Patent Publication Number: US-2022211187-A1

Title: Cover for protecting against insects

Description:
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
     The present application claims priority to a provisional patent application identified by U.S. Ser. No. 63/134,063, filed Jan. 5, 2021, titled “Cover For Protecting Against Insects”; the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Chemicals and devices exist to repel insects, such as mosquitos. Chemical mosquito repellents are generally applied directly to the skin or a user&#39;s clothing. Many of these chemical substances are mixed with loti53ons or other protective adjuvants, such as sunscreen. After repeated use, many chemical substances can result in unintended poisoning. Such chemical repellents often have a strong odor and leave a sticky residue on the user&#39;s skin or clothing that may be uncomfortable and/or difficult to remove. Moreover, these chemical repellents typically must be frequently reapplied, which adds to the cost of use as well as subjecting the user to an increased level of potential poisonous dosing. 
     Garments and other products also exist that are treated with insect repellents or insecticides. Some of these substances are also poisonous and are only effective until the active repellent/insecticide is depleted—which may occur after the garment has been washed multiple times. These products may also harmfully affect beneficial pollinating insects. 
     Other protective garments that do not incorporate insecticides have also been developed. These garments are typically bulky, unattractive and not desirable for extended wear. These protective garments tend to cling to the wearer&#39;s skin resulting in an uncomfortable garment that is quickly discarded thereby presenting the user once again to the noxious and potentially disease-carrying insects. 
     Mosquito nets, which are generally placed on fixed apparatuses, such as a bed or a window screen, are also known and used. These types of products are stationary and typically cannot be used outside of a single fixed location. 
     Therefore, a need exists for a portable, washable cover that protects a user from insect bites without the use of harmful chemicals—while allowing the user to wear his or her everyday clothing, which can be seen underneath the protective cover. Such a protective cover must also be comfortable to wear and not interfere with the user&#39;s internal bodily mechanisms for temperature regulation. It is to such a device that the inventive concepts disclosed herein are directed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a protective cover according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a support member of the protective cover of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a sleeve of the protective cover of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a trim of the cover of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a diagrammatic view illustrating use of the protective cover of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic view illustrating use of the protective cover of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a front elevation view of the protective cover of  FIG. 1  shown folded and being placed in a storage device, for example, a bag. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following detailed description of embodiments of the inventive concepts, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the inventive concepts. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the inventive concepts disclosed and claimed herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the instant disclosure. 
     As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements or steps is not necessarily limited to only those elements or steps and may include other elements, steps, or features not expressly listed or inherently present therein. 
     Unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive “or” and not to an exclusive “or.” For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by anyone of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B is true (or present). 
     In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for grammatical convenience and to give a general sense of the inventive concepts. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise. 
     Throughout this disclosure and the claims, the terms “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially” are intended to signify that the item being qualified is not limited to the exact value specified, but includes slight variations or deviations therefrom, caused by measuring error, manufacturing tolerances, stress exerted on various parts, wear and tear, or combinations thereof, for example. 
     The use of the term “at least one” will be understood to include one as well as any quantity more than one, including but not limited to each of, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100, and all positive integers there between. The term “at least one” may extend up to 100 or 1000 or more, depending on the term to which it is attached; in addition, the quantities of 100/1000 are not to be considered limiting, as higher limits may also produce satisfactory results. Singular terms shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular unless indicated otherwise. 
     The term “or combinations thereof” as used herein refers to all permutations and/or combinations of the listed items preceding the term. For example, “A, B, C, or combinations thereof” is intended to include at least one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is important in a particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Continuing with this example, expressly included are combinations that contain repeats of one or more item or term, such as BB, AAA, AAB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so forth. The skilled artisan will understand that typically there is no limit on the number of items or terms in any combination, unless otherwise apparent from the context. 
     Finally, as used herein any reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment, although the inventive concepts disclosed herein are intended to encompass all combinations and permutations including one or more features of the embodiments described herein. As such, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, given the present disclosure, to use or substitute features from one or more embodiments into the structures or methods of making and using other embodiments. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-7 , a protective cover  10  for protecting against insects and insect bites is illustrated. The protective cover  10  may be worn by a wearer, such as a wearer  12  (shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) to guard and protect against undesirable insects, such as mosquitos and no-see-ums, while the wearer  12  is enjoying the outdoors or other environments where such noxious insects may be found. As explained further below, the protective cover  10  is generally constructed from a lightweight material and can be worn by the wearer  12  in a way that maintains a comfortable gap of air between the protective cover  10  and the skin of the wearer  12 . 
     The cover  10  includes a mesh sheet  14 , a first pliable support member  16 , and a second pliable support member  18 . The mesh sheet  14  includes a first end  20 , a second end  22 , a top end  24 , and a bottom end  26 —all of which define an outer periphery of the mesh sheet  14 . Although the mesh sheet  14  is shown in a generally rectangular configuration in this embodiment, the outer periphery of the mesh sheet  14  may be of any geometric or fanciful shape. The first pliable support member  16  extends between the first end  20  and the second end  22  of the mesh sheet  14  and is spaced a first distance  28  away from the top end  24  of the mesh sheet  14 . The second pliable support member  18  extends between the first end  20  and the second end  22  of the mesh sheet  14  and is spaced a second distance  30  away from the top end  24  of the mesh sheet  14 . The second pliable support member  18  is also spaced a distance away from the first pliable support member  16 . Each of the first pliable support member  16  and the second pliable support member  18  is reversibly movable between a flat configuration (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and a bent configuration (shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ). The mesh sheet  14  forms and sustains a wearable shape, such as a wearable shape  28 , when the first pliable member  16  and the second pliable member  18  are in the bent configuration. 
     The protective cover  10  may be formed in variety of shapes and sizes (as initially mentioned above) including, but not limited to, rectangular, square, circle, and oval shapes. By way of example only, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the protective cover  10  has the shape of a rectangle. The first end  20  and the second end  22  of the mesh sheet  14  may also have a variety of lengths that may be variable and not always identical to one another. For example, the first end  20  and the second end  22  may be, but are not limited to being, between about 50.0 to about 80.0 inches long. In one embodiment, each of the first end  20  and the second  22  is 60.0 inches long. Likewise, the top end  24  and the bottom end  26  of the mesh sheet  14  may also have a variety of lengths that may be variable and not always identical to one another. For example, the top end  24  and the bottom end  26  may be, but are not limited to being, between about 40.0 and about 70.0 inches long. In one embodiment, each of the top end  24  and the bottom end  26  is 50.0 inches long. It should be understood that the size and shape of the protective cover  10  may vary, and the shape of the protective cover  10  should not be construed as being limited to any particular shape set forth in the present disclosure. For example, the shape of the protective cover  10  may vary based on whether the cover  10  is intended to be used as a barrier for the arms, legs, entire body, or as a protective covering over any specific item. 
     The mesh sheet  14  may be formed of a variety of materials known in the art that allow air passage while simultaneously preventing insect biting and passage therethrough. The mesh sheet  14  should allow the user to form and maintain a desired shape when the first and second pliable support members  16 ,  18 , respectively, are in the bent configuration. For example, but not by way of limitation, the mesh sheet  14  may be formed of a knit material of fine gauge netting polyester with a tricot weave. In one embodiment, the mesh sheet  14  is formed of 100% polyester. The mesh sheet  14  may be formed preferably of a lightweight, semi-sheer material and may weigh, but is not limited to weighing, between about 0.7 and about 0.9 ounces per square yard (osy). In one embodiment, the mesh sheet  14  weighs about 0.8 osy. The mesh sheet  14  may have, but is not limited to having, a mesh count between about 375 and about 450. In one embodiment, the mesh sheet  14  has a mesh count of about 400. The mesh sheet  14  may have a denier count between about 250 and about 350. In one embodiment, the mesh sheet  14  has a denier count of about 400. 
     The mesh sheet  14  may be formed, but is not limited to being formed, by a first machine-knitted thicker outer thread followed by a second thinner thread sewn in between the thicker outer threads. This weave may maximize strength of the mesh sheet  14  while allowing for air passage. The mesh sheet  14  may stretch in any direction. Also, in one embodiment, the mesh sheet  14  may not substantially allow for stretch in any direction. The mesh sheet  14  may also include a coating, which may assist in maintaining the structure of the mesh sheet  14  after multiples uses and/or multiple washes. In one embodiment, the mesh sheet  14  is colored white. The white color may increase the likelihood of repelling insects as compared to a darker color. For example, darker colors may have an unwanted side effect of trapping carbon dioxide released from a wearers body, which may further attract insects. Additionally, the mesh sheet  14  may be formed of a single material or the mesh sheet  14  may, in alternative embodiments, be formed of a laminate of two or more materials. In such an embodiment of the mesh sheet  14 , the laminate may be the entirety of the mesh sheet  14 , or in another embodiment, the laminate may comprise a portion of the mesh sheet  14 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the first and second pliable support members  16  and  18  assist the wearer  12  in forming and arranging the protective cover  10  to maintain a shape so that the mesh sheet  14  does not substantially contact the skin of the wearer  12 —thereby creating a comfortable bubble or microclimate underneath the mesh sheet  14  and around the wearer  12 . The first and second pliable support members  16 ,  18 , respectively, may be formed of a variety of pliable materials known in the art including, but not limited to, various types of plastics, metal, silicone, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the first and second pliable support members  16 ,  18 , respectively, are formed of copper wire. In this embodiment, the copper wire may have a size of about 16 to about 20 AWG. In one embodiment, the first and second pliable support members  16  and  18  are formed of solid copper having a size of about 18 AWG. The size of the first pliable support member  16  may be different from the size of the second pliable support member  18 . In the embodiment in which the pliable support members  16  and  18  are formed of copper wire, the copper wire of the first and second pliable support members  16 ,  18 , respectively, may be coated with an outer layer. The outer lay may be formed, but it is not limited to being formed, of a polyamide including, but not limited to, nylon. One having ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that a variety of flexible, lightweight outer layers may be used to coat the copper wire. Such copper wire as described above may include wires as defined by the National Electrical Code (NEC) as fixture wires. Such wires have a softer temper and sustain their form when bent. It should be appreciated that the protective cover  10  may be provided with a third, fourth, or any number of pliable supports without deviating outside of the scope of the presently disclosed inventive concepts. 
     In another embodiment, the protective cover  10  does not include a first and second support member  16  and  18 , but the mesh sheet  14  may still form and sustain a wearable shape around the wearer  12 . In this embodiment, the mesh sheet  14  may be formed of a shape-memory polymer, nitinol threads, a hydrogel, biocompatible materials, Keratin based memory fabric (including fabric introduced with hydrogen peroxide and monosodium solutions), or any other materials suitable for forming and sustaining a desired shape. The mesh sheet  14  may be formed of any of these enumerated materials or may comprise of two or more such shape-memory materials. 
     The protective cover  10  may further include a first sleeve  40  and a second sleeve  42 . The first sleeve  40  slidably receives the first pliable support member  16 , and the second sleeve  42  slidably receives the second pliable support member  18 . The first sleeve  40  includes a first open end  44  and a first closed end  46 . The second sleeve  42  includes a second open end  48  and a second closed end  50 . The first pliable support member  16  may be inserted into the first open end  44  and slid through the first sleeve  40  towards the first closed end  46 . The second pliable support member  18  may be inserted into the second open end  48  and slid through the second sleeve  42  towards the second closed end  50 . In the embodiment where the protective cover  10  includes a first and second sleeve  40 ,  42 , respectively, the pliable support members  16 ,  18 , respectively, may easily be removed from the mesh sheet  14  so that the mesh sheet  14  may be easily washed. The first and second sleeves  40 ,  42 , respectively, may be formed of variety of suitable outdoor materials known in the art including, but not limited to, ripstop fabrics. Alternatively, the first and second sleeves  40 ,  42 , respectively, may be formed of the same material as the mesh sheet  14 . Any of the materials disclosed for use with the mesh sheet  14  may also be used, in whole or in part, with the first and second sleeves  40 ,  42 , respectively. 
     The first pliable support member  16  includes a distal end  60  and a proximal end  62 . A first cap  64  may be disposed on the proximal end  62  of the first pliable support member  16 . Similarly, the second pliable support  18  includes a distal end  66  and a proximal end  68 . A second cap  70  may be disposed on the proximal end  68  of the second support member  18 . As best shown in  FIG. 2 , the proximal end  62  of the first pliable support member  16  may protrude from the first sleeve  40  and bend back towards the mesh sheet  14  with the first cap  64  disposed on the proximal end  62  of the first pliable support member  16  in a way that removably secures the first pliable support member  16  in the first sleeve  40 . It should be appreciated that the proximal end  68  of the second pliable support member  18  may be similarly constructed and oriented to that of the first pliable support member  16 . It should also be appreciated that the first and second support members  16 ,  18 , respectively, may be removably secured in the first and second sleeves  40  and  42  by a variety of mechanisms including, but not limited to, Velcro® hook and loop, magnets, a pocket fold, or some combination thereof. Additionally, the first and second pliable support members  16 ,  18  respectively, may each have caps thereon or one or more ends may be used without a cap thereon. 
     The protective cover  10  may further include a trim  80  surrounding all or at least a part of the outer periphery of the mesh sheet  14 . As best shown in  FIG. 4 , the trim  80  may include an indicia  82 . The indicia  82  may be a company name, logo, or any other design. The trim  80 , in one embodiment, may be constructed or formed by a shape sustaining material such as those disclosed herein for the mesh sheet  14 . Further, the trim  80  may be formed as a laminate of materials including one or more with a shape sustaining material. The trim  80  may be, but is not limited to being, formed with bias tape. The trim  80  may be formed of a variety of suitable outdoor materials known in the art including, but not limited to, canvas and canvas duck fabric. The trim  80  may also include one or more weighted magnets disposed along the outer periphery, or within the body of the mesh sheet  14 , or in another embodiment, on one or more corners of the protective cover  10  for securing around a wearer or for securing the protective cover  10  in a substantially folded, straight, or other configuration. The mesh sheet  14  or the trim  80  may also include one or more fasteners for attaching the protective cover  10  to a structure such as, but not limited to, a doorway, window, tent, or hammock. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the protective cover  10  may be formed in a variety of desirable and wearable shapes to shield and protect the wearer  12  from undesirable insects while enjoying the outdoors. In addition to protecting the arms, legs, and torso of the wearer  12 , the protective cover  10  may also be worn over the wearer&#39;s head. The protective cover  10  is easy to place and form on any area of the body or on an object. The protective cover  10  may form a bubble or microclimate around the wearer  12  so that the mesh sheet  14  does not substantially rest against the skin of the wearer  12 —allowing unrestricted air flow through the protective cover  10  for enhanced breathability and comfort. The wearer  12  is also free to wear fashionable or message-containing clothing, the visual perception of which is unaltered by the protective cover  10 . The protective cover  10  may eliminate the need for using harmful chemicals often found in traditional bug sprays or impregnated into protective garments. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the protective cover  10  may be easily folded and placed in a storage device, such as a bag  90  for storing and/or carrying the protective cover  10  to a desired location such as a ball game, a camping site, a beach, or the like. The bag  90  may be formed of a water-resistant material and may include a drawstring  92  for securing the protective cover  10  inside the bag  90 . The bag  90  may also include an indicia  94  for a company name, logo, or other design. Because the protective cover  10  can be easily folded and may be formed of a machine-washable material, the protective cover  10  may be easily placed in a washing machine after use and before the next use. The storage device, such as the bag  90 , may also be formed of the same material as the mesh sheet  14 . 
     From the above description, it is clear that the inventive concepts disclosed and claimed herein are well adapted to carry out the objects and to attain the advantages mentioned herein, as well as those inherent in the invention. While exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts have been described for purposes of this disclosure, it will be understood that numerous changes may be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are accomplished within the spirit of the inventive concepts disclosed and claimed herein.