Combination of a mosquito net and a technical functional item and a method of manufacturing and transporting such combination as well as use thereof

Abstract

Combination of a mosquito net and a medical analytic technical functional item and a method of manufacturing and transporting such combination as well as use thereof A mosquito net (1) in combination with a carrier sheet (6), wherein the mosquito net (1) comprises a mesh fabric (5) formed as a canopy for covering a sleeping place and protecting humans against insects; wherein the carrier sheet (6) is made of a flexible material and has an edge portion, which is attached to the mesh fabric (5), optionally by sewing; wherein the carrier sheet (6) carries a technical functional item, for example a water test kit. This way, mosquito nets are used as a vehicle for distributing technical functional items for personal use, household, environment, or agriculture into rural areas

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a combination of a mosquito net and a technical functional item attached to the mesh fabric of the net. In particular, it relates to a combination according to the preamble of the independent product claim. It also relates to a method for manufacturing and transporting such combination as well as use thereof.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Traditional mosquito nets are the most efficient way to protect humans against malaria. In its simplest form, a mosquito net is a mesh fabric spanning over a dwelling space occupied by humans, for example as a bed night over a sleeping place. Enhancement of efficacy against mosquitoes and other insects has been by adding insecticides to the nets. The technologies in this field within the last two decades have advanced to provide long-lasting insecticidal nets, LLIN, having a lifetime of several years, despite being washed. Accordingly, people maintain their nets for long time, and when they move from place to place, be it because of drought or war, the mosquito net is typically one of the items that is always taken along, in particular because of its importance as a guard against vector borne diseases and against the nuisance of biting insects, but also due to its low weight and volume making it easy to carry.

[0003] Alongside the technical development, also distribution channels for the nets have improved substantially, so that insecticidal mosquito nets are found widespread in rural areas, especially in Africa. Distribution channels of mosquito nets were used for distribution of water filters in a campaign in 2008 by the company Vestergaard, where mosquito nets, in particular of the type PermaNet®, were distributed in bags, named CarePack®, that also contained a water filter of the trademark LifeStraw®, and condoms, as well as educational material in order to extend the fight against malaria and other vector-borne diseases to also cover AIDS and other sexual transmitted diseases. Although, this campaign was a success, it did not continue for long and did also not evolve into a general distribution scheme of other disease-preventive measures.

[0004] Whereas the distribution channels for mosquito nets are efficient and well-organized, even into the most rural areas in Africa where infrastructure is at a low level, few other goods are distributed with such efficiency. Building such infrastructure for other specific goods is a difficult project, as the needed investment is typically large, and return of investment is far from guaranteed. However, it would be desirable to provide similar distribution channels for other goods, especially low-cost good that may ease and improve life in such rural areas.DESCRIPTION / SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is therefore an objective of the invention to provide a general improvement in the art. In particular, it is an objective to provide efficient distribution channels for items into rural areas in order to improve the life of people. This objective and further advantages are achieved with a method and with a combination as well as its use as described below and in the claims.

[0006] In short, mosquito nets are used as a vehicle for distributing technical functional items for personal use household, environment, or agriculture into rural areas. In particular, the following has been found useful.

[0007] When a mosquito net is transported from the production site to an end user site, for example a rural area in a remote location in Africa, the mosquito net can be used as a vehicle to bring other technical functional items.

[0008] The term technical functional item is used for items having a technical purpose and function when in use, in particular giving a response to a stimulant, such as giving a physical and / or chemical reactive result. In some embodiments, the nature of the technical effect is in personal, environmental, or agricultural testing and analysis. For example, the technical functional item comprises a physical and / or chemical analytic test of a test sample, for example drinking water, food, or agricultural soil, and is configured for indicating to a user an analytic test result of a test sample. However, also electronic technical functional items can be transported as needed, optionally as a test kit and alternatively for bringing other types of added value into the life of the user.

[0009] In particular, the analytic test aims at not being a medical-diagnostic test but has focus on other areas of life in rural areas.

[0010] The use of mosquito nets as vehicle for transporting the technical functional item avoids the use of additional packaging material, in particular plastic bags and boxes, for distributing the items, which is highly advantageous in that it reduces resources and costs and reduces waste material, in line with the intention of reducing waste worldwide, in particular reducing plastic waste.

[0011] For using the mosquito net as a vehicle for bringing such technical functional items into rural areas, in particular technical functional items that serve as agricultural or environmental test systems, the technical functional item is provided on a thin flexible carrier sheet, typically made of fabric or film, which serves as a carrier for holding the technical functional item during transport until the end user site and which also may contain the necessary instructions for use of the item as well as information for an evaluation of test results.

[0012] The carrier sheet is attached to the mesh fabric of the net. Typically, only an edge region of the carrier sheet, but not the entire edge that surround the carrier sheet, is attached to the net, for example by sewing, similar to the normal attachment method use for an information label. The carrier sheet, thus, resembles the information labels that are typically attached with one of their edges to the mesh fabric for providing information about the net and the provider. Being similar with such information label, also the carrier sheet has dimensions much smaller than the mosquito net, in particular being at least an order of magnitude smaller than dimensions of the mesh fabric, itself. All in all, the carrier sheet has dimensions and typically also the shape similar to the information label attached to the mesh fabric and differs from the information labels in that it carries a technical functional item, for example a test kit for water quality or soil analysis. The technical functional item, thus, gets firmly attached to the net by the carrier sheet and will follow the net from the manufacturer to the end user site without any risk of the technical functional item getting lost on the journey. An additional advantage is achieved in that the technical functional item does not require separate packaging than the mosquito net.

[0013] An even further advantage is achieved, after attachment of the carrier sheet to the mesh fabric of the mosquito net, by wrapping the mesh fabric around the carrier sheet with the technical functional item. This way, the mesh fabric provides a cushioning, shock-absorbing effect and forms a temperature-insulating layer around the technical functional item. The combination of mosquito net and carrier sheet with the technical functional item is then packed and sent in safe, wrapped configuration from the production site to the end user site.

[0014] In more detail, the mosquito net comprises a mesh fabric, which typically is formed as a canopy for covering a sleeping place and protecting humans against insects. Such canopy has a size in the order of two or three meter length from the top of the mosquito net till bottom edge when hanging. The carrier sheet is much smaller, for example in the range of 10-30 cm long and wide.

[0015] As already mentioned, the carrier sheet carrying the technical functional item is made of a flexible material, typically fabric or film. It has an edge portion that is attached to the mesh fabric, optionally by sewing, although, it can also be glued or plastic welded to the mesh, the latter being possible for thermoplastic materials, such as polyethylene or polypropylene.

[0016] The invention is useful for a large variety of technical functional items that are not medical diagnostic items. For example, the technical functional item at least one among the items listed below, for example provided as a test kit:

[0017] water quality analysis test;

[0018] agricultural soil test,

[0019] food test to reveal poisoning substances;

[0020] environment toxic gas test;

[0021] pH test.

[0022] Examples of substances to be detected by the test kit are ammonia, bromine, chlorine, nitrates, nitrites, phosphates, fluoride, sulphites, and / or metals, for example lead, cadmium, manganese, mercury, copper, chromium, or thallium. For example, liquid samples are used, optionally liquid samples obtained by dispersion of soil samples or food samples in liquids, for example water. Some poisons are subject to certain other analysis kits, for example for detecting cyanide, azide, chromate, and arsenic. Some test kits are configured for detecting mycotoxins, as these are harmful and a substantial problems in grain storage.

[0023] For example, a liquid sample is applied to a test arca after uncovering the test area, such as pulling off a thin film protective cover. After applying the test sample and after a certain predetermined reaction time, the test result is revealed.

[0024] In some embodiments, the technical functional item, is an analysis kit for indicating the concentration of harmful gases, for example radon, ozone, or carbon monoxide. Advantageously, the test reagent is protected inside a hermetic cover, which when removed allows gases to come into contact with the reagent, which then gives an indication of the presence of the gases if present at a substantial concentration, for example by indication of a concentration on a scale or by stating a number or icon.

[0025] For example, the carrier sheet carries a reagent container with test reagent that the user mixes with liquids or solid substance, for example water to test the water quality for potential drinking or pieces of food items, in order to assess whether there are problems with the quality thereof. Other examples include agricultural samples, for example soil, for testing the agricultural sample against certain substances, optionally pathogens or nutrient concentrations.

[0026] In some embodiments, the mixing causes a change in appearance of the mix of test sample and reagent in dependence of the test result, whether positive or negative or indicating a degree of concentration. For example, the mix changes colour or darkness, which is an indication of whether the reagent reacted positive or negative to the sample.

[0027] In other embodiments, the sample fluid, for example water, is brought onto a planar tubular arrangement, where the sample fluid, with or without being mixed with a reagent prior to application onto the tubular arrangement, traverses through the tubular arrangement and causes reactions with a analytic result visible to the user, for example by colouring, potentially caused by selective chemical reaction.

[0028] If the test is a test for concentration of a specific substance, such as nutrient or poison, the colour change may be gradual in dependence on the substance concentration. For easing the user's evaluation of such change, the carrier sheet may have provided thereon, for example printed thereon, a comparison indicator which illustrates possible colours and / or shadings in order for the user to directly compare colour or darkness of the mix of reagent and test sample with the indicator and by this comparison determine the test result of the analysis.

[0029] Typically, the comparison indicator in relation to the reagent reaction with the sample fluid is sufficiently distinct in order for the user to visually interpret the result. However, it is also possible to increase analysis precision by using a smartphone application that compares the test result with the comparison indicator on the carrier sheet. Alternatively, or in addition, the smartphone application may comprise a programmed comparison indicator for evaluation of the test and may be programmed with a feedback function to indicate the result to the user.

[0030] In some case for better comparison and correct assessment, the carrier sheet has thereon an applicator field with a test evaluation area to which the sample after reaction with the reagent is applied and where changes in colour or transparency are compared to the comparison indicator in order for the user to determine the test result of the test analysis. Optionally, the applicator field has some reagent which when the liquid sample is applied, be it with or without a reagent from a reagent container, gives an indication to the user. Also in this case, the comparison indicator at the side of the applicator field is a great help for the user to assess the test result correctly.

[0031] In some embodiments, the carrier sheet carrying a detachable test strip for analysis. The strip is configured for indicating an analysis test result after having been exposed to sample liquid, for example water. Also in this case, it is an advantage to have a comparison indicator on the carrier sheet for the user to evaluate the test result on the detached strip by comparison with the comparison indicator on the carrier sheet, having the strip and the carrier sheet in a side-by-side configuration.

[0032] An example is a test strip for pH determination, the colour changes of which indicated whether a liquid, such as water, is acidic or alkaline and may also reveal the degree of acidity in pH value.

[0033] In some embodiments, as an option for precise evaluation of colour changes or intensity variations for analytic tests, a smartphone is used with a corresponding application, also called, APP, which is programmed inside the computer of the smartphone. Optionally, data are exchanged by wireless communication through an internet cloud system. For evaluation, the field of view of the built-in camera of the smartphone is directed to the test evaluation area, and the recorded image evaluated, either by the app itself or by submitting the recorded image over the internet and using a correspondingly programmed server system.

[0034] In order to resemble a carrier sheet, only the edge portion of the flexible carrier sheet is attached to the mesh fabric, for example by sewing, where the edge portion is shorter than the entire edge around the periphery of the carrier. In some of the embodiments, it is advantageous that the carrier sheet is detachable from the mesh fabric. For this, a detachment line is provided, for example by a perforation in the sheet material of the carrier sheet, for example in parallel along the fastened edge portion of the carrier sheet. The invention is in particular useful for analysis kits for agricultural and / or environmental control.

[0035] Other potentially useful technical functional items are thermometers and humidity sensors.

[0036] Optionally, various sensors are provided in combination.

[0037] In some embodiments for analysis, the carrier sheet comprises electronics, optionally for analytic use. An option is electronics that are printed on the carrier sheet For example, the electronics comprise a sensor for analysis of sample liquids, optionally after having been mixed with reagents, in particular analytic reagents. For example, the electronics comprise conductivity detectors, which indicate ion concentrations.

[0038] In some embodiments, the technical functional item is an electronic item, for example selected among the following:

[0039] solar cell for providing electrical power;

[0040] a battery for storing and delivering electrical power;

[0041] loudspeaker;

[0042] microphone;

[0043] a light emitter;

[0044] a light detector, for example a camera;

[0045] a computer unit;

[0046] display screen;

[0047] push button,

[0048] key pad;

[0049] RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag;

[0050] NFC (Near-Field Communication) tag,

[0051] motion sensors;

[0052] light source;

[0053] indoor pollution detector;

[0054] transmitter or receiver or transceiver for electromagnetic waves, containing analogue or digital information, for example radio waves or Bluetooth signals.

[0055] For example, the light emitter and the light receiver, optionally camera, in combination with the computer unit, powered by the battery, which is charges by the solar cell, are used for evaluating a test sample on a test area. For example, the test sample is illuminated by the light emitter and the reflected light captured by the light detector and the signals analysed by the computer, leading to an electronically evaluated analytic test results. Optionally, the loudspeaker is used for giving information to the user, which is advantageous for illiterate or vision-impaired users.

[0056] For example, the analytic detector includes microarrays of light detectors, or even a camera, in order to measure density, colour, or transmission, of the sample fluid, optionally mixed with reagents. An example is turbidity of water as well as a spatial resolved colour analysis, for example for evaluating whether there are worms or some types of microorganisms in the water, such a harmful protozoa. The electronics may give a feedback to the user as a result of the measurements. In order to provide electrical current to the electronics, a flat battery, for example battery printed on the carrier sheet, may be carried by the carrier sheet, and, optionally a flexible photovoltaic cell that provides electricity to the electronics on the carrier sheet and such optional battery for use in sample analytics.

[0057] In such case, it is advantageous, if the carrier sheet with the electronics thereon, for example printed on the material of the carrier sheet, is detachable from the mesh, for example by tearing along a perforated detachment line, to detach a functional portion of the carrier sheet from a remaining portion that stays attached to the mesh fabric.

[0058] In relation to electronics, it is pointed out that recent electronic development has had great advances in electronics with thin, flat, and flexible properties, even display screens and push buttons for simple communication.

[0059] In some useful embodiments, the electronics include a loudspeaker for instructions and feedback, which is useful for communication to illiterate and for blind or otherwise vision-impaired people. A microphone can be used for a dialogue with the user.

[0060] In some embodiments, a smartphone is used as an additional tool, for example for giving additional information to the user. Another option is a smartphone as a communication link between the electronics on the net and a remote server or remote personnel for communication with remotely located personnel, accessible through a radio connection or wireless data transfer connection.

[0061] Smartphone actions or actions by a different reader device are potentially triggered by various trigger mechanisms on the carrier sheet, for example QR codes, bar codes, printed internet links, or holographic tamperproof labels, or even RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags or NFC (Near-field communication) tags on the carrier sheet.

[0062] For example, the trigger mechanism is used for providing 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, which is responsive to the trigger mechanism and potentially also to user input and / or input from an external server or person. In some embodiments, the APP is necessary to read information from the trigger mechanism so that risk for fraud is minimized.

[0063] Optionally, the smartphone or other type of reader device reacts upon reading the tag, for example by displaying certain information to the user and potentially ask for input. It should be mentioned that augmented reality is an option for the communication to the suer. The smartphone may also initiate wireless communication with a central server upon reading the tag and cause further actions. These various options may be combined.

[0064] For example, use of the above technologies are within the fields of education, health, agricultural, as well as applications in relation to the net, including information sharing, anti-counterfeiting, and detection of durability of the net and its insecticide. Options for increase of comfort for the user includes scent dispensers on the carrier sheet or air disinfectant, advantageously released slowly over long period of time, for example several months or even a year.

[0065] Other options include disinfectants and water purification agents.

[0066] Additional insecticide or synergist is another option for a dispenser on the carrier sheet. For example, although, the net already carries an insecticide, for example a pyrethroid, the additional insecticide or synergist may be provided in order to enhance the action, in particular in case of insecticidal resistance.SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawing, where

[0068] FIG. 1 illustrates a mosquito net with carrier sheets attached to it;

[0069] FIG. 2 illustrates a detachable carrier sheet with a thermometer;

[0070] FIG. 3 illustrates a non-detachable carrier sheet with a detachable test strip;

[0071] FIG. 4 illustrates a carrier sheet with a test kit comprising a reagent and a swab stick;

[0072] FIG. 5 illustrates a carrier sheet with a point-of-use test kit and a reagent;

[0073] FIG. 6 illustrates a carrier sheet with a blood test kit comprising one or multiple reagents;

[0074] FIG. 7 illustrates smartphone assistance for the test kit evaluation;

[0075] FIG. 8 illustrates a carrier sheet with a time lapse indicator;

[0076] FIG. 9 illustrates a carrier sheet with a photovoltaic cell and an electronic circuit;

[0077] FIG. 10 illustrates electronics on the carrier sheet for test analysis

[0078] FIG. 11 illustrates a double-parameter alert sheet.DETAILED DESCRIPTION / PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0079] FIG. 1 illustrates a mosquito net 1. The mosquito net 1 has a roof 2 and sidewalls 3, which in this illustrated embodiment comprises upper portion 4A and lower portion 4B of sidewalls 3. Such sidewalls 3 with a lower portion 4B made of a more durable material than the upper portion 4A, are found in the insecticidal mosquito net with the trademark PermaNet 3.0®, but this is not necessary for the invention, where the sidewalls 3 can also be in one type of material.

[0080] Attached, typically by sewing, to the net fabric of the mosquito net 1 are carrier sheets 6 that are similar and provided in addition to labels 6′ that are attached to the mesh fabric 5 of the mosquito net I as a standard for providing information to the user about the net and the manufacturer. As will become more apparent in the following, the standard principle of labels 6′ on mosquito nets 1 can be used for attachment of carrier sheets 6 to the mesh fabric 5 for distributing technical functional items together with the mosquito net 1. The latter brings about a number of distinct advantages, as explained in more detail in the following.

[0081] Typically, such carrier sheets 6 are attached with one of their edges to the lower edge 1A of the mosquito net 1. As an alternative means for fastening carrier sheets 6 to the mesh fabric 5 of the mosquito net 1, the carrier sheets 6 can be attached with their edge to another portion of the mosquito net 1, for example being sewn into the seam 1B between the upper portion 4A and the lower portion 4B of the sidewalls 3, which is also illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0082] Some types of carrier sheets 6 are fastened irremovably to the mesh fabric 5 and are intended to remain on the mesh fabric 5, which means that the removal of the carrier sheet 6 by pulling or tearing it away from the mesh fabric 5 would also damage the mesh fabric 5. It is pointed out that cutting, for example with scissors, would be a method to remove a portion of the carrier sheet 6 from the mesh fabric 5, but the sewn portion of the carrier sheet 5 would remain on the mesh fabric 5, and the carrier sheet 6 is not regarded detachable in the sense of the above.

[0083] Irrespective of the above, some carrier sheets 6 have portions that are provided removable from the mesh fabric 5 and are intended to be removed for use. Such carrier sheets 6 are provide with a separation line 7, typically a perforated line, which is indicated in FIG. 1 by a hatched line, from which a portion of the carrier sheet 6 is removed from the mesh fabric S.

[0084] As will be explained in more detail below, various types of analytical technical functional items can be carried by such carrier sheets 6.

[0085] The use of carrier sheets 6 that are dimensioned and handled similar to ordinary information labels is advantageous in that the technology for handling such carrier sheets and attaching them to the mesh fabric is similar to the standard information labels, so that the carrier sheets with the technical functional items according to the invention can be readily implemented without changing the traditional streamlined production procedure of mosquito nets, keeping extra costs and extra efforts at minimum. The latter is an important aspect, as low pricing for mosquito nets 1 must be preserved.

[0086] FIG. 2 illustrates a carrier sheet 6 that carries a thin thermometer 8, for example printed thermometer. The carrier sheet 6 as a thermometer carrier is attached to the mesh fabric 5, typically by sewing, and the thermometer portion of it is made detachable from the mesh fabric 5 by a detachment line 7, for example a perforation as indicated by the hatched detachment line 7. Once detached, the thermometer 8 can be used for measuring the temperature of the surrounding or of specific liquids or solids, and the thermometer 8 will indicate the temperature within a given measurement range. The thermometer 8 is exemplified in having a row of numbers, which is in the present exemplified illustration is ranging from 10° C. to 50° C., thus, ranging within typical temperatures in dwellings. The measured temperature is indicated by the respective temperature number being highlighted, for example by colour, intensity, or by a highlighted frame 9 or area around the respective number. An option is use of thermochromic material.

[0087] FIG. 3 illustrates a carrier sheet 6 in which one carrier sheet portion 6A carries a test strip 10 for an analytic test, for example a drinking water test, a food poison test, or a test for agricultural soil analysis. The test strip 10 is detachable from the carrier sheet 6, for example by detachment of a first carrier sheet portion 6A from a second, remaining carrier sheet portion 6B, as illustrated, where the second carrier sheet portion 6B remains attached to the mesh fabric 5. After having performed the test with the test strip 10, for example by applying drinking water or liquid from food to it, the user may verify the result by comparison to a test result comparison indicator 15 for the various result options A, B, C, or D, for example illustrating a positive test result in two variants of chemicals and / or microbes, or a negative test, or an invalid result of the test. Although, the illustrated carrier sheet 6 only shows a single test strip 10, it may carry multiple detachable test strips.

[0088] FIG. 4 illustrates a carrier sheet 6 which carries a reagent container 11 that contains a reagent 12. The carrier sheet 6, as an additional option, carries a cotton stick 13, optionally encapsulated in plastic for hygiene reasons but not illustrated here. For example, the cotton stick 13 is used to take a swab from food and then dipped into the reagent 12 which changes appearance, for example colour, in dependence of a chemical reaction with the food sample, after which the final mix of food sample and agent 12 is applied to the applicator field 14 from which the user can deduct a test result when comparing with a colour or intensity scale 15, potentially supported by a level indicator 16. For protective reasons, to keep the applicator field 14 useable and free from dirt, it would normally be covered by a sealed plastic film that is to be taken off in order to get access to the applicator field 14. For sake of illustration, the cover is not shown here. Optionally, the comparison applicator field 14 comprises a further reagent in order to make the test result more distinct. For example, the reagent 12 in the container tests for microbes, and ta second reagent on the applicator field 14 test for some specific chemicals. FIG. 5 shows a reagent container 11 with reagent 12 as well as a point-of-use test kit 17 that is carried by the carrier sheet 6 and which can be readily detached from the carrier sheet 6. For hygienic reasons, and in order to keep the test kit useable, it would normally be contained in a sealed plastic bag that is to be broken in order to get the test kit from the carrier sheet 6. For sake of illustration, the sealed bag is not shown here. For example, the user has to put some food or soil into the reagent container 11 and disperse it in the reagent 12, after which the reagent sample is applied to the test kit 17, which is then indicating in its result window 18 whether the test is positive on certain chemicals or microbes.

[0089] FIG. 6 illustrates a carrier sheet 6 which carries visual information 31 for the user to provide drops of a liquid sample onto the test evaluation area 30, after which reagent from one or more reagent containers 11 is added, which leads to some type of reaction visible in the test evaluation area 30.

[0090] Alternatively, reagent is already on the test evaluation area, and only test sample has to be provided, typically after removal of a cover film over the test evaluation area.

[0091] FIG. 7 illustrates an option for precise evaluation of colour changes or intensity variations for analytic tests, namely by using a smartphone 22 with a corresponding application, also called, APP, which is programmed inside the computer of the smartphone 22. Optionally, data are exchanged by wireless communication 23 through an internet cloud system 24. For evaluation, the field of view 25 of the built-in camera 26 is directed to the test evaluation area 30, for example on the carrier sheet 6 of FIG. 6.

[0092] FIG. 8 illustrates a time indicator 27 on the carrier sheet 6, indicating some time lapse, for example with respect to the estimated lifetime of the insecticide on the mesh fabric 5 or lifetime of the analytic kit that is provided with the mosquito net 1. The time indicator 27 changes colour or colour intensity with time so that this is clearly visible and easy to interpret for the user.

[0093] FIG. 9 illustrates a carrier sheet 6 carrying flexible electronics, such as a printed electronic circuit 29 and optionally a photovoltaic cell 28 for powering the electronic circuit 29. Optionally, it may also carry a flexible battery. For example, the electronics are printed on a flexible substrate, which is attached to the flexible carrier sheet 6 or printed directly onto a flexible carrier sheet material, such as a plastic film, potentially fibre-reinforced for stability reasons. In order to use the photovoltaic cell 28 separately from the mosquito net 1, the corresponding portion of the carrier sheet 6 may be made detachable from the mesh fabric S with a detachment line 7.

[0094] The electronic circuit 29 on the carrier sheet 6 is advantageously applied for analytic tests, for which an example is given in FIG. 10, which is a cross sectional view of an electronic circuit 29 used for analytic test analysis. The electronic circuit 29 is electronically connected to a visual detector 33, for example a single photodiode for colour detection. Alternatively, the visual detector 33 comprises an array of photodiodes, for example in the form of a micro camera, optionally including a lens for spatial resolution. The visual detector 33 is configured for detecting visual appearances of a test sample 34 of test sample that has been applied onto a test evaluation area 30 on top of a cover sheet 32, typically after mixing with reagent. The detection signal from the visual detector 33 is transmitted to the electronics circuit 29. The electronic circuit 29 is advantageously programmed for performing analysis of the signal from the visual detector 33. This can include evaluation of colour changes caused by a reagent or colour intensities or evaluation of darkness and / or reflectivity of the test sample.

[0095] In order to facilitate evaluation of the test sample 34, an option is provision of a light emitter 35, for example a light emitting diode, LED, for example emitting light at a test-specific wavelength, which is then captured by the visual detector 33 after illumination of the test sample 34. Such method also allows fluorescent measurements of the test sample 34.

[0096] An alternative or additional option is the provision of a probe 36 for measuring physical and / or chemical properties of the test sample 34 in the analysis test area 30. For example, the probe 36 is used for measuring conductivity. Advantageously, the system comprises a combination of visual detector 33 and probe 36.

[0097] Optionally, in order to provide a feedback to the user, the electronic circuit 29 is connected to a visual indicator 37, for example a multi-coloured diode.

[0098] As an option, there is provided a push button 38 or key pad in order for the user to switch-on the electronic circuit 29 for the test and for possible further communication from the user to the electronic circuit 29.

[0099] FIG. 11 illustrates a double-parameter alert sheet 40 carried by a carrier sheet. It comprises reactive areas 43A through 43D on the sheet, which are reactive with respect to giving information to the user in dependence on a combination of physical parameters. For example, an alert in one of these areas 43A-43D is given as an illumination or highlighted information message to the user. The arrows 41, 42 illustrate increasing level of the two parameters, but the arrows are usually not shown on the alert sheet 40.

[0100] For example, the different reactant areas 43A-43D are triggered in dependence on the level of the actual temperature and the level of humidity in the air. In this example, area 43 A illustrates an area with low temperature and low humidity. An alert in this area, for example, given as an illumination or highlighted information message, could potentially relate to an environmental condition that is relatively safe against mosquitoes. In contrast thereto, warm and humid conditions may lead to an alert in the area 43D with a warning to the user that it is important to use the mosquito net whenever possible, as this relates to conditions with high mosquito density.

[0101] All the carrier sheets 6 as describe above are made from flexible materials in order to prevent it from breaking off the mesh fabric 5.

Claims

1. an article comprising a mosquito net (1) and a carrier sheet (6), wherein the mosquito net (1) comprises a mesh fabric (5) formed as a canopy for covering a sleeping place and protecting humans against insects; wherein the carrier sheet (6) is made of a flexible sheet material, and has a portion, that is attached, to the mesh fabric (5), wherein the carrier sheet (6) carries a functional item, wherein the functional item is configured for providing at least one of a physical and / or chemical reactive result in response to a stimulant when in use.

2. The article according to claim 1, wherein the technical functional item comprises a physical or chemical analytic test for a test sample and is configured for indicating to a user an analytic test result when exposing the analytic test to the test sample.

3. The article according to claim 2, wherein the carrier sheet (6) carries a reagent (12) for the analytic test when the reagent (12) is exposed to a fluidic test sample, and wherein the carrier sheet (6) has an applicator field (14) on its surface for provision and evaluation of the mix of test sample and reagent and configured for providing a visible test result after provision of the mix of test sample and reagent on the applicator field (14).

4. The article according to claim 3, wherein the carrier sheet (6) has thereon a comparison indicator (15) with varying colour or shading as indicators for different outcomes of the diagnostic test in order for the user to compare colour or darkness of the mix of reagent and test sample with the colour or shading of the comparison indicator (15) and for determining the test result of the analytic test on the basis of the colour or darkness of the mix by comparison with the comparison indicator (15).

5. The article according to claim 3, wherein the test reagent (12) is a liquid contained in a reagent container (11) for mixing with the test sample prior to application of the test sample onto the applicator field (14) together with the reagent.

6. The article according to claim 3, wherein the carrier sheet (6) carries a detachable test strip (10) that has on its service the reagent (12) and is configured for indicating a result of the analytic test after having been exposed to the fluidic test sample, wherein the carrier sheet (6) has a comparison indicator (15) thereon with indicators for different outcomes of the analytic test as a help for the user to evaluate the test result on the strip (10) by comparison with the comparison indicator (15).

7. The article according to claim 1, wherein the functional item comprises an electronic circuit (29) and a visual detector (33) that electronically connected to the electronic circuit (29), wherein the visual detector (33) is provided at the applicator field (14) for detecting colour or darkness of the mix of reagent and test sample and for transmitting a corresponding electronic signal to the electronic circuit (29), and wherein the electronic circuit (29) is programmed for evaluating the received electronic signal and providing a test result to the user as a feedback for the test on the basis of the evaluation.

8. The article according to claim 7, wherein the electronic circuit comprises a visual indicator (37) for feedback to the user of the test result.

9. The An article according to claim 7, wherein the functional item on the carrier sheet (6) includes a flexible photovoltaic cell (28) for powering the electronic circuit (29).

10. An article according to claim 1, wherein the technical functional item comprises a chemical test kit which upon exposure to a fluid test sample provides an indication of at least one predetermined substance in the fluid test sample selected from the group consisting of ammonia, bromine, chlorine, nitrates, nitrites, phosphates, fluoride, sulfite, lead, cadmium, manganese, mercury, copper, chromium, thallium, cyanide, azide, chromate, arsenic, and mycotoxin.

11. The article according to claim 1, wherein the carrier sheet (6) has an edge around its periphery and only a portion of the edge, which is shorter than the edge around the periphery, is attached to the mesh fabric.

12. The article according to claim 11, wherein the portion of the edge is attached to the mesh fabric (5) by sewing.

13. The article according to claim 11, wherein a portion (6A) of the carrier sheet (6) is detachable from the mesh fabric (5) by detachment along a detachment line (7).

14. The article according to claim 13, wherein the detachment line (7) comprises a perforation for ease of detachment.

15. A method for manufacturing and transporting an article according to claim 1, from a production site to an end user site, the method comprisingproviding the functional item on a flexible carrier sheet (6) made of fabric or film and attaching only an edge region of the carrier sheet (6), but not the entire edge that surround the carrier sheet (6), to the mesh fabric (5) of the mosquito net (1) to form a carrier sheet (6) on the mesh fabric (5); wherein the carrier sheet (6) has dimensions at least an order of magnitude less that dimensions of the mesh fabric (5);wrapping the mesh fabric (5) around the carrier sheet (6) and the technical functional item, after attachment of the carrier sheet (6) with the technical functional item to the mesh fabric(5) in order for the mesh fabric (5) to provide a shock absorbing and temperature insulating layer around the technical functional item, andpacking and sending the combination of mosquito net and carrier sheet with the technical functional item, in wrapped configuration from the production site to the end user site.

16. A method according to claim 15, wherein the technical functional item comprises a physical or chemical test kit and the method comprises exposing the test kit to a fluid test sample and causing the test kit to provide an indication of at least one predetermined substance in the fluid test sample.

17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the method comprises causing the test kit to provide an indication of at least one selected from the group consisting of ammonia, bromine, chlorine, nitrates, nitrites, phosphates, fluoride, sulfite, lead, cadmium, manganese, mercury, copper, chromium, thallium, cyanide, azide, chromate, arsenic, and mycotoxin.

18. (canceled)19. An article according to claim 1, wherein the flexible sheet material is a fabric or film.

20. An article according to claim 1, wherein the portion is an edge portion.

21. An article according to claim 1, wherein the portion is sewn to the mesh fabric (5).

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