GB2540530A

GB2540530A - An insect exterminating device

Info

Publication number: GB2540530A
Application number: GB1509120.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Durkin Terry
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-05-23
Filing date: 2015-05-23
Publication date: 2017-01-25
Also published as: GB201509120D0

Abstract

An insect extermination device for attracting and exterminating flying insects, in particular a pocket sized device for exterminating mosquitos. The device comprises an insect extermination element, at least one battery and a lighting portion, preferably LEDs, all contained within a body. The battery may be a rechargeable battery. The battery may be recharged via a USB connection or via a photovoltaic cell.

Description

AN INSECT EXTERMINATING DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an insect exterminating device, in particular for attracting and exterminating flying insect; more particularly but not exclusively a pocket sized device for attracting and exterminating mosquitos.

Background

Increasing numbers of users enjoy being adventurous and spending time outdoors, and increasing numbers of these users are likely to spend time in climates and locations where flying insects can be problematic, and even dangerous.

In urban areas such insects can be disposed of by numerous means, including electrified extermination grills, which attract the insects by a light source and then electrify and exterminate the insect as it comes to investigate or where their internal navigation is diverted.

Such grills are mandatory in many urban areas, particularly in restaurants or food service areas, given their effectiveness,

However many times adventurous users in particular may find themselves in locations where electricity and consequently such extermination devices are unavailable.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following:

Taiwanese patent application TWM 384 534 (DUH et al) discloses a kind of miniaturized mosquito trap includes an unit of mosquito trapping-light, an unit of high-voltage electrical nets, and an unit of plastic protective frame. The mosquito trapping-light unit is installed in central part of the trap, it can diffuse out of ultraviolet light to lure mosquito into the trap. The high-voltage electrical nets unit is installed around the mosquito trapping-light, it will release a powerful current at the moment of mosquito touch to the lattice nets, and mosquito will be instantly killed. The trap is equipped with a fence-like plastic protective frame at the periphery of electrical nets, the objective of the frame is to prevent careless touch the electrical nets. This creation does not use the AC power of traditional mosquito traps, change with a lithium battery as an electric source to provide DC power. Therefore, mosquito trap can be greatly reduced in size, but also portable and can be used anywhere. The miniaturized mosquito trap has creations of portable, simple operation, lightweight, and practical effect. This creation also has the benefits of use friendly, rechargeable batteries, and with a deep concept of environmental protection. The miniaturized mosquito trap can effectively eliminate mosquitoes, and create a healthy space. Because of the low-cost and the new ideas, and therefore have a significant competitive advantage in the market.

Japanese patent application JPH 1 033 104 (TANABE) provides a small-sized portable electric shock insecticidal device for outdoor use suitable for the use at a place where a commercial power source is unavailable. This insecticidal device is provided with a main body for supporting various parts of the insecticidal device, a side plate supporting the main body, fluorescent lamps for lightening, a guard for protecting the fluorescent lamps, electrodes placed opposite to each other interposing a gap of about 4mm and alternately subjected to a voltage and an insulating plate for the electrodes made of a transparent plastic plate. A necessary voltage is generated by an inverter or the device is connected to a DC power source such as a battery or dry cell. The device preferably has a built-in battery to enable a cordless operation.

Canadian patent application CA1 273 795 (MILLARD) discloses a portable electronic insect controller, comprising: an electrified grid means being alternately polarized with a high voltage in association with a light producing camping lantern for electrocuting insects when they move within close proximity of the grid; a power supply means for supplying a controlled source of electrical energy to the grid; a base for supporting the camping lantern and housing the power supply means; said grid means including a bottom and top ring, said rings being substantially parallel to each other, spaced apart and including bars, said bars extending upward from the bottom ring and downward from the top ring in a spaced arrangement and electrically isolated from each other; said grid means further including a grid bracket, said bracket engaging the rings and the lantern to securely hold the rings and bars in a fixed position; and a safety interconnect means for electrically connecting the power supply means to the grid means and preventing the refueling of the lantern without disconnecting the grid means from the power supply means

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an insect exterminating device, comprising an insect extermination element, at least one battery, a lighting portion, and a body, wherein the lighting portion is configured to attract insects to the extermination element and the body contains said battery, insect extermination element, and lighting portion.

The lighting portion Is therefore situated close to the extermination element, wherein the insects are envisaged to head towards the lighting portion and accidentally encounter the extermination element.

The element and lighting portion may be combined into a single light source which light source comprises an electrifying element.

The battery may be rechargeable and/or displaceable.

The body may be comprised by a single part, which part provides a substantially unbroken, smooth or continuous surface.

The body may comprise a guard which is arranged to space apart an outer face of the body from the element. In this way advantageously the element is not liable to come into contact with other items.

The device in some embodiments may also comprise a safety mechanism to avoid items making contact with the element when the element is activated. For example the element may comprise an activation switch, which switch includes a safety mechanism.

Such safety mechanism may comprise a displaceable activation switch cover.

The safety mechanism may further comprise a bipartite mechanism for example wherein in order to activate the element and/or light source, first and second steps or movements must be made, wherein the mechanism may comprise a slider that must be displaced and/or held out of the way for a switch to be depressed.

The deactivation step may be simpler.

In this way the device may be advantageously well-suited to a user’s pocket or bag or similar and is consequently well-suited to transport.

The body may comprise a displaceable tray, which tray is for collection of detritus from the extermination portion.

The lighting portion may comprise ultraviolet at least one light emitting diode so as to minimise power consumption.

The lighting portion may include reflection surfaces, so as to minimise light ray loss and maximise directional capability of the lighting portion.

Such surfaces may be situated in the body at an end.

The battery may include a universal serial bus (USB) connector, which connector allows the battery to be easily charged in a multiplicity of known format situations common to electronic apparatus.

The battery may have a battery level indicator, so as to allow maintenance of an appropriate level of battery charge.

The battery may have an energy harvesting facility, for example a dynamo for manual winding for charging of the battery, so as to ensure the device is always available for use in all travel scenarios. In other embodiments in addition or the alternative the energy harvesting may comprise at least one photovoltaic cell.

In some embodiments the element may be provided with a displaceable cover, so as to prevent unauthorised access, and aid in clean and pleasant storage and transport. This cover may additionally or alternatively limit egress of excessive heat built up during use and undesirable in transport. In some embodiments the device may be part of apparatus comprising a carry solution such as a thermally insulated bag or a substantially rigid box. In this way pockets or bags may be maintained clean.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device;

Figures 2 show side views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figures 3 show end views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; and

Figure 5 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures there is shown an embodiment of the device comprising an oval-section cylindrical structure, self-contained so as to provide a readily portable device that is dimensioned to fit in a user’s pocket or bag. The oval section further minimises chances of the device overheating or damaging surfaces through excessive contact, for example if the device topples over.

The form is comprised of two sides forming a gentle curvature and providing a flattened cylinder shape in section. This shape provides a convenient storage and transport shape, approximating a book or cigarette packet according to embodiment; and provides maximal exposure for functional elements in two main directions.

The form is further comprised of two parallel ends, namely a base portion 1 end for placement on surfaces, and a distal top end 2. The battery is in the base portion for weight.

The sides have curved vertical edges, so as to continue the convenient form. Additionally or alternatively this form provides a durable casing able to withstand impact and compressive weights.

The form further includes a displaceable tray, for disposal of killed mosquitos. This tray may be used for bait in some use case scenarios, so as to provide added attraction for flies.

The sides and edges have perforations so as to expose the functional elements to the insects. The sides and edges are formed of four horizontal bars 7 and four vertical members 4 so as to form a perforated grid through which insects may pass.

Behind this grid the functional elements are protected from accidental contact, wherein the perforations in the grid are sufficiently small to minimise human ingress.

The functional elements comprise:

Circuit board

Oscillator

Transformers)

Voltage multiplying rectifier Capacitor(s)

Rechargeable lithium ion battery (micro USB)

Battery indicator LED Metal kill grill 6 UV LEDs in a parallel circuit Mirrored surfaces

The base portion comprises the battery and control portions, wherein the top end has minimal depth, so as to elevate the insect attraction and extermination parts maximally from any subordinate surface. In some further embodiments the top end may also be open or perforated to attract insects.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. An insect exterminating device, comprising an insect extermination element, at least one battery, a lighting portion, and a body, wherein the lighting portion is configured to attract insects to the extermination element and the body contains said battery, insect extermination element, and lighting portion

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the lighting portion comprises light emitting diodes.

3. A device according to claim 2 wherein the lighting portion comprises ultraviolet light emitting diodes.

4. A device according to claim 3 wherein the lighting portion comprises 6 ultraviolet light emitting diodes in parallel circuit.

5. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the body comprises an oval section cylinder, formed substantially from two parts.

6. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the element and lighting portion are situated to one end of the device, and the battery is situated to the other.

7. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the battery is a rechargeable lithium ion battery.

8. A device according to claim 6 wherein the battery is rechargeable using a universal serial bus connection.

9. A device according to claim 6 wherein the battery is rechargeable using an onboard energy harvesting means.

10. A device according to claim 9 wherein the battery is rechargeable using at least one photovoltaic cell.

11. A device substantially as described herein with reference to the figures.