Combination of mosquito nets with technical functional items, and methods of their production, transport and use

Abstract

A combination of a carrier sheet (6) and a mosquito net (1), said mosquito net (1) comprising a mesh fabric (5) formed as a canopy to cover a bedding area and protect people from insects, said carrier sheet (6) being made of a flexible material and having edges attached to the mesh fabric (5) optionally by sewing, said carrier sheet (6) being loaded with technical functional items, such as water quality testing kits, etc. In this way, the mosquito net is used as a medium for distributing technical functional items to rural areas for personal household, environmental or agricultural purposes.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a combination of a mosquito net and a technical functional item attached to its mesh fabric, in particular to the combination according to the preamble of the independent claim, as well as to methods for producing and transporting said combination, as well as to a method of use.

[0002] Traditional mosquito nets are the most effective way to protect humans from malaria. In their simplest form, mosquito nets are simply mesh fabrics spread over human habitations, such as over a bed. Their effectiveness against mosquitoes and other insects has been enhanced by adding insecticides to the nets. Technology has advanced over the past 20 years, resulting in long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) that can be washed and used for several years. As a result, people tend to maintain their mosquito nets over long periods of time, and when people move due to drought, war, or other reasons, mosquito nets are usually one of the items they always take with them. This is due to their importance as a means of protection from vector-borne diseases and the nuisance of biting insects, as well as their lightweight and compact design, making them easy to carry.

[0003] In parallel with technological developments, distribution channels for mosquito nets have improved significantly, and insecticide-treated nets have become widely available, especially in rural areas of Africa. A 2008 campaign by Vestergaard also leveraged these net distribution channels to distribute water filters. The campaign specifically distributed PermaNet® type mosquito nets in Care-Pack® bags, which also contained LifeStraw® brand water filters, condoms, and educational materials on expanding the fight against vector-borne diseases like malaria to include sexually transmitted diseases like AIDS. While successful, the campaign was short-lived and did not evolve into a general distribution program for other disease prevention interventions.

[0004] While distribution channels for mosquito nets are efficient and well-organized, even in the most rural areas of Africa where infrastructure is lacking, other goods are not distributed as efficiently. Building such infrastructure for certain other goods is a difficult project, as the investment required is usually large and there is no guaranteed return on investment. However, it would be desirable to provide similar distribution channels for other goods, especially low-cost goods that can ease and improve life in rural areas. DESCRIPTION / SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a general improvement in the art. In particular, it is an object to provide an efficient distribution channel for items to rural areas to improve people's lives. This object and further advantages are achieved by the methods, combinations, and uses thereof described below and in the claims.

[0006] In short, mosquito nets are used as a vehicle for distributing technical and functional items in rural areas for private households, the environment or agriculture. In particular, they have been found to be useful in the following ways:

[0007] When transporting the mosquito nets from the manufacturing site to the end user's location, for example in rural areas of Africa, the mosquito nets can be used as a vehicle to transport other technical and functional items.

[0008] The term technically functional item refers to an item that has a technical purpose and function when used, particularly an item that responds to a stimulus and produces, for example, a physical and / or chemical reaction result. In some embodiments, the nature of the technical effect is human, environmental, or agricultural testing and analysis. For example, the technically functional item may include physical and / or chemical analytical testing of a test sample, such as drinking water, food, or agricultural soil, and may be configured to display the results of the analytical testing of the test sample to a user. However, electronic technically functional items may also be delivered, optionally as test kits, or alternatively, to provide other types of added value to a user's life, if desired.

[0009] In particular, the analytical tests are not aimed at medical diagnostic testing but are focused on other areas of life in rural areas.

[0010] The use of mosquito nets as a medium for transporting said technical and functional items has the great advantage that additional packaging, especially plastic bags and boxes, does not need to be used when delivering the items, saving resources and costs and reducing waste, which is in line with the global objective of reducing waste, especially plastic waste.

[0011] When mosquito nets are used as a vehicle for transporting such technical functional items, especially those that function as agricultural or environmental test systems, into rural areas, the technical functional items are placed on a thin, flexible carrier sheet, usually made of fabric or film, which serves as a carrier to hold the technical functional items during transport to the end user and which may also contain necessary instructions for use of the items and information on evaluation of the test results.

[0012] The carrier sheet is attached to the mesh fabric of the mosquito net. Typically, only the edges of the carrier sheet, rather than the entire edge, are attached to the mosquito net, for example, by sewing, similar to the typical attachment method used for information labels. Thus, the carrier sheet resembles an information label, which is typically attached to the mesh fabric along one edge to provide information about the mosquito net and its supplier. Because the carrier sheet resembles such an information label, it is much smaller than the mosquito net, specifically at least an order of magnitude smaller than the dimensions of the mesh fabric itself. Overall, the carrier sheet differs from the information label in that it has similar dimensions and shape to the information label attached to the mesh fabric, but carries a technical functional item, such as a test kit for water or soil analysis. In this way, the technical functional item is securely attached to the mosquito net by the carrier sheet and can be transported with the mosquito net from the manufacturing site to the end user's location without risk of being lost during transport. As an added advantage, the technical functional item does not need to be packaged separately from the mosquito net.

[0013] An additional benefit is obtained by attaching the carrier sheet to the mesh fabric of the mosquito net and then wrapping the technical functional item around the carrier sheet, which provides cushioning and shock absorption and creates an insulating layer around the technical functional item. This combination of mosquito net and carrier sheet with technical functional item can then be packaged and transported safely and packaged from the manufacturing site to the end user's location.

[0014] More specifically, mosquito nets typically comprise a mesh fabric formed into a canopy over a sleeping area to protect humans from insects. Such a canopy typically measures 2-3 meters from top to bottom when suspended. The carrier sheet is much smaller, typically ranging from 10-30 cm in length and width.

[0015] As already mentioned, the carrier sheet carrying the technical functional items is typically made of a flexible material such as a fabric or film, which has its edges attached to the mesh fabric, optionally by sewing, but can also be glued or plastic-welded to the mesh, the latter being possible with a thermoplastic material such as polyethylene or polypropylene.

[0016] The present invention is useful for various technical functional items other than medical diagnostic items. For example, the technical functional item is provided as a test kit in at least one of the following cases: - Water analysis inspection; - Testing of agricultural soils; - Food testing to detect toxic substances; - Environmental toxic gas testing - pH test

[0017] Examples of substances detected by the test kits include ammonia, bromine, chlorine, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, fluoride, sulfite, and / or metals (lead, cadmium, manganese, mercury, copper, chromium, thallium, etc.). For example, a liquid sample may be used, optionally obtained by dispersing a soil or food sample in a liquid such as water. Some toxic substances are subjected to specific other analytical kits, for example, to detect cyanide, azide, chromate, and arsenic. Some test kits are designed to detect mycotoxins, which are harmful and pose a significant problem in grain storage.

[0018] For example, a liquid sample is applied to the test area without covering it by removing a thin film protective cover, etc. After the test sample is applied, the test result is displayed after a predetermined reaction time.

[0019] In some embodiments, the technical functional item is an analytical kit for indicating the concentration of harmful gases such as radon, ozone, carbon monoxide, etc. Advantageously, the test reagent is protected within a hermetic cover, and removal of the cover allows the gas to come into contact with the reagent, which, if present in significant concentration, indicates the presence of the gas, for example by displaying a concentration scale or by displaying a number or icon.

[0020] For example, the carrier sheet may be fitted with a reagent container containing a test reagent that the user can mix with a liquid or solid substance (e.g., water) to test drinking water or food quality to assess whether there is a quality problem. Other examples include agricultural samples such as soil to test the agricultural sample for specific substances (optionally pathogens or nutrient concentrations).

[0021] In some embodiments, the mixing causes the appearance of the test sample and reagent mixture to change depending on the test result (positive or negative, or degree of concentration), for example, the color or density of the mixture changes, thereby indicating whether the reagent has reacted positively or negatively with the sample.

[0022] In other embodiments, a sample liquid (e.g., water) is introduced onto a planar tubular array, and the sample liquid, whether or not mixed with a reagent before being applied to the tubular array, passes through the tubular array and undergoes a reaction with an analytical result that is visible to the user, such as coloration that may be caused by a selective chemical reaction.

[0023] If the test is testing the concentration of a specific substance, such as a nutrient or a toxin, the color change may be gradual depending on the concentration of the substance. To facilitate the user's evaluation of such changes, the carrier sheet may be provided with, for example, a printed comparison indicator. The comparison indicator displays possible colors and / or intensities so that the user can directly compare the color or intensity of the mixture of the reagent and the test sample with the indicator and determine the analysis result based on the comparison.

[0024] Typically, the comparative display of the reaction between the reagent and the sample liquid is clear enough to allow the user to visually interpret the results. However, the accuracy of the analysis can be improved by using a smartphone application that compares the test results with the comparative display on the carrier sheet. Alternatively or additionally, the smartphone application may include a comparative display programmed for evaluation of the test and may be programmed with a feedback function to present the results to the user.

[0025] In some cases, for better comparison and accurate evaluation, the carrier sheet is provided with an application area having a test evaluation area where the sample is applied after reacting with the reagent, and the change in color or transparency is compared with the comparison display area so that the user can determine the test result of the analysis.

[0026] Optionally, the application area is provided with a reagent that indicates to the user when a liquid sample has been applied, whether or not the reagent from the reagent container is present. Again, a comparative indicator on the side of the application area is very helpful to the user in correctly assessing the test results.

[0027] In some embodiments, the carrier sheet carries a removable analytical test strip configured to display an analytical result after exposure to a sample liquid, such as water. Again, the carrier sheet advantageously includes a comparative indicia thereon, allowing the strip and carrier sheet to be positioned side-by-side and for a user to evaluate the test result of the removed strip by comparing it with the comparative indicia on the carrier sheet.

[0028] One example is a test strip for measuring pH, which not only indicates whether a liquid such as water is acidic or alkaline by changing color, but also reveals the degree of acidity through the pH value.

[0029] In some embodiments, as an option for accurate evaluation of color or intensity changes in analytical tests, a smartphone is used with a corresponding application (also called APP) programmed in the smartphone's computer.Optionally, data is exchanged wirelessly through an Internet cloud system.For evaluation, the field of view of the smartphone's built-in camera is directed to the test evaluation area, and the recorded image is evaluated by the application itself, or the recorded image is transmitted via the Internet and used by a correspondingly programmed server system.

[0030] To resemble a carrier sheet, only the edges of the flexible carrier sheet are attached to the mesh fabric, e.g., by stitching, and the edges are shorter than the entire perimeter of the carrier sheet. In some embodiments, it is advantageous for the carrier sheet to be removable from the mesh fabric. To this end, for example, a removal line is provided in the sheet material of the carrier sheet, e.g., by perforations parallel to the fixed edge of the carrier sheet.

[0031] The present invention is particularly useful in analytical kits for agricultural and / or environmental control.

[0032] Other potentially useful technological functional items include thermometers and humidity sensors.

[0033] Optionally, a combination of different sensors may be provided.

[0034] In some analytical embodiments, the carrier sheet optionally includes analytical electronics. Optionally, the electronics may be printed onto the carrier sheet. For example, the electronics may optionally include a sensor for analyzing the sample liquid after it has been mixed with a reagent, particularly an analytical reagent. For example, the electronics may include a conductivity detector to indicate ion concentration.

[0035] In some embodiments, the technical functionality item is an electronic component, for example selected from: - Solar cells to provide power - Batteries for storing and delivering power - Speaker - microphone - Light-emitting part - Light detection unit (e.g. camera) - Computer Unit - Display screen - Push button - Keypad - RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags - NFC (Near Field Communication) tags - Motion Sensor - light source - Indoor contamination detection unit - Transmitters, receivers, or transceivers of electromagnetic waves containing analog or digital information (e.g., radio waves or Bluetooth signals)

[0036] For example, a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit (optionally a camera) are combined with a computer unit powered by a solar-powered battery to evaluate a test sample on a test area. For example, the test sample is illuminated by the light-emitting unit, the reflected light is captured by the light-detecting unit, and the signal is analyzed by a computer to obtain an electronically evaluated analysis result. Optionally, a speaker is used to provide information to the user, which is advantageous for illiterate or visually impaired users.

[0037] For example, the analytical detection component may include a light-detecting microarray or camera to measure the density, color, or transmittance of a sample liquid, optionally mixed with a reagent. Examples include measuring the turbidity of water or spatially resolved color analysis to assess the presence of microorganisms, such as insects or harmful protozoa, in water. The electronics may provide feedback to a user. A flat battery may be mounted on the carrier sheet to provide electrical current to the electronics, and optionally, a flexible solar cell may be mounted on the carrier sheet to power the electronics and any such battery for sample analysis.

[0038] In such cases, it may be advantageous if the carrier sheet having electronic components printed on the material of said carrier sheet is removable from the mesh, for example by tearing along a perforated release line, thereby removing the functional portion of the carrier sheet from the remaining portion which remains attached to the mesh fabric.

[0039] Regarding electronic devices, it is pointed out that the development of electronic devices in recent years has led to great advances in electronic devices with thin, flat and flexible characteristics, and even display screens and push buttons for easy communication.

[0040] In some useful embodiments, the electronic device includes a speaker for instructions and feedback, which is useful for communicating with illiterate, blind, or otherwise visually impaired individuals. A microphone can be used for user interaction.

[0041] In some embodiments, the smartphone is used as an additional tool, for example to provide additional information to the user. Alternatively, the smartphone can be used as a communications link between the electronic device on the net and a remote server or remote personnel, allowing communication with the remote personnel accessible via a wireless connection or wireless data transfer connection.

[0042] Actions by the smartphone or another reader device can be triggered by various triggering mechanisms on the carrier sheet, such as QR codes, bar codes, printed internet links, holographic tamper-evident labels, or even RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) or NFC (Near Field Communication) tags on the carrier sheet.

[0043] For example, the trigger mechanism may be used to provide trigger information to a reader (optionally a smartphone). In the latter case, the smartphone may be programmed with a computer application (a so-called APP) that responds not only to the trigger mechanism but also, potentially, to user input or input from an external server or person. In some embodiments, an APP is required to read information from the trigger mechanism, so that the risk of fraud is minimized.

[0044] Optionally, the smartphone or other type of reader device may react to the tag reading by, for example, displaying specific information to the user or even prompting for input. Augmented reality is one communication option for the user. The smartphone may initiate wireless communication with a central server upon tag reading to perform further actions. These various options may also be combined.

[0045] For example, the technology is being used in the fields of education, health, and agriculture, as well as for applications related to mosquito nets, such as information sharing, anti-counterfeiting, and detecting the durability of mosquito nets and insecticides.

[0046] Options for increased user comfort include a fragrance dispenser on the carrier sheet or an air sanitizer that is advantageously released slowly over an extended period of time, such as several months or a year.

[0047] Other options include disinfectants and water purification agents.

[0048] Additional insecticides or synergists are another option for dispensers on the carrier sheet. For example, a mosquito net may already be coated with an insecticide such as a pyrethroid, but an additional insecticide or synergist may be applied to enhance the insecticidal effect, especially in cases of insecticide resistance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0049] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows a mosquito net with a carrier sheet attached. FIG. 2 shows a removable carrier sheet with a thermometer attached. FIG. 3 shows a non-removable carrier sheet with a removable test strip attached. Figure 4 shows a carrier sheet onto which a test kit containing reagents and a swab is attached. Figure 5 shows the test kit and carrier sheet with attached reagents at the point of use. FIG. 6 shows a carrier sheet to which a blood test kit containing one or more reagents is attached. Figure 7 shows smartphone assistance for evaluation of test kits. FIG. 8 shows a carrier sheet with a time lapse indicator attached. Figure 9 shows the carrier sheet with the solar cells and electronic circuitry attached. FIG. 10 shows the electronics on a carrier sheet for testing and analysis. Figure 11 shows a dual parameter warning sheet.

[0050] Figure 1 shows a mosquito net 1. The mosquito net 1 has a roof 2 and side walls 3, which in this illustrated embodiment consist of upper and lower side walls 4A, 4B. Such side walls 3, with the lower part 4B made of a more durable material than the upper part 4A, are found in insecticidal mosquito nets under the trademark PermaNet 3.0®, although this is not essential to the invention and the side walls 3 may also be made of one type of material.

[0051] The mesh fabric of the mosquito net 1 is provided with a similar carrier sheet 6, along with a label 6' that is attached, typically by sewing, to the mesh fabric 5 of the mosquito net 1. This label 6' is a standard for providing the user with information about the mosquito net and the manufacturer. As will become more apparent below, the standard of the label 6' on the mosquito net 1 can also be used to attach the carrier sheet 6 to the mesh fabric 5 for distributing technical and functional items together with the mosquito net 1. The latter offers several distinct advantages, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0052] Typically, such a carrier sheet 6 has one end attached to the bottom edge 1A of the mosquito net 1. As an alternative method for fastening the carrier sheet 6 to the mesh fabric 5 of the mosquito net 1, the end of the carrier sheet 6 can be attached to another part of the mosquito net 1, such as by being sewn into the seam 1B between the upper and lower parts 4A and 4B of the side wall 3, as also shown in Figure 1.

[0053] Some types of carrier sheet 6 are permanently secured to the mesh fabric 5 and are intended to remain on the mesh fabric 5. This means that removing the carrier sheet 6 from the mesh fabric 5 by pulling or tearing it will also damage the mesh fabric 5. As noted, cutting with scissors, for example, is a method of removing a portion of the carrier sheet 6 from the mesh fabric 5, but the sewn portion of the carrier sheet 6 remains on the mesh fabric 5, and the carrier sheet 6 is not considered removable in the sense described above.

[0054] Notwithstanding the above, some carrier sheets 6 have portions that are removable from mesh fabric 5 and are intended to be removed for use. Such carrier sheets 6 are typically provided with perforated separation lines 7, as shown by the diagonal lines in FIG. 1, along which portions of carrier sheet 6 are removed from mesh fabric 5.

[0055] As will be explained in more detail below, various types of analytical technical functional items can be carried by such a carrier sheet 6.

[0056] By using a carrier sheet 6 with the same dimensions and handling as a regular information label, the handling of such a carrier sheet and the technique for attaching it to the mesh fabric are the same as for a standard information label, which has the advantage that the carrier sheet equipped with the technically functional items according to the present invention can be easily manufactured without changing the streamlined manufacturing process of conventional mosquito nets, minimizing extra costs and labor. The latter is an important aspect because the low price of the mosquito net 1 needs to be maintained.

[0057] FIG. 2 shows a carrier sheet 6 carrying a thin thermometer 8 (e.g., a printed thermometer). The thermometer carrier sheet 6 is typically attached to a mesh fabric 5 by stitching, with the thermometer portion removable from the mesh fabric 5 along a peel-off line 7, such as a perforation indicated by a diagonal line. Once removed, the thermometer 8 can be used to measure ambient temperature or the temperature of a specific liquid or solid, displaying a temperature within a predetermined measurement range. In the illustrated example, the thermometer 8 has a series of numbers indicating a range of 10°C to 50°C, which is within the typical residential temperature range. The measured temperature is displayed by highlighting the corresponding temperature number, for example, by changing color, brightness, or highlighting a frame 9 or area around the corresponding number. One option is to use a thermochromic material.

[0058] FIG. 3 shows a carrier sheet 6, with one carrier sheet portion 6A carrying a test strip 10 for analytical testing, such as drinking water testing, food poisoning testing, or agricultural soil analysis testing. The test strip 10 can be removed from the carrier sheet 6 by, for example, detaching the first carrier sheet portion 6A from the remaining second carrier sheet portion 6B, as shown. In this case, the second carrier sheet portion 6B remains adhered to the mesh fabric 5. After conducting a test using the test strip 10 by applying, for example, drinking water or a liquid from food, the user can confirm the result by comparing it with various result options A, B, C, or D on the test result comparison display 15. For example, two variations indicate a positive test result, a negative test result, or an invalid test result for chemicals and / or microorganisms. While only one test strip 10 is shown on the illustrated carrier sheet 6, multiple removable test strips may be attached.

[0059] FIG. 4 shows a carrier sheet 6 carrying a reagent container 11 containing a reagent 12. The carrier sheet 6 optionally carries a cotton swab 13, which may be covered with plastic for hygienic reasons but is not shown here. For example, the cotton swab 13 is used to collect a sample from a food product and then dipped into a reagent 12, which changes appearance (e.g., color) depending on its chemical reaction with the food sample. The final mixture of food sample and reagent 12 is then applied to an application area 14. The user can subtract the test result by comparing it with a color or density scale 15, which may be supported by a level indicator 16. For protection reasons, the application area 14 is typically covered with a sealed plastic film to keep it usable and clean, and this film must be removed to access the application area 14. For illustrative purposes, the cover is not shown here. Optionally, the comparison application area 14 contains an additional reagent to further clarify the test results. For example, the reagent 12 in the container tests for microorganisms, while a second reagent on the application area 14 tests for a specific chemical substance.

[0060] FIG. 5 shows reagent container 11 containing reagent 12 and test kit 17, held in and easily removable from carrier sheet 6, ready for use. For hygienic reasons and to maintain the usable condition of the test kit, the test kit is typically packaged in a sealed plastic bag that must be broken to remove the test kit from carrier sheet 6. For illustrative purposes, the sealed bag is not shown here. For example, a user might place food or soil in reagent container 11, disperse it in reagent 12, and then apply the reagent sample to test kit 17. The test result for a particular chemical or microorganism is then displayed in result window 18.

[0061] 6 shows a carrier sheet 6 carrying visual information 31. A user uses this carrier sheet 6 to dispense a liquid sample onto the test evaluation area 30, and then adds reagents from one or more reagent reservoirs 11 that cause a visible reaction in the test evaluation area 30.

[0062] Alternatively, the reagents may already be present on the test evaluation area, and only the test sample may be applied after removing the cover film that typically covers the test evaluation area.

[0063] 7 shows an option for accurately assessing color or intensity changes in analytical tests. Specifically, it uses a smartphone 22 and a corresponding application (also called an APP) programmed in the smartphone's 22 computer. Optionally, data is exchanged by wireless communication 23 via an internet cloud system 24. For assessment, the field of view 25 of the built-in camera 26 is directed toward the test assessment area 30 on the carrier sheet 6, for example, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0064] Figure 8 shows a time indicator 27 on the carrier sheet 6, which displays the passage of time, for example, the estimated lifespan of the insecticide on the mesh fabric 5 or the lifespan of an analysis kit included with the mosquito net 1. The time indicator 27 changes color or color intensity over time, making it clearly visible and easily interpretable by the user.

[0065] 9 shows a carrier sheet 6 carrying flexible electronics, such as printed electronic circuits 29, and optionally solar cells 28 for powering the electronic circuits 29. It may also optionally carry a flexible battery. For example, the electronics may be printed on a flexible substrate, which is then attached to the flexible carrier sheet 6, or printed directly onto the flexible carrier sheet material, such as a fiber-reinforced plastic film for stability. To use the solar cells 28 separately from the mosquito net 1, the corresponding portion of the carrier sheet 6 may be made removable from the mesh fabric 5 by means of peel lines 7.

[0066] The electronic circuit 29 on the carrier sheet 6 is suitable for analytical testing, an example of which is shown in FIG. 10 , which is a cross-sectional view of the electronic circuit 29 used in analytical testing. The electronic circuit 29 is electronically connected to a visual detection unit 33, such as a single photodiode for color detection. Alternatively, the visual detection unit 33 may comprise an array of photodiodes, for example in the form of a microcamera, optionally including a lens for spatial resolution. The visual detection unit 33 is configured to detect the appearance of a test sample 34 applied to the test evaluation area 30 on the cover sheet 32, typically after mixing with a reagent. A detection signal from the visual detection unit 33 is transmitted to the electronic circuit 29. The electronic circuit 29 is advantageously programmed to perform an analysis of the signal from the visual detection unit 33. This may include evaluating a color change or color intensity due to a reagent, or evaluating the intensity and / or reflectance of the test sample.

[0067] To facilitate evaluation of the test sample 34, an optional light emitter 35, such as a light emitting diode (LED) that emits light at a test-specific wavelength, illuminates the test sample 34 and is then captured by the visual detection unit 33. This method also allows for fluorescence measurements of the test sample 34.

[0068] Alternatively or additionally, a probe 36 may be provided to measure physical and / or chemical properties of the test sample 34 in the analytical test area 30. For example, the probe 36 may be used to measure conductivity. Advantageously, the system includes a combination of a visual detector 33 and a probe 36.

[0069] Optionally, the electronic circuitry 29 is connected to a visual indicator 37, such as a multicolored diode, to provide feedback to the user.

[0070] Optionally, a push button 38 or keypad is provided for the user to switch on the electronic circuitry 29 for testing and for communication from the user to the electronic circuitry 29 .

[0071] FIG. 11 shows a dual-parameter alarm sheet 40 carried on a carrier sheet. The sheet has response areas 43A-43D that provide information to the user in response to a combination of physical parameters. For example, if an alarm is triggered in any of these areas 43A-43D, the user receives a lit or highlighted information message. Arrows 41 and 42 indicate elevated levels of the two parameters, but are not typically displayed on the alarm sheet 40.

[0072] For example, different reaction areas 43A-43D may be activated depending on the actual temperature and humidity levels in the air. In this example, area 43A represents an area where the temperature and humidity are low. If an alarm is triggered in this area, it may be signaled, for example as a lit or highlighted information message, and may relate to relatively safe environmental conditions with regard to mosquitoes. In contrast, warm and humid conditions may be associated with conditions with high mosquito densities, and therefore a warning may be displayed to the user in area 43D that it is important to use a mosquito net whenever possible.

[0073] All of the above-mentioned carrier sheets 6 are made of flexible materials to prevent the mesh fabric 5 from peeling off.

Claims

1. 1. A combination of a carrier sheet (6) and a mosquito net (1), wherein the mosquito net (1) comprises a mesh fabric (5) formed as a canopy to cover a sleeping area and protect humans from insects, the carrier sheet (6) is made of a flexible sheet material, such as a fabric or film, and has portions, such as edges, that are sewn to the mesh fabric (5), the carrier sheet (6) carrying a technical functional item, which is configured to provide at least one physical and / or chemical reaction result in response to a stimulus in use.

2. 10. The combination of claim 1, wherein the technical functionality item comprises a physical or chemical analytical test on a test sample and is configured to display the results of the analytical test to a user upon exposure of the analytical test to the test sample.

3. 3. The combination of claim 2, wherein the carrier sheet (6) carries reagents (12) for an analytical test when the reagents (12) are exposed to a liquid test sample, the carrier sheet (6) having an application area (14) on its surface for applying and evaluating a mixture of the test sample and reagent, and is configured to provide a visible test result after applying the mixture of the test sample and reagent onto the application area (14).

4. 4. The combination of claim 3, wherein the carrier sheet (6) is provided with a comparison display portion (15) having different colors or intensities as indicators of different results of the analytical test, so that a user can compare the color or intensities of the mixture of the reagent and the test sample with those of the comparison display portion (15) and determine the test result of the analytical test based on the comparison.

5. 5. The combination according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the test reagent (12) is a liquid contained in a reagent container (11) for mixing with the test sample before applying the test sample together with the reagent to the application area (14).

6. 5. The combination of claim 3 or 4, wherein the carrier sheet (6) carries a removable test strip (10) having the reagent (12) and configured to display the result of an analytical test after exposure to the liquid test sample, and the carrier sheet (6) is provided with a comparative display portion (15) having a display portion that displays different results of the analytical test, to help a user evaluate the test result on the strip (10) by comparing it with the comparative display portion (15).

7. 10. The combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the technical functional item comprises an electronic circuit (29) and a visual detection unit (33) electronically connected to the electronic circuit (29), the visual detection unit (33) being provided in the application area (14) for detecting the color or intensity of a mixture of reagent and test sample and sending a corresponding electronic signal to the electronic circuit (29), the electronic circuit (29) being programmed to evaluate the received electronic signal and based on the evaluation provide a test result as test feedback to the user.

8. 8. The combination of claim 7, wherein the electronic circuitry includes a visual indicator (37) for providing feedback to a user of the test results.

9. 9. The combination according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the technical functional items on the carrier sheet (6) comprise flexible solar cells (28) for powering the electronic circuits (29).

10. 10. The combination of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the technical functional item comprises a chemical test kit that, upon exposure to a liquid test sample, indicates at least one predetermined substance in the liquid test sample: ammonia, bromine, chlorine, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, fluoride, sulfite, lead, cadmium, manganese, mercury, copper, chromium, thallium, cyanide, azide, chromate, arsenic, and mycotoxins.

11. 10. The combination of claim 1, wherein the carrier sheet (6) has a peripheral edge, and only a portion of the edge, shorter than the peripheral edge, is attached to the mesh fabric.

12. 12. The combination of claim 11, wherein a portion of the edge is attached to the mesh fabric (5) by stitching.

13. 13. The combination according to claim 11 or 12, wherein a portion (6A) of the carrier sheet (6) is removable from the mesh fabric (5) by removing it along a peel line (7).

14. 14. The combination according to claim 13, wherein the peel line (7) comprises perforations for easy removal.

15. 15. A method for producing and transporting a combination according to any one of claims 1 to 14 from a manufacturing site to an end-user location, the method comprising: providing the technical functional items on a flexible carrier sheet (6) made of fabric or film; and attaching only edge regions of the carrier sheet (6) to a mesh fabric (5) of a mosquito net (1), rather than the entire edge, to form a carrier sheet (6) on the mesh fabric (5); the dimensions of the carrier sheet (6) are at least one order of magnitude smaller than the dimensions of the mesh fabric (5); the method comprises attaching the carrier sheet (6) with the attached technical functional items to the mesh fabric (5) so that the mesh fabric (5) provides a shock-absorbing and heat-insulating layer around the technical functional items, after which the carrier sheet (6) and the technical functional items are wrapped and packaged in the mesh fabric (5), and sending the combination of the mosquito net and the carrier sheet with the technical functional items wrapped from the manufacturing site to the end-user location.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the technological functional item comprises a physical or chemical test kit, the method comprising exposing the test kit to a liquid test sample and causing the test kit to indicate at least one predetermined substance in the liquid test sample.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the method comprises causing the test kit to indicate at least one predetermined substance selected from the group consisting of ammonia, bromine, chlorine, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, fluoride, sulfite, lead, cadmium, manganese, mercury, copper, chromium, thallium, cyanide, azide, chromate, arsenic, and mycotoxins.

18. Use of a combination according to any one of claims 1 to 14 or a method according to any one of claims 15 to 17 to provide a physical or chemical analytical test kit to an end user.

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