Patent Publication Number: US-11659830-B2

Title: Wrist band with insect repellant

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/978,523 filed Feb. 19, 2020 entitled WRIST BAND WITH INSECT REPELLANT, the entire content of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Disclosure 
     The present invention generally relates to pest management. More specifically, the present invention relates to a wrist band or other accessory configured to be worn by a user including insect repelling material. 
     Related Art 
     During mild or otherwise pleasant weather, many people enjoy spending additional time outside. One drawback of spending time outdoors, however, is that insect activity often increases when the weather is pleasant. In some cases, the increase in the number of people in the outdoors may attract insects. Conventional insect repelling material such as sprays are generally ineffective as they tend to dissipate quickly and may stain or damage clothing. 
     Accordingly, it would be useful to provide an insect repelling device or element that avoids these and other problems. 
     SUMMARY 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a wrist band or other wearable accessory that includes insect repelling material. 
     A wearable band in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a flexible inner layer including an inner surface configured to contact a user&#39;s skin when the wearable band is in a closed position; a middle layer positioned on the flexible inner layer on a side opposite the inner surface of the flexible inner layer, the middle layer including insect repelling material; a flexible outer layer positioned on the middle layer on a side opposite the flexible inner layer; at least one protrusion extending upward from a top surface of the flexible outer layer; and at least one opening formed through the flexible inner layer, the middle layer and the flexible outer layer and configured to receive the at least one protrusion when the wearable band is in the closed position. 
     In embodiments, the wearable band may include a backing element positioned opposite the at least one protrusion. 
     In embodiments, the backing element may be connected to the inner surface of the flexible inner layer. 
     In embodiments, the backing element may be integrated into the inner surface of the flexible inner layer. 
     In embodiments, the at least one protrusion has a first width at a top portion thereof and a second width at a bottom portion thereof, wherein the first width is larger than the second width. 
     In embodiments, the at least one second opening has a first diameter that is less than the first width and wherein the at least one opening is configured to stretch to allow the first width of the top portion of the at least one protrusion to pass therethrough and to retract around the second diameter of the lower portion of the at least one protrusion. 
     In embodiments, the middle layer includes a foam material including the insect repelling material. 
     In embodiments, the middle layer includes one or more chambers formed therein including the insect repelling material. 
     In embodiments, at least one side of the one or more chambers is uncovered such that vapors of the insect repelling material pass out the at least one side of the one or more chambers. 
     In embodiments, at least one side of the wearable band is open such that vapors of the insect repelling material pass out of the wearable band. 
     A wearable band in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a flexible inner layer including an inner surface configured to contact a user&#39;s skin when the wearable band is in a closed position; a middle layer positioned on the flexible inner layer on a side opposite the inner surface of the flexible inner layer, the middle layer including insect repelling material; a flexible outer layer positioned on the middle layer opposite the flexible inner layer, the flexible outer layer including a first plurality of openings formed in a top surface thereof and continuing to a bottom surface thereof such that vapors of the insect repelling material pass through the first plurality of openings; at least one protrusion extending upward from a top surface of the flexible outer layer; and at least one second opening formed through the flexible inner layer, the middle layer and the flexible outer layer and configured to receive the at least one protrusion. 
     In embodiments, the wearable band includes a backing element positioned opposite the at least one protrusion. 
     In embodiments, the backing element may be connected to an interior surface of the flexible inner layer. 
     In embodiments, the backing element may be integrated into the interior surface of the flexible inner layer. 
     In embodiments, the at least one protrusion has a first width at a top portion thereof and a second width at a bottom portion thereof, wherein the first width is larger than the second width. 
     In embodiments, the at least one second opening has a first diameter that is less than the first width and wherein the at least one second opening is configured to stretch to allow the first width of the top portion of the at least one protrusion to pass therethrough and to retract around the second diameter of the lower portion of the at least one protrusion. 
     In embodiments, the middle layer includes a foam material including the insect repelling material. 
     In embodiments, the middle layer includes one or more chambers formed therein including the insect repelling material. 
     In embodiments, at least one side of the one or more chambers is uncovered such that vapors of the insect repelling material pass out of the at least one side of the one or more chambers. 
     In embodiments, the wearable band includes at least one side element extending between the flexible inner layer and flexible outer layer. 
     This and other objects shall be addressed by embodiments of the present invention as set forth herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with references to the accompanying figures, wherein: 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a wrist band including insect repelling material in a closed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a top view of the wrist band of  FIG.  1    in an open position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a bottom view of the wrist band of  FIG.  1    in an open configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4    is a top perspective view of the wrist band of  FIG.  1    in an open configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  5    is bottom perspective view of the wrist band of  FIG.  1    in an open configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a more detailed view of the layers included in a body of the wrist band of  FIGS.  1 - 6    in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a wrist band including insect repelling material in a closed position in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a top view of the wrist band of  FIG.  7    in an open configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a bottom view of the wrist band of  FIG.  7    in an open configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  10    is a top perspective view of the wrist band of  FIG.  7    in an open configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  11    is bottom perspective view of the wrist band of  FIG.  7    in an open configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  12    illustrates a more detailed view of the layers included in a body of the wrist band of  FIGS.  7 - 11    in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention generally relates to a wrist band  10  including an insect repelling material. While the term “wrist band” is used herein, the band  10  may be worn on other parts of the user&#39;s body and is not limited to use on the user&#39;s wrist. In embodiments, the wrist band  10  may be any accessory wearable by a user. Further, the band  10  may be carried by the user, for example, in a user&#39;s pocket or attached to the user&#39;s clothes, for example, without being worn. In embodiments, the wrist band  10  may include a body  20  that includes multiple layers  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c . In embodiments, the outer layer  20   a  may be configured to face outward, away from a user&#39;s body when the wrist band  10  is in a closed configuration on a portion of the user&#39;s body as shown in  FIG.  1   , for example. In embodiments, the outer layer  20   a  may be made of vinyl, or another durable and flexible material. In embodiments, the outer layer  20   a  encases and protects the insect repelling material  22  provided in the middle layer  20   b . In embodiments, the outer layer  20   a  may include a plurality of openings  14   a  that extend therethrough as well as the middle layer  20   b  and the inner layer  20   c  to accommodate a fastening protrusion  14   b  extending from an inner surface of the inner layer  20   c  to secure the wrist band  10  in the closed configuration. In embodiments, the plurality of openings  14   a  may extend through all of the layers  20   a ,  20   b  and  20   c . In embodiments, the inner layer  20   c  similarly aid in encasing and protecting the insect repelling material  22  in the middle layer  20   b . In addition, the inner layer  20   c  provides a barrier between the insect repelling material  22  provided in the middle layer  20   b  and the user&#39;s skin. In embodiments, the inner layer  20   c  may also be made of vinyl or any other flexible and durable material. In embodiments, the inner layer  20   c  is preferably made of a flexible material that is suitable for contact with the user&#39;s skin. 
     In embodiments, the inner layer  20   c  may include a backing element  14   c  (see  FIGS.  2  and  4   , for example) positioned opposite the fastening protrusion  14   b  on a bottom surface of the inner layer. In embodiments, a user may press on the backing element  14   c  to aid in positioning the fastening protrusion  14   b  through one of the openings  14   a  to secure the wrist band  10  in the closed configuration. In embodiments, the backing element  14   c  may be made of a different material than the inner layer  20   c . In embodiments, the backing element  14   c  may be made of a material that is harder, or less flexible than that of the inner layer  20   c . In embodiments, the backing element  14   c  may be connected to the inner surface of the inner layer  20   c . In embodiments, the backing element  14   c  may be integrated into the inner surface of the inner layer  20   c . In embodiments, the fastening protrusion  14   b  may be wider on a top portion thereof than on the bottom portion such that it stays within the respective opening  14   a  to hold the wrist band  10  in the closed configuration once it is positioned in the opening. In embodiments, the top portion of the protrusion  14   b  may have a somewhat different shape than that of the bottom portion and the opening  14   a  such that the protrusion stays in place in the opening. In embodiments, the respective opening  14   a  may flex or stretch to accommodate the larger or differently shaped top portion of the protrusion  14   b.    
     In embodiments, the layers  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c  may be made of a material that is sufficiently elastic to expand slightly to allow the top portion of the fastening protrusion  14   b  through as it is pressed into the opening  14   a  and resilient such that once the wider portion passes through, the opening returns to its original position and resists removal of the protrusion  14   b.    
     In embodiments, the insect repelling material  22  may be provided as the middle layer  20   b  of the body  20 . That is, in embodiments, the middle layer  20   b  may be made of the insect repelling material  22 . In embodiments, the insect repelling material  22  may be incorporated into another material in the middle layer  20   b . In embodiments, the middle layer  20   b  may be made of an absorbent material and the insect repelling material  22  may be held within the absorbent material. In embodiments, the absorbent material may be foam or any other suitable material. In embodiments, the middle layer  20   b  may be made of vinyl or plastic or another material and coated with insect repelling material  22 . In embodiments, the middle layer  20   b  may include one or more storage chambers and/or openings formed in the surface thereof which may receive the insect repelling material  22 . In embodiments, at least one side of these chambers may be left open to allow vapors of the insect repelling material to escape the band  10 . In embodiments, the insect repelling material may be or may include Metofluthrin or Transfluthrin, to name a few. In embodiments, the insect repelling material  22  may be a volatile substance such that it easily evaporates and spreads around the wrist band  10 . In embodiments, the heat of a user&#39;s skin or body may be sufficient to increase evaporation of the insect repelling material  22 .  FIG.  8    illustrates a detailed view of exemplary embodiment of the layers  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c  used in the body  20 . 
     In embodiments, the body  20  may not include any sort of side elements or extensions such that the middle layer  20   b  is visible and exposed from the side. In embodiments, the vapors of the insect repelling material  22  escape the body  20  via the open sides into the air surrounding the user. In this manner, the insect repelling material expands around the user to create a substantially insect free zone around the user. 
       FIG.  7    illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a wrist band  110  in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. In embodiments, the wrist band  110  is similar to wrist band  10  discussed above. The wrist band  110  may also be used on other body parts and is not limited to use on the user&#39;s wrist. In embodiments, the wrist band  110  may include a body  120  with an outer layer  120   a  that may be used to enclose and protect a middle layer  120   b  that is or includes insect repelling material  22 . In embodiments, the outer layer  120   a  may be made of the same materials as the outer layer  20   a . In embodiments, the outer layer  120   a  may include a plurality of vapor openings  120   d  that are formed therethrough such that vapors from the insect repelling material included in the middle layer  120   b  may pass through the vapor openings  120   d  and out of the band  110 . In embodiments, an inner layer  120   a  may be positioned between the user&#39;s skin and the middle layer  120   b  and may be made of the same materials as the inner layer  20   c  discussed above. 
     Like the fastening openings  14   a  discussed above, fastening openings  114   a  may pass through all three layers  120   a ,  120   b ,  120   c  of the body  120  and may receive the fastening protrusion  114   b  to hold the wrist band  110  in the closed configuration when desired. In embodiments, the fastening protrusion  114   b  may be wider on top than on the bottom, like the protrusion  14   b , and the openings  114   a  may flex or stretch to accommodate the wider portion and then return to their original shape or substantially to their original shape to resist removal of the protrusion. In embodiments, the outer layer  120   a  may include a backing element  114   c  positioned opposite the protrusion  114   b  to aid in pushing the protrusion into a respective opening  114   a , similar to backing element  14   c  discussed above. 
     In embodiments, as can be seen in  FIGS.  10  and  11   , the middle layer  120   b  may be covered by a side portion  120   e  of either the outer layer  120   a  or inner layer  120   c  such that the middle layer is substantially completely covered. In embodiments, the middle layer  120   b  may be covered by a side portion  120   e  that may be attached to one or both the outer layer  120   a  and the inner layer  120   c . In such an embodiment, the insect repelling material  22  escapes through the openings  120   d  formed in the outer layer  120   a . In embodiments, the middle layer  120   b  may be configured in substantially the same way and made of the same materials as the middle layer  20   b  discussed above. 
     While the present disclosure refers to a wrist band  10 ,  110 , as noted above, the band  10 ,  110  may be applied to other parts of a user&#39;s body and is not limited to use on the user&#39;s wrist. In embodiments, the wrist band  10 ,  110  may be used in the closed configuration illustrated in  FIGS.  1  and  7    where it is wrapped around a part of the user&#39;s body, or in the open configuration illustrated in  FIGS.  2 - 5  and  8 - 11   . In embodiments, in the open configuration, the wrist band  10 ,  110  may be placed in a user&#39;s pocket or hang from the user&#39;s clothing or otherwise be carried by the user. 
     In use, a user may wrap the body  20 ,  120  of the wrist band  10 ,  110  around their wrist, or another body part, and insert the protrusion  14   b ,  114   b  into a respective opening  14   a ,  114   a  to hold it in place. As discussed above, the shape of the protrusion  14   b ,  114   b  may allow it to be received in the respective opening  14   a ,  114   a  and to resist removal. A plurality of openings  14   a ,  114   a  are provided to accommodate a wide variety of sizes. Where the wrist band  10 ,  110  is being used in its open configuration, it may not be necessary to insert the protrusion  14   b ,  114   b  through any of the openings  14   a ,  114   a.    
     The band  10 ,  110  is configured to be easily worn by a user and to continuously emit a more or less constant amount of vapor of the insect repelling material  22  to provide a substantially insect free zone around the user. This allows for long lasting and effective insect repelling with minimal mess. While the band  10 ,  110  is generally referred to as a wrist band, as noted above, the band need not be worn on a user&#39;s wrist and may be worn on other parts of the user&#39;s body. As noted above, the band  10 ,  110  may also be used in an open configuration and placed in a user&#39;s pocket, hung from the user&#39;s clothes or otherwise caned by or on the user. 
     Now that embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail, various modifications and improvements thereon can become readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. The spirit and scope of the present invention is to be construed broadly.