Portable insect repellent device

Abstract

An insect repellent device includes a repellent portion comprising: a lower body including a flat lower surface configured to be placed on a surface such that the insect repellent device remains vertical, wherein the lower surface includes at least one drain opening formed therein and configured to allow fluid to drain out of the device; an intermediate body including a heating assembly comprising: a heating housing; a heating element mounted in the heating housing; a repellent cartridge mounted in the heating housing and including an insect repellent and a core extending from the top of the repellent cartridge and in fluid communication with the insect repellent; a control circuit mounted in the lower body and configured to control the operation of the heating element; and an input device operatively connected to the control circuit.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 636,949, filed April 22, 2024, entitled “Portable Insect Repellent Device,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a portable insect repellent device, comprising a repellent portion and a weather-protective element to allow use in a variety of locations. Background Technology

[0003] Existing insect repellent devices typically use chemical repellents and are generally limited to specific locations. For example, many insect repellent devices are plugged directly into wall sockets, thus limiting their usability. Furthermore, most existing insect repellent devices are only suitable for indoor or protected outdoor spaces, making them unsuitable for use in general outdoor environments where insect density is typically highest.

[0004] Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide a portable insect repellent device that can avoid the above and other problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a portable insect repellent device, including a repellent component and weather protection to allow use in a variety of indoor and outdoor locations.

[0006] An insect repellent device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a repellent portion comprising: a lower body including a flat lower surface configured to be placed on a surface such that the insect repellent device remains vertical, wherein the lower surface includes at least one drain opening formed therein and configured to allow fluid to drain out of the device; an intermediate body including a heating assembly comprising: a heating housing; a heating element mounted in the heating housing; a repellent cartridge mounted in the heating housing and including insect repellent and a core extending from the top of the repellent cartridge and in fluid communication with the insect repellent; and a control circuit. The following components are included: a lower body housing and configured to control the operation of a heating element; an input device operably connected to a control circuit to provide control information to control at least the operation of the heating element; a steam opening disposed in the top surface of the intermediate body and configured to allow vaporized insect repellent to pass through; a screen installed in the steam opening and configured to prevent debris from entering the steam opening; and a top element mounted on top of the repellent portion and having a space between the top surface of the intermediate body and the bottom surface of the top element, wherein vaporized insect repellent enters the space when the heating element is activated to vaporize the insect repellent in the core.

[0007] In some embodiments, the insect repellent device includes a power source installed in the intermediate section and electrically connected to a control circuit and a heating element.

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

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

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

[0011] In some embodiments, the insect repellent device includes a printed circuit board mounted in the lower body, wherein control circuitry is disposed on the printed circuit board.

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

[0013] In some embodiments, the lower body of the repellent portion is separable from the middle body to allow access to the repellent cartridge.

[0014] In some embodiments, the repellent cartridge is accessible in the intermediate body when the current body is separated from the intermediate body.

[0015] In some embodiments, when the current body separates from the intermediate body, the repellent cartridge can be removed from the intermediate body.

[0016] In some embodiments, the insect repellent device includes a fastening element that releasably fastens the lower body to the intermediate body.

[0017] In some embodiments, the fastening element includes a pair of fastening elements configured to releasably fasten the lower body to the intermediate body.

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

[0019] In some embodiments, the insect repellent device includes an annular wall arranged around a steam opening and configured to prevent water from flowing into the steam opening.

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

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

[0022] In some embodiments, the insect repellent comprises methoxybenzylfluthrin.

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

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

[0025] In some embodiments, the insect repellent device includes a charging circuit operatively connected to a rechargeable battery to control the charging of the rechargeable battery. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The above and related objects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will be more fully understood by referring to the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description of preferred, but only exemplary, embodiments of the invention, wherein: Figure 1 A perspective view of a portable insect repellent device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 2 A front view of a portable insect repellent device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 3 Detailed views of a release mechanism according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown; and Figure 4 An embodiment according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a portable insect repellent device. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The accompanying drawings illustrate an insect repellent device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the insect repellent device 100 (e.g., see...) Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 The repellent portion 10 may include a repellent portion 10 and a top portion 12. In some embodiments, the repellent portion 10 may include a lower body 10a and an intermediate body 10b (e.g., see...). Figure 4 In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the lower body 10a is substantially flat to allow the device 100 to be placed on any surface. In some embodiments, one or more legs or protrusions may extend from the bottom surface of the lower body 10a to allow the device to remain on most surfaces.

[0028] In some embodiments, the lower body 10a may include a power source 20, such as a battery. In some embodiments, the power source 20 (e.g., see...) Figure 4 The power source 20 may be a rechargeable battery. In some embodiments, the power source 20 may be any suitable power source. In some embodiments, the lower body 10a may include one or more input devices 22, such as an on / off button, switch, knob, or other input device, to control the operation of the device 100. In some embodiments, the lower body 10a may include a charging port 24 formed on its sidewall and operable to connect to a charging cable or other suitable connector for connecting to an external power source. In some embodiments, the lower body 10a may include one or more printed circuit boards 26 operatively connected to the input devices 22 to receive input information and connected to the power source 20. In some embodiments, the printed circuit board 26 may include control circuitry 26a or other control devices or elements, such as a microprocessor or other programmable devices that can be used to control the device 100. In some embodiments, control of the device 100 may be based on information provided via the input devices 22. In some embodiments, the printed circuit board 26 may include a charging circuit 26b operatively connected to the charging port 24 and the power source 20 and operable to control the charging of the power source 20. In some embodiments, the control circuitry 26a may control the charging circuitry 26b. In some embodiments, the printed circuit board 26 may include more than one printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the printed circuit board 26 need not be a printed circuit board and can be any suitable circuit or combination of circuit elements. In some embodiments, the lower body 10a may include one or more indicators 28 (e.g., see...). Figures 1-2One or more indicators may be used to indicate the state of device 100, such as whether the device is activated. In some embodiments, indicator 28 may be used to indicate the power level of power source 20, the charging of power source 20, or the state of device 100. In some embodiments, indicator 28 may be one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or other light-emitting elements. In some embodiments, any suitable indicator device may be used, including but not limited to displays, sound indicators, or vibration devices. In some embodiments, lower body 10a may include one or more drainage openings 29 formed through the bottom surface of lower body to allow water to drain outside device 100, making device 100 usable outdoors.

[0029] In some embodiments, the intermediate body 10b of the repellent portion 10 may include a heating assembly 30. In some embodiments, the heating assembly 30 may include a heating element 30a mounted in a heating housing 30b of the heating assembly. In some embodiments, the heating element 30a may be a ceramic heating element. In some embodiments, ceramic heating elements have advantages including rapid heating, high heat-to-volume ratio, and high energy efficiency. In some embodiments, any suitable heating element may be used, including etched foil heaters, belt heaters, or tubular heaters. In some embodiments, the heating element 30a may be electrically connected to a power source 20, such that the heating element 30a generates heat when powered. In some embodiments, a repellent cartridge 30d may be mounted in the heating housing 30b. In some embodiments, the repellent cartridge 30d may contain insect repellent. In some embodiments, a core 30e may extend from the top of the cartridge 30d and may be positioned adjacent to the heating element 30a when the repellent cartridge is mounted in the housing 30b. In some embodiments, the repellent cartridge 30d may be removably mounted in the housing 30b. In some embodiments, the cartridge 30d may be screwed into the housing 30b. In some embodiments, housing 30b may include opening 30f, configured to receive at least the top portion of box 30d, such that when the top portion of box 30d is positioned in opening 30f, core 30e is positioned adjacent to heating element 30a, for example, from... Figure 4 As can be seen. In some embodiments, the box 30d can be secured to the housing 30b in any desired manner. In some embodiments, the insect repellent may be methoxyfenozide; however, any suitable insect repellent may also be used, including tetrafluorobenzyl or essential oils, etc. In some embodiments, the core 30e may draw the repellent from the top of the box 30d to the vicinity of the heating element 30a, where heat from the heating element 30a vaporizes the repellent.

[0030] In some embodiments, the vaporized repellent can rise and flow out through a central opening 10c formed in the top surface of the intermediate body 10b, and enter a space S disposed between the top surface of the intermediate portion 10b and the top element 12a of the top portion 12. In some embodiments, the space S is defined by the top surface of the intermediate body 10b, the bottom surface of the top element 12a of the top portion 12, and sidewalls extending therebetween, the sidewalls including a plurality of openings 12b to allow the vaporized repellent to exit the device 100. In some embodiments, the central opening 10c is covered by a mesh screen 40, which allows the vaporized repellent to escape but restricts other materials from entering the intermediate body 10b of the repellent portion 10. In some embodiments, small annular walls 42 may be formed around the central opening 10c on the top surface of the intermediate body 10b to prevent rainwater from flowing into the central opening 10c.

[0031] In some embodiments, the intermediate body 10b is separable from the lower body 10a to allow access to the housing 30d, such that the housing 30d can be removed and replaced within the heating element housing 30b. In some embodiments, a pair of release elements 50a, 50b (see...) Figures 1-3 It can be set in the repellent part 10 to releasably connect the intermediate body 10b and the lower body 10a.

[0032] In some embodiments, the release element 50a may include a button 50a1 mounted in a corresponding housing 50a5 within the lower body 10a, the button being inwardly pushable to move a corresponding protrusion 50a2. The protrusion 50a2 may be received in a corresponding slot formed in the intermediate body 10b, such that when the protrusion 50a2 is in the slot, the lower body 10a is secured to the intermediate body 10b, and the lower body is released from the intermediate body when the protrusion is pushed inward. In some embodiments, a corresponding biasing spring 50a3 biases the button 50a1 and the protrusion 50a2 outward and into the slot, thereby holding the intermediate body 10b on the lower body 10a.

[0033] In some embodiments, input device 22 (see Figure 1 The input device 22 may be a power button or switch operable to activate the repellent portion 10. In some embodiments, the input device 22 may be used to activate the heating element 30a to vaporize the repellent in the core 30e. In some embodiments, an indicator 28 may be activated when the repellent portion 10 is activated.

[0034] One advantage of device 100 is that it repels insects by providing a substantially pest-free area around the device containing a vaporized cloud of repellent, and includes climate-protective features, allowing the device to be used both indoors and outdoors. In some embodiments, device 100 includes features that limit the amount of water that can enter the device and allow drainage of the device when water enters it. In some embodiments, device 100 can be powered or recharged by a solar cell C, which may be disposed on the top surface of the top element 12a (see...). Figure 1 This allows for power supply without an external power connection.

[0035] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will recognize many other variations, modifications, and other uses. Therefore, it is preferred that the invention not be limited to the specific disclosure herein.

Claims

1. An insect repellent device, characterized in that it comprises: a. A repellent component, the repellent component comprising: i. A lower body, the lower body comprising a flat lower surface configured to be placed on a surface such that the insect repellent device remains vertical, wherein 1. The lower surface includes at least one drain opening formed therein and configured to allow fluid to drain out of the device; ii. An intermediate body, said intermediate body including a heating assembly, 1. The heating assembly includes: (a) Heated housing; (b) A heating element, said heating element being installed in the heating housing; (c) A repellent box, said repellent box being installed in the heating housing. The insect repellent box includes an insect repellent and a core extending from the top of the insect repellent box and in fluid communication with the insect repellent; iii. A control circuit, which is installed in the lower body and configured to control the operation of the heating element; iv. An input device operatively connected to the control circuit to provide control information to control the operation of at least the heating element; v. A vapor opening, wherein the vapor opening is disposed in the top surface of the intermediate body and configured to allow vaporized insect repellent to pass through therethrough; vi. A screen, which is installed in the steam opening and configured to prevent debris from entering the steam opening; b. A top element, which is mounted on top of the repellent portion and has a space between the top surface of the intermediate body and the bottom surface of the top element. When the heating element is activated to vaporize the insect repellent in the core, the vaporized insect repellent enters the space.

2. The insect repellent device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a power supply, which is installed in the intermediate section and electrically connected to the control circuit and the heating element.

3. The insect repellent device according to claim 2, characterized in that... middle, The power source selectively provides power to the heating element.

4. The insect repellent device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes an indicator configured to indicate the status of the repellent device.

5. The insect repellent device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The indicator indicates the status of the heating element.

6. The insect repellent device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device further includes a printed circuit board mounted in the lower body, wherein the control circuit is disposed on the printed circuit board.

7. The insect repellent device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes one or more legs, which are mounted on the bottom surface of the lower body.

8. The insect repellent device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower body of the repellent portion is separable from the middle body to allow access to the repellent cartridge.

9. The insect repellent device according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the lower body is separated from the intermediate body, the repellent box is accessible within the intermediate body.

10. The insect repellent device according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the lower body separates from the intermediate body, the repellent box can be removed from the intermediate body.

11. The insect repellent device according to claim 8, characterized in that, It further includes a fastening element that releasably fastens the lower body to the intermediate body.

12. The insect repellent device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The fastening element includes a pair of fastening elements configured to releasably fasten the lower body to the intermediate body.

13. The insect repellent device according to claim 2, characterized in that, It further includes a solar panel mounted on the top surface of the top element and electrically connected to the power source.

14. The insect repellent device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes an annular wall, which is arranged to surround the steam opening and configured to prevent water from flowing into the steam opening.

15. The insect repellent device according to claim 1, characterized in that... middle, The indicator includes at least one light source.

16. The insect repellent device according to claim 1, characterized in that... middle, The indicator includes at least one light-emitting diode.

17. The insect repellent device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insect repellent contains methoxyfenozide.

18. The insect repellent device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The power source is a battery.

19. The insect repellent device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The power source is a rechargeable battery.

20. The insect repellent device according to claim 19, characterized in that, It further includes a charging circuit that is operatively connected to the rechargeable battery to control the charging of the rechargeable battery.

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