Abstract:
An insect repellent device having a top section and a bottom section can be attached via a fastening mechanism near the facial area of a user. The top section and the bottom section are rotatably joined to form a single unit and an insect repellent compound is contained internally. A plurality of slits in each of the top section and the bottom section enable air to pass through the device. In some embodiments, an insect repellent compound is employed to repel insects and the like from the user&#39;s proximity. In other embodiments, sound waves are emitted by a sound emitting device to drive away unwanted pests.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/477,337 filed on Sep. 4, 2014 which claims priority to U.S. Application 61/889,836 filed on Oct. 11, 2013, the contents of both of which are herein fully incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0002]    The present invention and its embodiments relate generally to insect repellant devices. More specifically, the present invention is a housing containing an insect repelling compound, where the housing is intended to be clipped or affixed to a user or an article of clothing near the user&#39;s face. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0003]    Modern technology and business has driven many people to live in sprawling urban areas which have little resemblance to the natural, untamed environment. As such, many jobs in the modern world take place within enclosed office buildings. The prevalence of office work in the modern workforce has created a vast disconnect between the daily lives of hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people and the natural environment. That being the case, many people enjoy taking breaks from their daily lifestyle in order to both relax and reconnect with the natural environment. 
         [0004]    There are many hobbies and activities which can enable an individual to slow down and enjoy their surroundings. Golfing, fishing, hiking, and camping are all popular forays which can allow a person to relax and escape from the demands of the modern lifestyle, even if only for a short time. Although the purpose of these activities is to both create enjoyment and to allow people to reconnect with nature, there are some inconveniences that come along with the outdoors that are virtually unavoidable. For example, the prevalence of gnats and mosquitoes constantly buzzing around the face and head can be extremely annoying. This annoyance is only amplified when the person is attempting to focus on a specific task such as making a difficult shot in a game of golf, or keeping their eyes on their bobber in anticipation of a fish striking their line while fishing. 
         [0005]    In response to the need to deter flying insects from annoying people in the outdoors, many technologies have been developed. Currently available methods of keeping bugs away from a person include, but are not limited to, bug repellant sprays and bug repellant dispensers which clip to the waistband of clothing articles. Bug repellant sprays which come in aerosol and spray bottles are typically effective at repelling insects, and are therefore usually used in certain situations such as hiking or camping. However, bug sprays are very odorous and can sting the user&#39;s eyes, as well as interfere with their grip if applied to the hands. The fact that bug repellants tend to sting the eyes means that bug repellant sprays are typically not applied to the face of a user, potentially leaving the user&#39;s face exposed to assault by legions of annoying gnats and mosquitoes. This, combined with other numerous disadvantages, can make the use of bug repellant sprays almost as annoying as dealing with the bugs themselves. 
         [0006]    Bug repellant dispensers are an alternative which utilize reservoirs of bug repellant which are constantly dispersed from a small device utilizing a powered fan. The disadvantages of this device are numerous in that these devices are bulky and can interfere with certain motions of the user such as a golf swing. However, in many situations, it is only necessary that the bugs be kept away from a person&#39;s face as opposed to their entire body; this is particularly true when the user is golfing. 
         [0007]    Review of Related Technology: 
         [0008]    U.S. Patent Application 2006/0188538 pertains to an insect repellent patch of a size and weight compatible for wearing on the clothing or skin of a user. The patch has a gross area not in excess of 232 cm 2  and bearing one or more insect repellents having a vapor pressure at 25° C. of not less than about 1×10 −6  mm Hg. The total amount of insect repellent is in an amount effective to provide practical mosquito personal area repellency. Kits of such patches, with instructions for use, and methods of providing practical personal area insect repellency are also disclosed. 
         [0009]    International Application WO2008/019452 pertains to an insect repellent composition that repels flies, gnats, mosquitoes, lice, ticks, and fleas. The insect repellent composition comprises an effective amount of a phosphorous containing compound having the formula (RO) 3 P═Ox or (RO) 2 P═Ox(OH) alone or in synergistic combination with any one or more compounds selected from a group comprising C 10 -C 20  mono-unsaturated hydrocarbons, optionally substituted C 1 -C 10  alkyl esters, and dicarboxylic acids; wherein R is an optionally substituted C 1 -C 10  alkyl group or aryl or aryl substituted with C 1 -C 10  alkyl or alkoxy; and x is 0 or 1, and a carrier vehicle. 
         [0010]    As described, various devices are known in the art. However, their structure and means of operation are substantially different from the present disclosure. Thus, it is clear that there is a need for a more compact bug repellant device which can effectively repel insects from a user&#39;s face without interfering with the motions of the user, or annoying the user in any way. At least one embodiment of this invention is presented in the drawings below and will be described in more detail herein. 
       SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0011]    The invention and its embodiments is generally an insect and pest repellent device. The invention is lightweight and can be clipped near the facial region of a user. This is particularly useful for those in the outdoors whose hands must be free to achieve the task at hand. Whether one is a golfer, a fisherman, or simply needs their hands free for other tasks, the invention provides such freedom while still repelling annoying outdoor pests. The size of the device is such that it does not impede conventional and sports type movements. Further, it enables placement near the face where traditional spray repellents cannot be applied for safety reasons. 
         [0012]    An insect repellent device for positioning near the facial region of a user is described and taught having a top section with a first outer surface and a first inner surface, the top section having a plurality of first slits, wherein the plurality of first slits traverse the first outer surface and the first inner surface; a bottom section with a second outer surface and a second inner surface, the bottom section having a plurality of second slits, wherein the plurality of second slits traverse the second outer surface and the second inner surface; an insect repellent compound; and wherein the top section is rotatably coupled to the bottom section with the insect repellent compound contained therebetween. 
         [0013]    In another embodiment of the present invention there is an insect repellent device having a circular top section with a first outer surface and a first inner surface, the top section having a plurality of first slits, wherein the plurality of first slits traverse the first outer surface and the first inner surface and wherein the first inner surface has a locking mechanism protruding therefrom; a circular bottom section with a second outer surface and a second inner surface, the bottom section having a plurality of second slits, wherein the plurality of second slits traverse the second outer surface and the second inner surface and wherein there is a grooved track disposed on at least a part of the outer surface of the bottom section; an insect repellent compound; a fastening mechanism coupled to either the circular top section or the circular bottom section; and wherein the top section is rotatably coupled to the bottom section with the insect repellent compound contained therebetween. 
         [0014]    In another embodiment of the present invention there is an insect repellent device for positioning near a facial region of a user having a circular top section with a circular top and a top circular wall extending therefrom, the top section having a plurality of first slits, wherein the plurality of first slits traverse a first outer surface and a first inner surface and wherein the first inner surface has a locking mechanism protruding therefrom; a circular bottom section with a circular bottom and a bottom circular wall extending therefrom, the bottom section having a plurality of second slits, wherein the plurality of second slits traverse a second outer surface and a second inner surface and wherein there is a grooved track disposed on at least a part of the outer surface of the bottom section; an insect repellent mechanism; a fastening mechanism coupled to either the circular top section or the circular bottom section; and wherein the top section is rotatably coupled to the bottom section forming a chamber with the insect repellent compound contained therein. 
         [0015]    Generally, the present invention and its embodiments provide for an insect repellent device. In some embodiments, the device is an autonomous unit that uses air flow to disperse an insect repellent compound. Yet in other embodiments, the device employs an insect repellent mechanism which emits sound waves to repel insects and rodents and the like. Preferably such sound waves are of the ultrasonic variety. 
         [0016]    A top section of the device is rotatably coupled to a bottom section by way of a grooved track and locking mechanism. This enables for quick and easy disassembly enabling one to change the insect repellent compound as need be. Further, the grooved track allows for the rotational movement between the top section and the bottom section. 
         [0017]    Each of the top section and the bottom section have a plurality of slits interspersed around the perimeter of each piece. The rotational movement can cause these slits to be aligned or unaligned respective to one another. This either permits air flow through the device or restricts/limits the air flow thereby preserving the insect repelling compound when not in use. A fastening mechanism enables adherence to any number of secondary articles including hats, glasses, visors, clothing, and the like or any combination thereof. 
         [0018]    In general, the present invention succeeds in conferring the following, and other not mentioned, benefits and objectives. 
         [0019]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an insect repellent device that is compact, easy to use, and easily attachable to the user&#39;s person near their face. 
         [0020]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an insect repellent device that utilizes natural airflow to distribute insect repellant compounds. 
         [0021]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an insect repellent device that can easily be disassembled enabling quick and simple replacement of an insect repellent. 
         [0022]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an insect repellent device that is lightweight. 
         [0023]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an insect repellent device that is reusable. 
         [0024]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an insect repellent device that allows a user&#39;s hands to remain free. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0025]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  is a bottom view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  a bottom perspective exploded view of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the present invention with the top section twisted relative to the bottom section such that the plurality of slits are aligned. 
           [0033]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the configuration shown in  FIG. 8 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 10  is a exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0035]    The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals. 
         [0036]    Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto. 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is an insect repellent device  100  that has a top section  105  and a bottom section  110 . The top section  105  fits over the bottom section  110  (see  FIG. 6 ) and is rotatably coupled thereto. The top section  105  has a circular top  130  and a top circular wall  135 . The top circular wall  135  is coupled to the circular top  130  with the top circular wall  135  having a height thereby forming a cylinder with one end sealed by the circular top  130 . 
         [0038]    Along the top circular wall  135  there are a plurality of first slits  108 . The number of these slits may vary but are preferably between about one (1) to about ten (10) and are more preferably about four (4) to about five (5). The dimensions of each of the plurality of first slits  108  may vary but are preferably about 0.25 cm (0.1 inch) to about 5 cm (2 inch) in length. The plurality of first slits  108  are preferably about 1.3 cm (0.5 inch) in length. The plurality of first slits  108  may have a height ranging from about 0.25 cm (0.1 inch) to about 2.5 cm (1 inch) and are preferably about 0.5 cm (0.2 inch) in height. Each if the plurality of second slits  118  (see  FIG. 6 ) will have approximately the same dimensions as the corresponding plurality of first slits  108 . In  FIG. 2  the insect repellent device  100  is shown from the side. Here the relationship between the top section  105  and the bottom section  110  is more prominent. A fastening mechanism  125  is coupled to the bottom section  110 . Also visible are two of the plurality of first slits  108  in the top circular wall  135 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 3  shows a second side view of the insect repellent device  100  giving a more complete view of the potential structure of the fastening mechanism  125 . In this embodiment, the fastening mechanism  125  is a clip with two tabs. One tab is coupled to the bottom section  110 , whereas the other is used to secure the insect repellent device  100  to a secondary object such as an article of clothing. The fastening mechanism  125  is preferably a flexible plastic component that attempts to retain its shape when a force is applied to it. The fastening mechanism  125  may be removable or may be formed as part of the bottom section  110  (or top section  105 ). 
         [0040]    The fastening mechanism  125  may further be any type of mechanism capable of releasably coupling two bodies such as snaps, locks, clips, zippers, clasps, magnets, buttons, and the like or any combination thereof. Further, the plurality of first slits  108  is shown in the top circular wall  135  of the top section  105 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the insect repellent device  100 . The top section  105  is visible with the circular top  130  and top circular wall  135  being shown. The plurality of first slits  108  is shown generally dispersed evenly around the circumference of the top section  105 . While the insect repellent device  100  is generally shown to be circular, it should be recognized that a number of shapes may be used without detracting from the concept of the invention. 
         [0042]    In  FIG. 5  there is a bottom view of the insect repellent device  100 . Here, the fastening mechanism  125  is shown coupled to the bottom section  110 . Additionally, the top section  105 , namely the top circular wall  135  is shown encircling the bottom section  110 . The circular bottom wall  140  is also shown. 
         [0043]    In  FIGS. 6 &amp; 7  there are exploded views of the insect repellent device  100  that demonstrate the interrelationship between the components of the device. The top section  105  is shown having a first outer surface  102  and a first inner surface  104 . Additionally the top section  105  comprises a circular top  130  and a top circular wall  135 . The first outer surface  102  comprises the outer surface of the circular top  130  and the top circular wall  135 . The first inner surface comprises the inner surface of the circular top  130  and the top circular wall  135 . A plurality of first slits  108  are shown in the top circular wall  135 . 
         [0044]    The top section  105  further has a locking mechanism  120  disposed on the inner surface  104  of the top section  105 . The locking mechanism  120  is preferably rectangular or square in shape, although it may be any number designs or shapes. The locking mechanism  120  interacts with the grooved track  122  disposed in the second outer surface  112  of the bottom circular wall  145  to provide a rotatable connection between the top section  105  and the bottom section  110 . A second inner surface  114  further forms the bottom section  110 . 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , the grooved track  122  is a channel that mirrors the shape and dimensions of the locking mechanism  120 . Thus, the locking mechanism  120  is inserted into the grooved track  122  and slid along the grooved track  122 . The grooved track  122  is shaped so that the result of following the grooved track  122  with the locking mechanism  120  rotatably couples the top section  105  to the bottom section  110 . 
         [0046]    The insect repellent compound  115  is placed between the top section  105  and the bottom section  110  and then the two sections are combined. In the bottom of the bottom section  110  there is a recess  150  as shown in  FIG. 6 . The recess  150  is intended to provide support or an area for the insect repellent compound  115  to be administered. The locking mechanism  120  is then lined up with the grooved track  122  and the locking mechanism  120  is inserted and the two sections rotated in opposing directions thereby securing the top section  105  to the bottom section  110  with the insect repellent compound  115  within. 
         [0047]    This rotatable movement can also cause the plurality of first slits  108  and the plurality of second slits  118  to either align or misalign. The plurality of second slits  118 , unlike the plurality of first slits  108  may not be completely bounded by the respective circular wall. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the plurality of second slits  118  on the bottom section  110  are bounded on three sides (side  1 , side  2 , and the bottom) leaving the top exposed. However, since the bottom section  110  is smaller than and fits within the top section  105  this lack of a top does not provide any adverse effect. In some instances, the plurality of second slits  108  will look exactly like the plurality of first slits  108 . 
         [0048]    In  FIGS. 8 &amp; 9 , the insect repelling device  100  is shown with the plurality of first slits  108  and the plurality of second slits  118  aligned with one another. This creates an open pathway for air to flow thereby enabling the insect repellent compound to be dispersed into the surrounding environment. The top section  105  and the bottom section  110  may be rotated as such that the plurality of slits form openings that are either partially or wholly blocked at any given time or may fully allow air to pass through. 
         [0049]    Referring now to  FIG. 10 , there is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention. The top section  105  is shown having a first outer surface  102  and a first inner surface  104 . Additionally the top section  105  comprises a circular top  130  and a top circular wall  135 . The first outer surface  102  comprises the outer surface of the circular top  130  and the top circular wall  135 . The first inner surface comprises the inner surface of the circular top  130  and the top circular wall  135 . A plurality of first slits  108  are shown in the top circular wall  135 . 
         [0050]    The bottom section  110  is shown having a second outer surface  112  and a second inner surface  114 . In the bottom of the bottom section  110  there is a recess  150  as shown. The recess  150  is intended to provide support or an area for the insect repellent mechanism  180  to be positioned. The insect repellent mechanism  180  is positioned between the top section  105  and the bottom section  110  and then the two sections  105 ,  110  are combined. The two sections can then be secured, as described above, by being rotated in opposing directions thereby securing the top section  105  to the bottom section  110  with the insect repellent mechanism  180  contained within. 
         [0051]    The insect repellent mechanism  180  preferably has at least a sound generation mechanism  175 , a printed circuit board  190 , and power source  195  contained thereon. The sound generation mechanism  175  preferably creates and emits ultrasonic waves. Such ultrasonic waves may be generated by a piezoelectric transducer or other comparable sound generation apparatus. As used herein “ultrasonic” refers to sound waves that are above the generally accepted range capable of being heard by humans. Preferably this includes sound waves in excess of 20 kHz and more preferably includes sound waves in excess of 16 kHz. The upper range of such sound waves may reach several gigahertz. 
         [0052]    The insect repellent mechanism  180  may have outlets or openings  185  in the insect repellent mechanism  180  that permit the sound waves to emanate from the insect repellent mechanism  180 . The outlets  185  may be covered by a mesh or screen like material. This combined with a hardened outer case will provide protection for the inner workings of the insect repellent mechanism  180  from the elements (i.e. rain) and from other forms of contamination as well as shock from dropping of the insect repellent device  100 . 
         [0053]    The outlets  185  may have any number or shape and can be positioned around the entire periphery of the insect repellent mechanism  180 . In some instances, since ultrasonic waves have high frequencies and short wavelengths, these waves can be focused onto particular areas. Thus the outlets  185  may only align with the plurality of slits  108 ,  118  present in the insect repellent device  100  to achieve maximum effect. In some embodiments, there may be no outer case enveloping the sound generation mechanism  175 , printed circuit board  190 , and power source  195  and other internal components. In such an embodiment, there would likely be no need for the outlets and the electronic components may be coated in a waterproof or water resistant coating. 
         [0054]    Further, it may be preferable, in this embodiment, to have a power switch that would turn the sound generation mechanism  175  on/off. This would enable the device to be safely stored and prevent the ultrasonic waves from creating undue interactions with the surrounding environment as well as preserving battery power and life. The power switch may simply be a depressible or slidable button operably coupled to the insect repellent device  100 . 
         [0055]    In using the insect repellent device  100  described in  FIGS. 1-10 , one preferably can clip via the fastening mechanism  125  the insect repellent device  100  to an area near a facial region of the user. Practically speaking, this allows the user to prevent insects from biting, landing, or otherwise annoying the user in at least their facial region. This is due to the size and the weight of the insect repellent device  100  and the lack of irritation supplied by the repellent compound (i.e. solid rather than liquid spray). 
         [0056]    The insect repellent device  100  may comprise a number of materials including but not limited to metals, plastics, composites, rubbers, textiles, glass, wood, and the like or any combination thereof. Preferably the insect repellent device comprises a lightweight yet resilient plastic such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), high impact polystyrene (HIPS) and polycarbonate (PC), or any combination thereof. The plastics may be fiber reinforced to provide additional resiliency. 
         [0057]    Further, the insect repellent device  100  would fit within an area of about 1.3 cm (0.5 inch) to about 10 cm (4 inch) in length and about 1.3 cm (0.5 inch) to about 10 cm (4 inch) in width. Preferably, the insect repellent device  100  fits into about a 2.5 cm (1 inch) by 2.5 cm (1 inch) area and is generally circular. The insect repellent device should be about 1.3 cm (0.5 inch) to about 2.5 cm (1 inch) thick. This sufficiently small size coupled with the preferably used materials above should create a lightweight device that can be clipped to a number of areas without giving the user any sort of discomfort due to weight, bulk, or the like. 
         [0058]    In some embodiments, namely those employing an insect repellent compound  115  as described in  FIGS. 1-9 , the insect repellent compound  115  may be any number or combination of materials such as birch tree bark, citriodiol, DEET, icaridin, nepetalactone, citronella oil, neem oil, dimethyl carbate, tricyclodecenyl allyl ether, IR3535®, and various natural herb based formulations. 
         [0059]    Depending on the compound(s) used a carrier may be needed to contain the repellent in a particular form or to lengthen the life span of the compound. The compound(s) may also be selected or be combined with certain carriers to prevent or mask an odiferous quality of any of the compounds. The compound(s) may take the form of a disk, as shown in  FIG. 6 , or may be a gel, putty, emulsion, wafer saturated with insect repelling compounds, or the like or any combination thereof. The insect repellent compound  115  must, however, be capable of being retained by the insect repellent device  100 , as to avoid direct contact with the skin, eyes, mouth, etc. of the user. 
         [0060]    The insect repellent device  100  may further have additional elements that make it practical in a certain setting. For example, a golfer may prefer the device incorporates a magnetic ball marker. A fisherman may prefer the housing to exhibit magnetic properties thereby giving them a place to secure a free hook momentarily while freeing their hands for another task. Such a magnetic component can easily be applied with glues or other adhesives or comprise either the top section or bottom section or both. 
         [0061]    Thus, although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.