Anti-insect protective assembly.

Abstract

An anti-insect protective assembly (200) comprises a bed net (100) and an insect repellent carrier (201) diffusing an insect-repelling substance when in contact with ambient air. The bed net (100) is provided with a sleeve (101) adapted to movably hold the insect repellent carrier (201). The sleeve (101) comprises a window (102) dimensioned to expose only a portion of the insect repellent carrier (201) to ambient air. Moving the insect repellent carrier (201) in the sleeve (101) causes another portion of the insect repellent carrier (201) to be exposed to the ambient air.

Description

[0001] Anti-insect protective assembly.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] An aspect of the invention relates to an anti-insect protective assembly comprising a bed net. The bed net may enclose a space preventing insects from entering that space. Other aspects of the invention relate to an enhanced bed net and an insect repellent carrier for use in an anti-insect protective assembly.

[0004] BACKGROUND ART

[0005] A bed net is a widely used and cost-effective public health tool. The world health organization (WHO) indicates that more than 2.2 billion bed nets have been distributed since 2005. A bed net protects on average 2 sleepers for a period of 2-3 years. The Lancet review indicates that of an estimated 1.2 billion reduction in malaria cases and deaths, almost 70% can directly be related to bed nets. Bed nets may have saved more than 9 million lives. The Givewell foundation considers bed nets as one of the most cost-effective ways to make impact for donations. They estimate one life can be saved at a cost of about $ 5,500 only. In total, it is estimated that approximately one life is saved for each 240 bed nets. Moreover, since bed nets protect against diseases causing disability or reducing quality of life, or both, bed nets have a significant positive economic impact, especially in regions with a high prevalence of insect-borne diseases.

[0006] However, mosquito biting behavior is changing. Particular species that have traditionally bit at night are now also biting during dusk and dawn period, albeit less frequently than during the night. Consequently, there is a growing risk of a person getting bitten during time periods when the person, while being indoors, is not protected by a bed net.

[0007] There are several solutions that may address the aforementioned problem. One solution consists in emitting smoke indoors by means of, for example, coils or candles that are made to burn. Another solution consists in products referred to as spatial repellents, which are capable of diffusing chemical substances. A spatial repellent may be in the form of, for example, a piece of fabric soaked in insect repellent chemicals or a plastic surfaces treated with insect repellent chemicals. Yet another solution consists inemitting acoustic signals at a frequency that repels mosquitos by means of a battery-operated electronic device. However, these solutions suffer from a limited life span. Coils and candles are consumed in a relative short period of time, as well as conventional spatial repellents. Similarly, batteries may run out after a relative short period of time.

[0008] Replacement is frequently required, which is cumbersome and may be relatively costly.

[0009] So-called indoor residual spraying is a solution that may offer longer term protection. A chemical is sprayed indoors onto walls. The thus treated walls may be effective in killing mosquitos for a period of several months, typically up to 6 months. In combination with bed nets, indoor residual spraying has shown to provide effectiveness against malaria. However, indoor residual spraying requires teams of sprayers to spray on a frequent basis. These specially trained teams wearing hazmat suits are relatively expensive to deploy. Thus, the cost-effectiveness of this solution is questionable. Money spent on indoor residual spraying may be more effectively spent on other public health tools.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] There is a need for a solution providing protection against insect bites during day and night that is cost-effective, has a relatively long life span, and is relatively easy to deploy.

[0012] An aspect of the invention, which is defined in claim 1, relates to an antiinsect protective assembly comprising a bed net and an insect repellent carrier diffusing an insect-repelling substance when in contact with ambient air, wherein the bed net is provided with a sleeve adapted to movably hold the insect repellent carrier, the sleeve comprising a window dimensioned to expose only a portion of the insect repellent carrier to ambient air, whereby moving the insect repellent carrier in the sleeve causes another portion of the insect repellent carrier to be exposed to the ambient air.

[0013] A further aspect of the invention, which is defined in claim 11, relates to a bed net for use in an anti-insect protective assembly as defined hereinbefore, the bed net being provided with a sleeve adapted to movably hold an insect repellent carrier, the sleeve comprising a window dimensioned to expose only a portion of the insect repellent carrier to ambient air, whereby moving the insect repellent carrier in the sleeve causes another portion of the insect repellent carrier to be exposed to the ambient air.

[0014] A yet further aspect of the invention, which is defined in claim 11, relates to an insect repellent carrier diffusing an insect-repelling substance when in contact withambient air, the insect repellent carrier being adapted for use in an anti-insect protective assembly as defined hereinbefore.

[0015] In each of these aspects, the insect repellent carrier contained in the sleeve of the bed net may have a relatively large size. The insect repellent carrier may thus comprise a relatively large amount of the insect repellent substance. Consequently, a gradual diffusion of the insect repellent substance may cover a relatively long time span, which may be comparable with a nominal life span of the bed net. Such a gradual diffusion is possible due to two features; the window in the sleeve and the insect repellent carrier being movable in the sleeve. Only a portion of the insect repellent carrier is fully exposed to the ambient air through the window. This portion may then diffuse the insect repellent substance during a given length of time, after which diffusion may become insufficient. The insect repellent carrier may then be moved in the sleeve so that another portion having sufficient diffusion capability is exposed to the ambient air through the window.

[0016] The anti-insect protective assembly may be deployed in the same manner as conventional bed nets are generally deployed. Bed nets are generally deployed during campaigns that take place every two to three years only. This is because bed nets have a nominal lifespan that is typically between two to three years. As discussed hereinbefore, the anti-insect protective assembly is capable of diffusing the insect repellent substance during this nominal life span. Thus, existing bed net deployment campaigns can be used effectively to provide a population with comprehensive protection against insect bites, day and night, for a period of at least two to three years. The bed net offers protection at nighttime. The insect repellent substance diffused by the insect repellent carrier in the sleeve of the bed net offers protection at daytime, including dusk and dawn. This comprehensive protection is achieved in a cost-effective manner, has a relatively long life span, and is relatively easy to deploy.

[0017] In an embodiment according to claim 2, the sleeve is present in a lower portion of the bed net.

[0018] In an embodiment according to claim 3, the sleeve forms a loop around the bed net.

[0019] In an embodiment according to claim 4, the insect repellent carrier forms a loop around the bed net.

[0020] In an embodiment according to claim 5, the window has a size that is about Y divided by X times smaller than that of the insect repellent carrier, Y being a number corresponding to a nominal service life of the bed net (100) in a unit of time, X being annumber corresponding to a length of time in the same unit of time during which the portion of the insect repellent carrier that is exposed to the ambient air through the window is capable of diffusing the insect repellent substance.

[0021] In an embodiment according to claim 6, the insect repellent carrier is divided into multiple segments having a size corresponding with that of the window in the sleeve.

[0022] In an embodiment according to claim 7, respective segments of the insect repellent carrier have respective removable covers preventing diffusion of the insect repellent substance when present.

[0023] In an embodiment according to claim 8, the bed net is provided with a shutter adapted to close off the window in the sleeve.

[0024] In an embodiment according to claim 9, the bed net comprises a mechanism that operates on the shutter so that the shutter closes off the window when the bed net is in a deployed state and, conversely, leaves the window open when the bed net is in a folded state.

[0025] In an embodiment according to claim 10, the mechanism comprises a string coupled to the shutter. The string is in a tensioned state when the bed net is in a deployed state. The string is in a loose state when the bed net is in a folded state.

[0026] For the purpose of illustration, some embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings. In this description, additional features will be presented, some of which are defined in the dependent claims, and advantages will be apparent.

[0027] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. l is a schematic perspective view of an enhanced bed net, wherein the enhanced bed net is in a deployed state.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective semitransparent view of an anti-insect protective assembly that comprises the enhanced bed net with an insect repellent carrier present in a sleeve of the enhanced bed net.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the enhanced bed net, wherein the enhanced bed net is in a partially folded state.

[0030] FIG 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of the enhanced bed net comprising a shutter, wherein the shutter is in an open position.FIG 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the part of the enhanced bed net comprising the shutter, wherein the shutter is in a closed position.

[0031] FIG 6 is a schematic perspective view of a part of the sleeve comprising a window provided with the shutter, wherein the shutter is in an open position.

[0032] FIG 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the sleeve comprising the window provided with the shutter, wherein the shutter is in a closed position.

[0033] DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an enhanced bed net 100 in a deployed state. FIG. 1 provides a schematic perspective view of the enhanced bed net 100, which will be referred to hereinafter simply as bed net 100 for ease of reading. In this embodiment, the bed net 100 has a cuboid form, comprising four side walls, a roof, and elements for attaching the bed net 100. The sidewalls and the roof may essentially be made of a fabric formed by a knitted filament material. The knitted filament material may incorporate an insecticide. The elements for attaching the bed net 100 may comprise, for example, several hooks allowing for easy hanging over a bed. The bed net 100 may then enclose a space, in which the bed is present, preventing insects from entering that space.

[0034] The bed net 100 is provided with a sleeve 101. In this embodiment, the sleeve 101 is present in a lower portion of the bed net 100. Furthermore, the sleeve 101 forms a loop around the bed net 100, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The sleeve 101 may be sewn into the lower portion of the bed net 100. Adding the sleeve 101 may give the bed net 100 greater structural strength. This in turn may make the bed net 100 more durable.

[0035] The sleeve 101 comprises a window 102, which is referred to hereinafter as the sleeve window 102. In this embodiment, the bed net 100 is provided with a shutter 103 that can close off the sleeve window 102. FIG. 1 illustrates this condition; the shutter 103 is in a closed position. In case the shutter 103 is an open position, the sleeve window 102 is exposed to ambient air. The shutter 103 may manually be opened and closed. However, the bed net 100 may comprise a mechanism that automatically closes and opens the shutter 103 when the bed net 100 is in a deployed state or in a folded state, respectively. An example will be presented hereinafter.

[0036] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an anti-insect protective assembly 200, which comprises the bed net 100 with an insect repellent carrier 201 present in the sleeve 101. FIG. 2 provides a schematic semitransparent perspective view of the bed net 100 showing the insect repellent carrier 201. Like in FIG. 1, the bed net 100 is in the deployedstate. The insect repellent carrier 201 is movably held in the sleeve 101 of the bed net 100. The insect repellent carrier 201 diffuses an insect-repelling substance when in contact with ambient air. The insect-repelling substance may be any suitable substance, chemical composition, effective in spatial insect repellency in a distance around the bed net 100. This distance may cover a whole room or living space. Factors such as efficacy and cost will generally determine the insect repelling substance that is most suitable for a particular application.

[0037] In this embodiment, the insect repellent carrier 201 is in the form of a strip that forms a loop around the bed net 100, like the sleeve 101 in which the strip is present. The insect repellent carrier 201 will be referred to hereinafter as insect repellent strip 201 for the sake of convenience and illustration. The insect repellent strip 201 may be, for example, a plastic strip treated with chemicals. The strip may have a length of, for example, about 6.8 meters, in case the bed net 100 has a standard size of 180cm by 160cm. Having this length, the insect repellent strip 201 can form a loop around the bed net 100.

[0038] The sleeve window 102 is dimensioned to expose only a portion of the insect repellent strip 201 to ambient air. The remaining portion of the insect repellent strip 201 in the sleeve 101 is isolated from the ambient air to a certain extent. The portion of the insect repellent strip 201 that can be exposed to the ambient air is the portion that aligns with the sleeve window 102. In order for this portion to be exposed to the ambient air, the shutter 103 has to be in the open position. In case the shutter 103 is in the closed position, the insect repellent strip 201 is sealed off in its entirety from the ambient air to a certain extent.

[0039] The sleeve window 102 may be dimensioned as follows. The bed net 100 has a nominal service life, which can be expressed in a unit of time by a number Y. The portion of the insect repellent strip 201 that is exposed to the ambient air through the sleeve window 102 is capable of diffusing the insect repellent substance during a certain length of time. This length of time may be expressed in the same unit of time by a number X. The sleeve window 102 may then have a size that is about Y divided by X times smaller than that of the insect repellent strip 201. This may ensure that the insect repellent substance is diffused throughout the nominal service life of the bed net 100, that is, as long as the bed net 100 typically lasts.

[0040] In this embodiment, the insect repellent strip 201 is divided into segments 202. Such a segment 202 has a size corresponding with that of the sleeve window 102. The number of segments may thus correspond to Y divided by X as defined hereinbefore. Forexample, let it be assumed that a segment 202 of the insect repellent strip 201 is capable of diffusing the insect repellent substance during about 4 weeks, that is, a month. Let it further be assumed that nominal service life of the bed net 100 is about 3 years, that is 36 months. In this exemplary case, the insect repellent strip 201 may comprise 36 segments. As another example, 12 segments are sufficient, if each segments is capable of diffusing the insect repellent substance during about 12 weeks, that is, 3 months.

[0041] A segment 202 may have a removable cover preventing diffusion of the insect repellent substance when present. This provides additional isolation from the ambient air, which may be advantageous if the sleeve 101 provides insufficient isolation. The removable cover may be in the form of, for example, an adhesive film that can be peeled off from the segment 202 of the insect repellent strip 201.

[0042] A user of the bed net 100 illustrated in FIG. 2 may move the insect repellent strip 201 that is present in the sleeve 101. The user may do so when a segment 202 that is aligned with the sleeve window 102 may no longer be capable of diffusing the insect repellent substance, or, at least, not to a sufficient extent. By moving the insect repellent strip 201, the user may align another segment 202, which has not yet been exposed, with the sleeve window 102. In case this new segment 202 has a removable cover, the user may remove this cover so as to allow the new segment 202 to diffuse the insect repellent substance.

[0043] The user may be prompted to move the insect repellent strip 201 so as to align a new segment 202 with the sleeve window 102. The user may be prompted to do so when an amount of time has elapsed during which a segment 202 is nominally capable of diffusing the insect repellent substance. For example, an application installed on a mobile phone, or other type of device, may present a reminder message. As another example, the segment 202 may comprise a visual indicator that may prompt the user to move the insect repellent strip 201. The visual indicator may be, for example, in the form of a color that changes when the segment 202 may no longer be capable of diffusing the insect repellent substance.

[0044] The shutter 103 should preferably be in the closed position at night, when the user is protected by the bed net 100. This prevents the insect repellent substance from being diffused when it is not effective. In turn, this expands the lifespan of the insect repellent strip 201; the insect repellent strip 201 may provide effective protection during a longer period. Moreover, the insect repellent strip 201 need to be moved less frequently, about half as frequently, than if the shutter 103 remains constantly open both during dayand night. The same applies when compared to an embodiment that has no shutter to seal off the sleeve window 102.

[0045] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates the bed net 100 in a partially folded state. Like FIG. 1, FIG. 3 provides a schematic perspective view of the bed net 100. The partially folded state may be an intermediate stage while the user pulls up the bed net 100 to fold it. The shutter 103 is in the open position when the bed net 100 is the partially folded state, The bed net 100 remains in this position when folded. To that end, the bed net 100 comprises a mechanism that operates on the shutter 103. The mechanism causes the shutter 103 to close off the sleeve window 102 when the bed net 100 is in the deployed state. Conversely, the mechanism causes the shutter 103 to leave the sleeve window 102 open when the bed net 100 is in a folded state.

[0046] FIGS 4 and 5 schematically illustrate a part of the bed net 100 in which the shutter 103 is present. FIGS. 4 and 5 each provide a schematic cross-sectional view of this part of the bed net 100. In FIG. 4, the shutter 103 is in the open position due to the bed net 100 being folded. In FIG. 5, the shutter 103 is in the closed position due to the bed net 100 deployed. FIG. 5 further illustrates that a side of the bed net 100 is secured under a mattress 501. The shutter 103 is hinged to a lower part of the sleeve window 102, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0047] In this embodiment, the mechanism that operates on the shutter 103 comprises a string 401, which is coupled to the shutter 103. Specifically, the string 401 has an end that is coupled to the shutter 103 and another end that is coupled to an upper part of the bed net 100, at a distance from the shutter 103. The string 401 may be guided through a relatively small opening 402 in the bed net 100, as indicated in FIGS. 4 and 5. The opening 402 may be in the form of, for example, a punch hole, which may be provided with a reinforcement ring.

[0048] The string 401 is in a loose state when the bed net 100 is folded, as illustrated in FIG 4. This allows the shutter 103 to hang downwards due to gravity. The sleeve window 102 is then exposed to the ambient air. Giving the shutter 103 sufficient weight ensures that the shutter 103 hangs downwards when the string 401 is in a loose state. For example, the shutter 103 may have an upper portion comprising relatively heavy material.

[0049] The string 401 is in a tensioned state when the bed net 100 deployed, as illustrated in FIG 5. In this state, the string 401 exerts a pulling force on the shutter 103 causing the shutter 103 to close against the sleeve window 102. The shutter 103 seals offthe sleeve window 102 thus preventing the segment 202 of the insect repellent strip 201 that is aligned with the sleeve window 102 from diffusing the insect repellent substance in the ambient air.

[0050] FIGS 6 and 7 schematically illustrate a part of the sleeve 101 in which the sleeve window 102 and the shutter 103 are present. FIGS.6 and 7 each provide a schematic perspective view of this part of the sleeve 101. In FIG. 6, the shutter 103 is in the open position due to the bed net 100 being folded, like in FIG. 4 discussed hereinbefore. In FIG. 7, the shutter 103 is in the closed position due to the bed net 100 deployed like in FIG. 5 discussed hereinbefore. FIGS.6 and 7 illustrate that the mechanism that operates on the shutter 103 may comprise a set of strings 601, in this example, three strings 601.

[0051] NOTES

[0052] The embodiments described hereinbefore with reference to the drawings are presented by way of illustration. The invention may be implemented in numerous different ways. In order to illustrate this, some alternatives are briefly indicated.

[0053] The invention may be applied to numerous types of bed nets. In the presented embodiments, the bed net has a cuboid shape. In other embodiments, the bed net may have a different shape, such as, for example, a cylindrical shape. The term bed net should be interpreted broadly. This term encompasses any type of net manufactured in accordance with the invention that constitutes a barrier for insects. For example, the term bed net includes a net that may constitute a barrier around a furniture other than a bed, such as, for example, a chair or a table.

[0054] There are numerous different ways of implementing a bed net in accordance with the invention. In the presented embodiments, the sleeve forms a loop around the bed net. In other embodiments, the sleeve may be present on one or more sides of the bed net, but not necessarily on all of its sides. The sleeve need not necessarily have an elongated form, numerous different forms are possible. The sleeve need not necessarily be present in a lower portion of the bed net, there are numerous possible locations where the sleeve may be present. A bed net in accordance with the invention may comprise more that one sleeve; a sleeve may comprise more than one window. In the presented embodiments, the bed net comprises a sleeve window that is provided with shutter. In other embodiments, the sleeve window may be sealed off by a separate cover, which need not necessarily form part of the bed net. The sleeve window can also include a circumferential reinforcement, which may be made from, for example, injection molded plastic, rubber, or any other suitablematerial. The circumferential reinforcement may act as a holder that can be covered with, for example, a simple plastic cover or even soft rubber.

[0055] There are numerous different ways of implementing an insect repellent carrier for use in a bed net in accordance with the invention. In the presented embodiments, the insect repellent carrier is in the form of a strip. In other embodiments, the insect repellent carrier may have any suitable form that conforms with that of the sleeve. For example, in case the sleeve has a circular form, the insect repellent carrier may also have a circular form. In such an embodiment, the sleeve window may have the form of a pie wedge, covering an angular range of the circular form.

[0056] There are numerous different ways of implementing a mechanism that operates on a shutter of the bed net in accordance with the invention. In the embodiments presented hereinbefore, the mechanism comprises one or more strings. In other embodiments, the mechanism may comprise, for example, pulleys, connecting rods, magnets, or any set of elements capable of exerting a force, or a set of forces, on the shutter that varies depending on whether the bed net is folded or deployed.

[0057] The remarks made hereinbefore demonstrate that the embodiments described with reference to the drawings illustrate the invention, rather than limit the invention. The invention can be implemented in numerous alternative ways that are within the scope of the appended claims. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. Any reference sign in a claim should not be construed as limiting the claim. The verb “comprise” in a claim does not exclude the presence of other elements or other steps than those listed in the claim. The same applies to similar verbs such as “include” and “contain”. The mention of an element in singular in a claim pertaining to a product, does not exclude that the product may comprise a plurality of such elements. Likewise, the mention of a step in singular in a claim pertaining to a method does not exclude that the method may comprise a plurality of such steps. The mere fact that respective dependent claims define respective additional features, does not exclude combinations of additional features other than those reflected in the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An anti -insect protective assembly (200) comprising a bed net (100) and an insect repellent carrier (201) diffusing an insect-repelling substance when in contact with ambient air, wherein the bed net is provided with a sleeve (101) adapted to movably hold the insect repellent carrier, the sleeve comprising a window (102) dimensioned to expose only a portion of the insect repellent carrier to ambient air, whereby moving the insect repellent carrier in the sleeve causes another portion of the insect repellent carrier to be exposed to the ambient air.

2. An anti -insect protective assembly according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve (101) is present in a lower portion of the bed net (100).

3. An anti -insect protective assembly according to any of claims 1 and 2, wherein the sleeve (101) forms a loop around the bed net (100).

4. An anti-insect protective assembly according to claim 3, wherein the insect repellent carrier (201) forms a loop around the bed net (100).

5. An anti -insect protective assembly according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the window (102) has a size that is about Y divided by X times smaller than that of the insect repellent carrier (201), Y being a number corresponding to a nominal service life of the bed net (100) in a unit of time, X being an number corresponding to a length of time in the same unit of time during which the portion of the insect repellent carrier that is exposed to the ambient air through the window is capable of diffusing the insect repellent substance.

6. An anti-insect protective assembly according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the insect repellent carrier (201) is divided into multiple segments (202) having a size corresponding with that of the window (102) in the sleeve (101).

7. An anti-insect protective assembly to claim 6, wherein respective segments (202) of the insect repellent carrier (201) have respective removable covers preventing diffusion of the insect repellent substance when present.

8. An anti -insect protective assembly according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the bed net (100) is provided with a shutter (103) adapted to close off the window (102) in the sleeve (101).

9. An anti-insect protective assembly according to claim 8, wherein the bed net (100) comprises a mechanism that operates on the shutter (103) so that the shutter closes off the window (102) when the bed net is in a deployed state and, conversely, leaves the window open when the bed net is in a folded state.

10. An anti -insect protective assembly according to claim 9, wherein the mechanism comprises a string (401, 601) coupled to the shutter (103), the string being in a tensioned state when the bed net (100) is in a deployed state, the string being in a loose state when the bed net is in a folded state.

11. A bed net (100) for use in an anti -insect protective assembly (200) according to any of claims 1 to 10, the bed net being provided with a sleeve (101) adapted to movably hold an insect (201) repellent carrier, the sleeve comprising a window (102) dimensioned to expose only a portion of the insect repellent carrier to ambient air, whereby moving the insect repellent carrier in the sleeve causes another portion of the insect repellent carrier to be exposed to the ambient air.

12. An insect repellent carrier (201) diffusing an insect-repelling substance when in contact with ambient air, the insect repellent carrier being adapted for use in an anti -insect protective assembly (200) according to any of claims 1 to 10.

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