WO2022058784A1

WO2022058784A1 - Mosquito preventer

Info

Publication number: WO2022058784A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/000557
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Wright; Neil GYSEL
Original assignee: Green Strike International
Priority date: 2020-09-21
Filing date: 2021-08-18
Publication date: 2022-03-24

Abstract

A mosquito preventer can include a breeding pond portion, an orifice, a drain pipe, a valve assembly, a filter, a reservoir portion, and a pump assembly. The breeding pond portion can have an upwardly facing surface for holding liquid. The orifice can communicate with the breeding pond portion to define a drain of the breeding pond portion. The drain pipe can be fluidly connected to the orifice to direct liquid flowing through the orifice. The drain pipe can extend between an inlet and an outlet and the inlet can be closer to the orifice than the outlet. The valve assembly can be operably disposed to selectively close the drain pipe. The filter can be disposed at the outlet of the drain pipe to receive liquid from the drain pipe. The filter can have an inlet communicating with the outlet of drain pipe and an outlet. The filter can include filter media sized sufficiently tight to collect mosquito eggs but otherwise permit the through-passage of the liquid. The reservoir portion can be disposed at the outlet of the filter to collect liquid from the filter. The pump assembly can have an inlet in the reservoir portion to collect fluid and an outlet positioned closer to the breeding pond portion than the inlet of the pump assembly. The pump assembly can be configured to direct liquid from the inlet of the pump assembly to the outlet of the pump assembly. The outlet of the pump assembly can be centered on an outlet axis.

Description

MOSQUITO PREVENTER

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/081,295 for a MOSQUITO PREVENTER, filed on 2020-09-21, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to methods or apparatus for the handling of an insect or an insect larva, for catching, trapping, and/or the destruction of noxious insects such as mosquitos, as classified in A01M 1/00, A01M 1/10, A01M 1/02, A01M 5/02, and A01M 1/106.

2. Description of Related Prior Art

[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 8,844,465 discloses an apparatus and method for controlling maturation of aquatically hatched insects. The apparatus comprises a drainable container for housing an egg laying medium for the insects; a filter operatively connected to the container for containing debris in the egg laying medium; and a selectively sealable catch basin located below the container for receiving the egg laying medium from the container when the container is drained. One or more outlets are provided on the catch basin for operatively releasing gas from the catch basin. The apparatus and method enhance the attractiveness of the artificial breeding pool to the gravid insects and helps control the local insect population.

[0004] The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

[0005] A mosquito preventer can include a breeding pond portion, an orifice, a drain pipe, a valve assembly, a filter, a reservoir portion, and a pump assembly. The breeding pond portion can have an upwardly facing surface for holding liquid. The orifice can communicate with the breeding pond portion to define a drain of the breeding pond portion. The drain pipe can be fluidly connected to the orifice to direct liquid flowing through the orifice. The drain pipe can extend between an inlet and an outlet and the inlet can be closer to the orifice than the outlet. The valve assembly can be operably disposed to selectively close the drain pipe. The filter can be disposed at the outlet of the drain pipe to receive liquid from the drain pipe. The filter can have an inlet communicating with the outlet of drain pipe and an outlet. The filter can include filter media sized sufficiently tight to collect mosquito eggs but otherwise permit the through-passage of the liquid. The reservoir portion can be disposed at the outlet of the filter to collect liquid from the filter. The pump assembly can have an inlet in the reservoir portion to collect fluid and an outlet positioned closer to the breeding pond portion than the inlet of the pump assembly. The pump assembly can be configured to direct liquid from the inlet of the pump assembly to the outlet of the pump assembly. The outlet of the pump assembly can be centered on an outlet axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The detailed description set forth below references the following drawings:

[0007] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a mosquito preventer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure generally from the front and above;

[0008] Figure 2 is a front view of the mosquito preventer;

[0009] Figure 3 is a left-side view of the mosquito preventer;

[0010] Figure 4 is a right-side view of the mosquito preventer;

[0011] Figure 5 is a top view of the mosquito preventer;

[0012] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the mosquito preventer generally from the rear and below;

[0013] Figure 7 is an isometric cross-sectional view taken through section lines 7 - 7 in Figure 5;

[0014] Figure 8 is an isometric cross-sectional view taken through section lines 8 - 8 in Figure 5;

[0015] Figure 9 is an isometric cross-sectional view taken through section lines 9 - 9 in Figure 5;

[0016] Figure 10 is a magnified portion of Figure 9;

[0017] Figure 11 is a partial view of the exemplary mosquito preventer showing a filter drawer partially drawn out of a main body;

[0018] Figure 12 is a partial view of the exemplary mosquito preventer showing the filter drawer partially drawn fully out of the main body; [0019] Figure 13 is a partial view of the exemplary mosquito preventer showing a battery chassis partially drawn out of a main body;

[0020] Figure 14 is a partial view of the exemplary mosquito preventer showing the battery chassis pushed back into the main body;

[0021] Figure 15 is a partial view of a top of the exemplary mosquito preventer showing a mating groove formed in the main body and latches formed in a rain guard;

[0022] Figure 16 is a partial view of the exemplary mosquito preventer showing a latch formed in the rain guard;

[0023] Figure 17 is a partial view of the exemplary mosquito preventer showing a drain plug selectively engageable with a drain outlet in a reservoir portion of the main body;

[0024] Figure 18 is a partial view of the exemplary mosquito preventer, shown in crosssection, showing a valve assembly;

[0025] Figure 19 is an isometric and cross-sectional view of a filter of the exemplary mosquito preventer;

[0026] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of a dispersion nozzle of the exemplary mosquito preventer;

[0027] Figure 21 is an isometric view of the same cross-section of the dispersion nozzle shown in Figure 20; and

[0028] Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of parts of a housing portion and the rain guard of the exemplary mosquito preventer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] With reference to the Figures generally, an exemplary mosquito preventer 10 includes main body 12, a rain guard 14, a filter drawer 16, a battery chassis 18, a door 20, and a plug 22. The exemplary mosquito preventer 10 extends along and is centered on a vertically extending central axis 80. The exemplary rain guard 14 is disposed at a “top” of the exemplary mosquito preventer 10 along the vertically extending central axis 80.

[0030] The exemplary main body 12 defines a breeding pond portion 24, a housing portion 26, and a reservoir portion 28. The exemplary reservoir portion 28 is disposed at a “bottom” of the exemplary mosquito preventer 10 along the vertically extending central axis 80. The exemplary breeding pond portion 24 includes an upwardly facing surface 30 for holding liquid such as water. The exemplary breeding pond portion 24 also includes a perimeter wall 32 defining one or more openings or windows, such as windows 34 and 35, through which insects can pass to reach the water contained on the upwardly facing surface 30. The exemplary windows 34 and 35 are identically shaped.

[0031] The exemplary mosquito preventer 10 also includes a controller 36 and a button 38. In the exemplary embodiment, the controller 36 is housed in the housing portion 26. The button 38 is supported by the housing portion 26 and exposed so that a user can press the button 38. The controller 36 and button 38 are in electrical communication with one another. When the user presses the button 38, the controller 36 engages the operation of the exemplary mosquito preventer 10, as will be discussed below.

[0032] The exemplary mosquito preventer 10 also includes a pump assembly with a pump 40, an inlet 104, and an outlet 106. In the exemplary embodiment, the pump 40 is housed in the reservoir portion 28. The pump 40 is controlled by the controller 36. The exemplary inlet 104 is disposed in the reservoir portion 28 to collect fluid. The exemplary outlet 106 is positioned closer to the breeding pond portion 24 than the inlet 104. The exemplary outlet 106 is centered on an outlet axis 108. The exemplary pump 40 draws water from the reservoir portion 28 through the inlet 104 and directs the water to the breeding pond portion 24 through the outlet 106.

[0033] The exemplary mosquito preventer 10 also includes a gauge 42. In the exemplary embodiment, the gauge 42 is housed in the housing portion and the reservoir portion 28. The exemplary gauge 42 includes a float portion 44 resting on the water contained in the reservoir portion. The exemplary gauge also includes an indicator stem 46. The exemplary indicator stem 46 extends from a base end fixed to the float portion 44 to a distal end spaced from the float portion 44. The exemplary indicator stem 46 extends vertically upward from the base end to the distal end. The exemplary indicator stem 46 is visible through a window 48 defined in the reservoir portion 28. The exemplary indicator stem 46 is variable colored from the distal end to the base end. The exemplary distal end can be colored orange, the base end can be colored red, and the middle of the indicator stem 46 can be colored yellow. As the float portion 44 and indicator stem 46 rise due to an increasing amount of water in the reservoir portion 28, a user can see through the window 48 and be advised that the reservoir portion 28 should be emptied. The reservoir portion 28 can be emptied by removing the plug 22 from an aperture 50 defined in the main body 12.

[0034] Operations associated with the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described. An initial operation can be opening the door 20 and drawing the battery chassis 18 out of the main body 12. Batteries can be positioned on the battery chassis 18, the battery chassis 18 can be placed back into the main body, and the door 20 can be shut. [0035] A subsequent operation can be adding water to the breeding pond portion 24 and to the reservoir portion 28. The exemplary mosquito preventer 10 includes a pond overflow drain 52 that defines a passageway between the breeding pond portion 24 and the reservoir portion 28. The pond overflow drain 52 limits the amount of fluid held by the breeding pond portion 24. Also, the pond overflow drain 52 can be utilized to direct water to the reservoir portion 28. Water can be added to the reservoir portion 28 until the user sees the indicator stem 46 move. Water can be added to the breeding pond portion 24 until water passes through pond overflow drain 52. It is noted that the exemplary mosquito preventer 10 also includes a reservoir overflow pipe 54. The reservoir overflow pipe 54 limits the amount of fluid held by the reservoir portion 28.

[0036] A subsequent operation can be a user pressing the button 38 to begin filtering operations. In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the controller 36 can control the pump 40 to replace water from the breeding pond portion 24 at predetermined intervals. By way of example and not limitation, every three days, the controller 36 can control the pump 40 to replace water from the breeding pond portion 24.

[0037] As shown in Figure 18, the exemplary mosquito preventer 10 includes a drain pipe 82 fluidly connected to an orifice 60 defined in the surface 30. Liquid contained in the breeding pond portion 24 can pass from the orifice 60 in the drain pipe 82. The exemplary drain pipe 82 extends between an inlet 84 and an outlet 86, the inlet 84 being closer to the orifice 60 than the outlet 86.

[0038] The exemplary mosquito preventer 10 also include a valve assembly 88 operably disposed to selectively close the drain pipe 82. The exemplary drain pipe 82 is flexible, such as being made of rubber. The exemplary valve assembly 88 is a pincher valve and includes an actuator portion 90 and an anvil portion 92. The controller 36 can control the actuator portion 90 to move the anvil portion 92 between first and second positions. Figure 18 shows the anvil portion 92 in the first position, which corresponds to the drain pipe 82 being open. In the second position, the anvil portion 92 is disposed to the left of the first position (relative to the perspective of Figure 18) and pinches the drain pipe 82 closed. The drain pipe 82 is pinched between the anvil portion 92 and a plate 94. It is noted that the actuator portion 90 can be a linear actuator such as solenoid or a rotating actuator such as worm arrangement.

[0039] When the drain pipe 82 is open, liquid contained in the breeding pond portion 24 is drained. The liquid passes out of the outlet 86 of the drain pipe 82 and into the filter 62. The filter 62 includes an inlet 96 communicating with the outlet 86 of drain pipe 82 and a plurality of outlets, such as outlet 98. The filter 62 includes filter media 100 sized sufficiently tight to collect mosquito eggs but otherwise permit the through-passage of the liquid. Figure 19 shows unnumbered arrows indicating the direction of movement of the liquid.

[0040] Gravity will draw the water through the filter 62, while eggs are captured by the filter 62. Water will pass out of the outlets of the filter 62 and fall further to the reservoir portion 28 through an aperture 102. At predetermined intervals, the filter 62 can be replaced by drawing the filter drawer 16 out of the main body 12, removing the user filter 62 (without the need for tools), dropping a new filter 62 into a cavity in the filter drawer 16, and re-inserting the filter drawer 16 into the main body 12. The pleats of the media 100 of the filter 62 can include mosquito attractant that is dispersed to the water.

[0041] When the controller 36 controls the actuator portion 90 to move the anvil portion 92 to the first position, the controller 36 can also control the pump 40 to operate and deliver fluid to the outlet 106. Water is drawn from the reservoir portion 28 and directed up through a dispersion pipe 56. The water is dispersed about the breeding pond portion 24 by a dispersion nozzle 58.

[0042] The exemplary dispersion nozzle 58 is disposed above at least a portion of the breeding pond portion 24. The exemplary dispersion nozzle 58 includes guide ramps, such as referenced at 110 and 112 in Figures 20 and 21. The guide ramps 110, 112 guide insertion of the exemplary dispersion nozzle 58 over the dispersion pipe 56 and also enhance a strong interconnection between the exemplary dispersion nozzle 58 and the dispersion pipe 56. Stops, such as referenced at 114 and 116, project from the guide ramps 110, 112 to limit the extent of insertion of the exemplary dispersion nozzle 58 over the dispersion pipe 56.

[0043] The exemplary dispersion nozzle 58 includes a deflecting surface 118 confronting the outlet 106 of the dispersion pipe 56. The exemplary deflecting surface 118 defines a portion of an interior horn torus. In geometry, a torus (plural tori) is a surface of revolution generated by revolving a circle in three-dimensional space about an axis that is coplanar with the circle. If the axis of revolution does not touch the circle, the surface has a ring shape and is called a ring torus. When the axis of revolution is tangent to the edge of the circle, the surface is called a horn torus. The exemplary deflecting surface 118 is centered on the outlet axis 108 to disperse a flow emanating out of the outlet 106 of the pump assembly three hundred and sixty degrees about the outlet axis 108. The exemplary deflecting surface 118 is also centered on the vertically extending central axis 80. The dispersion of the water tends to direct eggs in the breeding pond portion 24 toward the orifice 60. The dispersion nozzle 58 provides a better rinse (more power, better coverage) and also reduces the power required from the pump 20. [0044] The rain guard 14 prevents flooding of the preventer 10, dilution of attractant, and also creates shade in the unit. Mosquitoes prefer shade. The rain guard 14 can be releasably connected to the main body 12. Referring now to Figure 15, the exemplary main body 12 includes a locking arm 64 that extends about a circular opening 66 in the top of the main body 12. The locking arm 64 defines a groove 68 and a stop 70. Referring now to Figure 16 (showing an underside of the rain guard 14), the exemplary rain guard 14 includes a locking arm 72 that extends about a circular depression 74 in the underside of the rain guard 14. The locking arm 72 defines a notch 76 and a stop 78. The rain guard 14 can be placed on the main body 12 with the locking arms 64, 72 aligned and the rain guard 14 can be rotated relative to the main body 12 to bring the locking arms 64, 72 into engagement with one another. Relative rotation in the opposite direction can bring the locking arms 64, 72 out of engagement with one another.

[0045] Aspect of the present disclosure inhibit the passage of rain into the breeding pond portion 24. The exemplary housing portion 26 encircles the breeding pond portion 24 and defines the windows, including the window 34. The windows provide access to the breeding pond portion 24. As best shown in Figure 22, the part of the housing portion 26 that defines the at least one window 34 is sloped relative to the vertically extending central axis 80 such that a top edge 120 of the window 34 is radially closer to the vertically extending central axis 80 than a bottom edge 122 of the at least one window 34. Figure 22 shows the part of the housing portion 26 that defines the window 34 slopes inwardly, toward the axis 80; thus, the exemplary housing portion 26 converges at its top. The shape of the exemplary housing portion 26 is the same for the other windows that are not referenced by number.

[0046] The exemplary rain guard 14 is disposed on top of the housing portion 26 relative to the vertically extending central axis 80. The rain guard 14 includes a plurality of awning portions, such as awning portion 124. The exemplary awning portion 124 and the window 34 are aligned with one another about the vertically extending central axis 80. The awning portion 124 extends over the window 34 to an outer edge 126. As best shown in Figure 22, the awning portion 124 extends radially further from the vertically extending central axis 80 than the bottom edge 122 of the at least one window 34. The shapes of the non-numbered awning portions are the same as the shape of the awning portions 124 in the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] The exemplary awning portion 124 of the rain guard 14 extends radially away from the vertically extending central axis 80 between a first point referenced at 128 in Figure 22. The first point 128 of the awning portion 124 and the top edge 120 of the at least one window 34 are the same radial distance from the vertically extending central axis 80. The exemplary awning portion 124 of the rain guard 14 is sloped relative to the vertically extending central axis 80 such that the radially outermost edge 126 of the awning portion 124 of the rain guard 14 is radially further from the vertically extending central axis 80 than the first point 128 of the awning portion 124 of the rain guard 14. Also, the radially outermost edge 126 and the first point 128 are spaced from one another along the vertically extending central axis 80.

[0048] As shown in the Figures, a width of the window 34 is defined about the vertically extending central axis 80. The width of the window 34 is variable along the vertically extending central axis 80. The width of the window 34 continuously narrows in a downward direction along the vertically extending central axis 80. The window 34 is widest at the top edge 120. These attributes of the present disclosure inhibit the passage of rain into the breeding pond portion 24 while enhancing the likelihood that mosquitos will not be inhibited in reaching the breeding pond portion 24.

[0049] The exemplary rain guard 14 also includes a drain trough 130 that is adjacent to the awning portion 124. The exemplary drain trough 130 is not aligned with the window 34 about the vertically extending central axis 80. The exemplary drain trough 130 is not aligned with any of the windows defined by the housing portion 26. Rain can be collected by the awning portions and directed generally toward the axis 80. A central portion of the exemplary rain guard 14 defines a spherical, bulbous surface 134 and an annular channel 132. Rain is collected in the annular channel 132, from the awning portions and the surface 134, and drains from the rain guard 14 through the drain trough 130.

[0050] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. The right to claim elements and/or sub-combinations that are disclosed herein is hereby unconditionally reserved. The use of the word “can” in this document is not an assertion that the subject preceding the word is unimportant or unnecessary or “not critical” relative to anything else in this document. The word “can” is used herein in a positive and affirming sense and no other motive should be presumed. More than one “invention” may be disclosed in the present disclosure; an “invention” is defined by the content of a patent claim and not by the content of a detailed description of an embodiment of an invention.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A mosquito preventer comprising: breeding pond portion having upwardly facing surface for holding liquid; an orifice communicating with said breeding pond portion to define a drain of said breeding pond portion; a drain pipe fluidly connected to said orifice to direct liquid flowing through said orifice, said drain pipe extending between an inlet and an outlet with said inlet closer to said orifice than said outlet; a valve assembly operably disposed to selectively close said drain pipe; a filter disposed at said outlet of said drain pipe to receive liquid from said drain pipe, said filter having an inlet communicating with said outlet of drain pipe and an outlet, said filter including filter media sized sufficiently tight to collect mosquito eggs but otherwise permit the through- passage of the liquid; a reservoir portion disposed at said outlet of said filter to collect liquid from said filter; a pump assembly having an inlet in said reservoir portion to collect fluid and an outlet positioned closer to said breeding pond portion than said inlet of said pump assembly, said pump assembly configured to direct liquid from said inlet of said pump assembly to said outlet of said pump assembly, said outlet of said pump assembly centered on an outlet axis; and a dispersion nozzle disposed above at least a portion of said breeding pond portion and including a deflecting surface confronting said outlet of said pump assembly, said deflecting surface defining a portion of an interior horn torus.

2. The mosquito preventer of claim 1 wherein said deflecting surface is further defined as centered on said outlet axis to disperse a flow emanating out of said outlet of said pump assembly three hundred and sixty degrees about said outlet axis.

3. The mosquito preventer of claim 1 wherein said mosquito preventer is further defined as centered on a vertically extending central axis and said deflecting surface is further defined as centered on said vertically extending central axis.

4. The mosquito preventer of claim 1 further comprising: an overflow drain with an inlet communicating with said breeding pond portion and an outlet communicating with said reservoir portion.

5. The mosquito preventer of claim 1 further comprising: a housing portion encircling said breeding pond portion and defining at least one window providing access to said breeding pond portion and wherein a part of said housing portion that defines said at least one window is sloped relative to said vertically extending central axis such that a top edge of said at least one window is radially closer to said vertically extending central axis than a bottom edge of said at least one window; and a rain guard disposed on top of said housing portion relative to said vertically extending central axis, an awning portion of said rain guard and said at least one window aligned with one another about said vertically extending central axis, said awning portion of said rain guard extending radially further from said vertically extending central axis than said bottom edge of said at least one window.

6. The mosquito preventer of claim 5 wherein said awning portion of said rain guard extends radially away from said vertically-extending central axis between a first point, wherein said first point of said awning portion and said top edge of said at least one window are the same radial distance from said vertically-extending central axis, and wherein said awning portion of said rain guard is sloped relative to said vertically-extending central axis such that a radially outermost edge of said awning portion of said rain guard is radially further from said vertically-extending central axis than said first point of said awning portion of said rain guard.

7. The mosquito preventer of claim 6 wherein a width of said at least one window is defined about said vertically extending central axis and wherein said width is variable along said vertically extending central axis.

8. The mosquito preventer of claim 7 wherein said width of said at least one window continuously narrows in a downward direction along said vertically extending central axis.

9. The mosquito preventer of claim 7 wherein said at least one window is widest at said top edge.

10. The mosquito preventer of claim 6 wherein said rain guard further comprises: a drain trough adjacent to said awning portion and not aligned with said at least one window about said vertically extending central axis.

11. A mosquito preventer comprising: breeding pond portion having upwardly facing surface for holding liquid; an orifice communicating with said breeding pond portion to define a drain of said breeding pond portion; a drain pipe fluidly connected to said orifice to direct liquid flowing through said orifice, said drain pipe extending between an inlet and an outlet with said inlet closer to said orifice than said outlet; a valve assembly operably disposed to selectively close said drain pipe; a filter disposed at said outlet of said drain pipe to receive liquid from said drain pipe, said filter having an inlet communicating with said outlet of drain pipe and an outlet, said filter including filter media sized sufficiently tight to collect mosquito eggs but otherwise permit the through- passage of the liquid; a reservoir portion disposed at said outlet of said filter to collect liquid from said filter; a pump assembly having an inlet in said reservoir portion to collect fluid and an outlet positioned closer to said breeding pond portion than said inlet of said pump assembly, said pump assembly configured to direct liquid from said inlet of said pump assembly to said outlet of said pump assembly, said outlet of said pump assembly communicating with said breeding pond portion to provide liquid to said breeding pond portion; a housing portion encircling said breeding pond portion and defining at least one window providing access to said breeding pond portion and wherein a part of said housing portion defining said at least one window is sloped relative to said vertically extending central axis such that a top edge of said at least one window is radially closer to said vertically extending central axis than a bottom edge of said at least one window; and a rain guard disposed on top of said housing portion relative to said vertically extending central axis, said rain guard and said at least one window aligned with one another about said vertically extending central axis, said rain guard extending radially further from said vertically extending central axis that said bottom edge of said at least one window.

12. The mosquito preventer of claim 11 further comprising: a dispersion nozzle disposed above at least a portion of said breeding pond portion and including a deflecting surface confronting said outlet of said pump assembly, said deflecting surface defining a portion of an interior horn torus.