formed therein and configured to allow fluid to pass out of the device; a middle body including a heating assembly, the heating assembly including: a heating housing; a heating element mounted in the heating housing; a repellant cartridge mounted in the heating housing, the repellant cartridge including insect repellant and a wick extending from a top of the repellant cartridge and in fluid communication with the insect repellant; a control circuit mounted in the lower body and configured to control operation of the heating element; an input device operably connected to the control circuit.

Description

PORTABLE INSECT REPELLANT DEVICECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 636,949, filed April 22, 2024, entitled PORTABLE INSECT REPELLANT DEVICE, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUNDField of the Disclosure

[0002] The present invention relates to a portable insect repellant device including a repellant portion and weather proofing element to allow for use in a variety of locations.Related Art

[0003] Conventional insect repellant devices typically utilize a chemical repellant and are typically limited to use in a particular place. For example, many insect repellant devices plug directly into a wall outlet and thus have a limited area in which they can be used. Further, most conventional insect repellant devices are suitable only for use indoors or in protected outdoor spaces such that they are not suitable for use generally outdoors, where insect populations are typically the highest.

[0004] Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide a portable insect repellant device that avoids these and other problems.SUMMARY

[0005] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a portable insect repellant device including a repellant portion and weather proofing to allow for use in a variety of locations indoors and outdoors.

[0006] A insect repellant device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a repellant portion, the repellant portion including: a lower body including a flat lower surface configured for placement on a surface such that the insect repellant device remains upright, wherein the lower surface includes at least one drain opening formed therein and configured to allow fluid to pass out of the device; a middle body including a heating assembly, the heating assembly including: a heating housing; a heating element mounted in the heating housing; a repellant cartridge mounted in the heating housing, the repellant cartridge including insect repellant and a wick extending from a top of the repellant cartridge and in fluid communication with the insect repellant; a control circuit mounted in the lower body and configured to control operation of the heating element; an input device operably connected to the control circuit to provide control information to control operation of at least the heating element; a vapor opening provided in a top surface of the middle body configured to allow vaporized insect repellant to pass therethrough; a screen mounted in the vapor opening configured to prevent debris from entering the vapor opening; a top element mounted on top of the repellant portion with a space provided between the top surface of the middle body and a bottom surface of the top element, wherein vaporized insect repellant enters the space when the heating element is activated to vaporize insect repellant in the wick.

[0007] In embodiments, the insect repellant device includes a power source mounted in the middle portion and electrically connected to the control circuit and the heating element.

[0008] In embodiments, the power source selectively provides power to the heating element.

[0009] In embodiments, the insect repellant device includes an indicator configured to indicate a status of the repellant device.

[0010] In embodiments, the indicator indicates a status of the heating element.

[0011] In embodiments, the insect repellant device includes a printed circuit board mounted in the lower body, wherein the control circuit is provided on the printed circuit board.

[0012] In embodiments, the insect repellant device includes one or more legs mounted on a bottom surface of the lower body.

[0013] In embodiments, the lower body and middle body of the repellant portion are separable to allow access to the repellant cartridge.

[0014] In embodiments, the repellant cartridge is accessible in the middle body when the lower body is separated from the middle body.

[0015] In embodiments, the repellant cartridge is removable from the middle body when the lower body is separated from the middle body.

[0016] In embodiments, the insect repellant device includes a securing element releasably securing the lower body to the middle body.

[0017] In embodiments, the securing element includes a pair of securing elements configured to releasably secure the lower body to the middle body.

[0018] In embodiments, the insect repellant device includes a solar panel mounted on a top surface of the top element and electrically connected to the power source.

[0019] In embodiments, the insect repellant device includes a circular wall provided around the vapor opening and configured to prevent water from flowing into the vapor opening.

[0020] In embodiments, the indicator includes at least one light source.

[0021] In embodiments, the indicator includes at least one light emitting diode.

[0022] In embodiments, the insect repellant comprises metofluthrin.

[0023] In embodiments, the power source is a battery.

[0024] In embodiments, the power source is a rechargeable battery.

[0025] In embodiments, the insect repellant device includes a charging circuit operable connected to the rechargeable battery to control charging of the rechargeable battery.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The above and related objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more fully understood by reference to the following, detailed description of the preferred, albeit illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein:

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a portable insect repellant device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the portable insect repellant device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a detailed view of a release mechanism in accordance with a with and embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the portable insect repellant device of FIGS. 1 and 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0031] An insect repellant device 100 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated in the attached drawings. In embodiments, the insect repellant device 100 (see FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, for example) may include a repellant portion 10 and a top portion 12. In embodiments, the repellant portion 10 may include a lower body 10a and a middle body 10b (see FIG. 4, for example). In embodiments, a bottom surface of the lower body 10a is substantially flat to allow the device 100 to be placed on any surface. In embodiments, one or more legs or protrusions may extend from the bottom surface of the lower body 10a to allow the device to stand on most surfaces.

[0032] In embodiments, the lower body 10a may include a power source 20, such as a battery. In embodiments, the power source 20 (see FIG. 4, for example) may be a rechargeable battery. In embodiments, the power source 20 may be any suitable power source. In embodiments, the lower body 10a may include one or more input devices 22, such as an on / off button, switch, dial or other input device to control operation of the device 100. In embodiments, the lower body 10a may include a charging port 24 formed in a sidewall thereof and operable to connect to a charging wire or other suitable connection to an external power source. In embodiments, the lower body 10a may include one or more printed circuit boards 26 operably connected to the input device 22 to receive input information and to the power source 20. In embodiments, the printed circuit board 26 may include a control circuit 26a or other control device or element, such as a microprocessor or other programmable device that may be used to control the device 100. In embodiments, control of the device 100 may be based on information provided via the input device 22. In embodiments, the printed circuit board 26 may include a charging circuit 26b operably connected to the charging port 24 and the power source 20 and may control charging of the power source 20. In embodiments, the control circuit 26a may control the charging circuit 26b. In embodiments, the printed circuit board 26 may include more than one printed circuit boards. In embodiments, the printed circuit board 26 need not be a printed circuit board and may be any suitable circuit or combination of circuit elements. In embodiments, the lower body 10a may include oneor more indicator(s) 28 (see FIGS. 1-2), which may be used to indicate a status of the device 100, for example, whether it is active. In embodiments, the indicator 28 may be used to indicate a power level of the power source 20, charging of the power source 20 or a state of the device 100. In embodiments, the indicator 28 may be one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) or other light emitting elements. In embodiments, any suitable indicator device may be used including, but not limited to a display screen, an audio indicator or a vibration device. In embodiments, the lower body 10a may include one or more drain openings 29 formed through a bottom surface thereof to allow water to drain out of the device 100 such that the device 100 may be used outside.

[0033] In embodiments, the middle body 10b of the repellant portion 10 may include a heating assembly 30. In embodiments, the heating assembly 30 may include a heating element 30a mounted in a heating housing 30b of the heating assembly. In embodiments, the heating element 30a, may be a ceramic heating element. In embodiments, ceramic heating elements offer certain benefits including quick heating, a high heat to size ratio and high energy efficiency. In embodiments, any suitable heating element may be used including an etched foil heater, a band heater or a tubular heater, to name a few. In embodiments, the heating element 30a may be electrically connected to the power source 20 such that the heating element 30a generates heat when power is supplied thereto. In embodiments, a repellant cartridge 30d may be mounted in the heating housing 30b. In embodiments, the repellant cartridge 30d may hold insect repellant. In embodiments, a wick 30e may extend from a top of the cartridge 30d and may be positioned adjacent to the heating element 30a when the repellant cartridge is mounted in the housing 30b. In embodiments, the repellant cartridge 30d, may be removably mounted in the housing 30b. In embodiments, the cartridge 30d may be screwed into the housing 30b. In embodiments, the housing 30b may include an opening 3 Of configured to receive at least a top portion of the cartridge 30d such that the wick 30e is positioned adjacent to the heating element 30a when the top portion of the cartridge 30d is positioned in the opening 30f as can be seen in FIG. 4, for example. In embodiments, the cartridge 30d may be secured to the housing 30b in any desired manner. In embodiments, the insect repellant may be metofluthrin, however any suitable insect repellant may be usedincluding transfluthrin or essential oils, to name a few. In embodiments, the wick 30e may draw repellant up out of the top of the cartridge 30d adjacent to the heating element 30a where heat from the heating element 30a vaporizes the repellant.

[0034] In embodiments, the vaporized repellant may rise and flow out a central opening 10c formed in a top surface of the middle body 10b into a space S provided between the top surface of the middle portion 10b and a top element 12a of the top portion 12. In embodiments, the space S is defined by the top surface of the middle body 10b and a bottom surface of top element 12a of the top portion 12 and a sidewall extending therebetween that includes a plurality of openings 12b that allow the vaporized repellant to exit the device 100. In embodiments, the central opening 10c is covered by a mesh screen 40 that allows vaporized repellant to escape, but limits entry of other material into the middle body 10b of the repellant portion 10. In embodiments, a small circular wall 42 may be formed around the center opening 10c on the top surface of the middle body 10b to prevent rain from flowing into the central opening 10c.

[0035] In embodiments, the middle body 10b may be separated from the lower body 10a to allow access to the cartridge 30d such that the cartridge 30d can be removed and replaced in the heating element housing 30b. In embodiments, a pair of release elements 50a, 50b (see FIGS. 1-3) may be provided in the repellant portion 10 to releasably connect the middle body 10b and the lower body 10a.

[0036] In embodiments, release element 50a may include a button 50al mounted in a respective casing 50a5 in the lower body 10a that may be pushed inward to move a corresponding protrusion 50a2. The protrusion 50a2 may be received in a respective slots formed in the middle body 10b to secure the lower body 10a to the middle body 10b when the protrusion 50a2 is in the slot and release the lower body from the middle body when the protrusion is pushed inward. In embodiments, a respective biasing spring 50a3 biases the button 50al and protrusions 50a2 outward and into the slot to hold the middle body 10b on the lower body 10a.

[0037] In embodiments, the input device 22 (see FIG. 1) may be a power button or switch may be operable to activate the repellant portion 10. In embodiments, the input device 22 may be used to activate the heating element 30a to vaporize repellant in the wick 30e. In embodiments, the indicator(s) 28 may be activated when the repellant portion 10 is activated.

[0038] One advantage of the device 100 is that it repels insects by providing a substantially pest free area around the device including a cloud of vaporized repellant and includes weather proofing features such that the device may be used indoors and outdoors. In embodiments, the device 100 includes features to limit an amount of water that can enter the device and allows for draining the device when water does enter it. In embodiments, the device 100 may be powered or recharged via a solar cell C, which may be provided on a top surface of the top element 12a (see FIG. 1) to allow for power without a connection to an external source.

[0039] Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is preferred, therefore, that the present invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An insect repellant device comprising: a. a repellant portion, the repellant portion including: i. a lower body including a flat lower surface configured for placement on a surface such that the insect repellant device remains upright, wherein1. the lower surface includes at least one drain opening formed therein and configured to allow fluid to pass out of the device; ii. a middle body including a heating assembly,1. the heating assembly including:(a) a heating housing;(b) a heating element mounted in the heating housing;(c) a repellant cartridge mounted in the heating housing, the repellant cartridge including insect repellant and a wick extending from a top of the repellant cartridge and in fluid communication with the insect repellant; iii. a control circuit mounted in the lower body and configured to control operation of the heating element; iv. an input device operably connected to the control circuit to provide control information to control operation of at least the heating element; v. a vapor opening provided in a top surface of the middle body configured to allow vaporized insect repellant to pass therethrough; vi. a screen mounted in the vapor opening configured to prevent debris from entering the vapor opening;b. a top element mounted on top of the repellant portion with a space provided between the top surface of the middle body and a bottom surface of the top element, wherein vaporized insect repellant enters the space when the heating element is activated to vaporize insect repellant in the wick.

2. The insect repellant device of claim 1, further comprising a power source mounted in the middle portion and electrically connected to the control circuit and the heating element.

3. The insect repellant device of claim 2, wherein the power source selectively provides power to the heating element.

4. The insect repellant device of claim 1, further comprising an indicator configured to indicate a status of the repellant device.

5. The insect repellant device of claim 4, wherein the indicator indicates a status of the heating element.

6. The insect repellant device of claim 1, further comprising a printed circuit board mounted in the lower body, wherein the control circuit is provided on the printed circuit board.

7. The insect repellant device of claim 1, further comprising one or more legs mounted on a bottom surface of the lower body.

8. The insect repellant device of claim 1, wherein the lower body and middle body of the repellant portion are separable to allow access to the repellant cartridge.

9. The insect repellant device of claim 8, wherein the repellant cartridge is accessible in the middle body when the lower body is separated from themiddle body.

10. The insert repellant device of claim 8, wherein the repellant cartridge is removable from the middle body when the lower body is separated from the middle body.

11. The insect repellant device of claim 8, further comprising a securing element releasably securing the lower body to the middle body.

12. The insect repellant device of claim 11, wherein the securing element includes a pair of securing elements configured to releasably secure the lower body to the middle body.

13. The insect repellant device of claim 2, further comprising a solar panel mounted on a top surface of the top element and electrically connected to the power source.

14. The insect repellant device of claim 1, further comprising a circular wall provided around the vapor opening and configured to prevent water from flowing into the vapor opening.

15. The insect repellant device of claim 1, wherein the indicator includes at least one light source.

16. The insect repellant device of claim 1, wherein the indicator includes at least one light emitting diode.

17. The insect repellant device of claim 1, wherein the insect repellant comprises metofluthrin.

18. The insect repellant device of claim 2, wherein the power source is a battery.

19. The insect repellant device of claim 2, wherein the power source is a rechargeable battery.

20. The insect repellant device of claim 19, further comprising a charging circuit operable connected to the rechargeable battery to control charging of the rechargeable battery.

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