Abstract:
Apparatus and method for protecting against and stopping an attack by stinging flying insects. The apparatus is portable and activated by the victim. A tank contains a surfactant, and the tank is fluidly connected by a hose with a delivery system that is characterized by a plurality of spray nozzles. In response to an attack by stinging flying insects, an operator activates an electric pump that delivers the surfactant from the tank to the delivery system under pressure via the hose. The surfactant is expelled from the delivery system as a spray or mist, and envelopes the operator under attack by stinging flying insects, contacting the operator and insects and resulting in the death of the insects and the stopping of the attack. The tank, pump, hose and delivery system are incorporated into a self-contained, portable, and movable platform.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     Not Applicable.  
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
       [0002]     Not Applicable.  
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     The present invention relates generally to protecting against stinging flying insects, and more particularly relates to a sprayer apparatus for thwarting stinging flying insect attacks. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for delivering a spray or mist of surfactant to stop an attack of stinging bees and to assist victims in evading such attacks.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0004]     Despite their value as pollinators and producers of honey and wax, bees are generally unwelcome in the vicinity of people because of the possibility that the bees may swarm, attack, and repeatedly sting those nearby. Bees may attack unsuspecting persons without provocation, and leave the person without a defense to the swarm. Increasing the concerns associated with bee attacks is the migration of “Africanized” honeybees into the southern regions of the United States. These Africanized honeybees attack with more intensity and persistence than the indigenous species of honeybee, often stinging their victim hundreds of times. With the movement of Africanized honeybees, or so-called “killer bees,” into an area, it becomes even more important to make available means to protect against and end attacks by swarming bees before the results are fatal.  
         [0005]     Research has shown that a person may defend against attacks from certain bees by exposing the bees to a surfactant spray or mist. In some instances, the surfactant may comprise a mixture of soap and water. The soap, upon contacting a bee, breaks down the waxy protective covering of the bee&#39;s breathing system, thereby drowning the bees in the water. Sprayer devices that deliver a low volume flow of a surfactant spray or mist in response to an attack are effective for controlling and killing certain less aggressive, indigenous bees. However, a low volume surfactant spray or mist response may not be suitable to combat an attack by a swarm of more aggressive “killer bees” given the greater intensity and persistence of attack.  
         [0006]     A surfactant spray or mist method of bee protection may be effective and practicable in situations where a capable sprayer device is readily available and can be quickly moved into proximity to apply the surfactant spray or mist to the person under attack. Even then, however, a person under attack by stinging bees may become incapacitated and unable set up and operate the equipment alone, and thus must to wait for help to arrive. The victim is typically forced to wait until the fire department or another responder with the capability to rescue a victim from a stinging fling insect attack can arrive. To further compound the problem, attacks by aggressive bees often occurs in remote locations where prompt response from the fire department or other responder is unlikely or even impossible, thereby making the chance of a high volume sprayer device arriving in time to end the attack unreliable. Ranchers and farmers, for example, are frequently alone when attacked, such as when operating a tractor, entering a remote barn or shed, cutting brush, or fixing fences. As such, a need exists for a portable system that can provide a spray or mist of surfactant with enough intensity to effectively protect against and stop a large swarm of aggressive killer bees, and that can be arranged to be self-administered with little thought or coordinated effort when under the stress of an attack.  
       SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0007]     The embodiments of the present invention are directed to apparatus for delivering a spray or mist of an insect-killing solution, such as a surfactant, to a person being stung by bees. It is desired to provide a flying insect protection device that is portable, self-contained, and can deliver a flow of surfactant spray or mist sufficient to quickly kill and/or thwart a large swarm of aggressive bees. The embodiments of the flying insect protection device described herein allow for use of the flying insect protection device in various environments and applications that can be utilized when rapid outside rescue response is not reliably available.  
         [0008]     In one embodiment of the present invention, the flying insect protection device includes a tank, an electric pump, a hose, a delivery system, and a surfactant. The tank may be comprised of plastic or fiberglass and may be sized according to the desired level of portability for each embodiment of the device. The electric pump is desired to have enough power to deliver the surfactant at a flow rate of 1-3 gallons per minute (GPM) and may be integral to the tank. The hose is a tubular line capable of fluid communication that is connected between the tank and the delivery system. The delivery system is characterized by a plurality of spray nozzles through which the surfactant is expelled. The surfactant is contained in the tank, and may be comprised of soap and water. In certain embodiments, the delivery system includes a halo-shaped header that is supported above the head of the person to be protected. An alternative embodiment includes disposing the delivery system on the ground with the spray nozzles directed upward. In such embodiments, the spray nozzles are disposed about the halo so as to create a column-like protective spray.  
         [0009]     The flying insect protection device is preferably portable, self-contained, and capable of being conveyed in a variety of manners. In certain embodiments, the tank is worn by the person to be protected, and includes shoulder straps, similar to a backpack. Alternatively, the tank may be mounted on a wheeled hand-truck or dolly to assist in moving the flying insect protection device to the desired location. In another embodiment, the tank is mounted on a wheeled wagon. Further, the flying insect protection device may be integrated into a wheeled rescue vehicle, such as an ambulance or fire truck. In the embodiments where the tank is mounted as a backpack, on a hand-truck, dolly or wagon, or integral to a wheeled rescue vehicle, a battery and battery charger are included as components of the flying insect protection device to power the electric pump and to maintain the battery&#39;s power, respectively. An additional alternative embodiment includes mounting the flying insect protection device to a lawn tractor or farm tractor.  
         [0010]     When a person in proximity of a flying insect protection device is attacked by a swarm of bees, the person may take the delivery system in hand and activate the electric pump to pressurize the surfactant. The surfactant is pumped from the tank by the electric pump through the hose and to the delivery system. The surfactant is atomized when pumped through the plurality of spray nozzles of the delivery system, creating a surfactant spray or mist that is directed to soak the person under attack. The surfactant spray or mist also contacts the bees attacking the victim, killing the stinging bees and stopping the attack.  
         [0011]     Thus, the present invention comprises a combination of features and characteristics that are directed to overcoming various shortcomings of prior devices. The various characteristics described above, as well as other features, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, and be referring to the accompanying drawings.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]     For a more detailed description of the embodiments, reference will now be made to the following accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0013]      FIG. 1A  is a schematic elevation view of the halo embodiment of the flying insect protection device disposed on a farm tractor;  
         [0014]      FIG. 1B  is a schematic elevation view of the nozzle embodiment of the flying insect protection device disposed on a farm tractor;  
         [0015]      FIG. 2A  is a top view of the halo embodiment of the delivery system;  
         [0016]      FIG. 2B  is a partial cross-sectional view of the halo embodiment shown in  FIG. 2A ;  
         [0017]      FIG. 3A  is a cross-section view of a sprayer embodiment of the delivery system;  
         [0018]      FIG. 3B  is a front view of the sprayer embodiment of the delivery system shown in  FIG. 3A ;  
         [0019]      FIG. 3C  is a cross-sectional view of a straight-line sprayer embodiment of the delivery system;  
         [0020]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a tank used in one embodiment of the delivery system;  
         [0021]      FIG. 5  is a schematic elevation view of a flying insect protection device disposed on a wagon;  
         [0022]      FIG. 6  is a schematic elevation view of a flying insect protection device disposed on a hand-truck or dolly;  
         [0023]      FIG. 7  is an elevation view of one embodiment of the delivery system in use. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS  
       [0024]     In the drawings and description that follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features of the invention may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form, and some details of conventional elements may not be shown in the interest of clarity and conciseness.  
         [0025]     The present invention is susceptible to embodiments of different forms. Specific embodiments are described in detail and are shown in the drawings, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to that illustrated and described herein. It is to be fully recognized that the different teachings of the embodiments discussed below may be employed separately or in any suitable combination to produce desired results. Further, use of any form of the terms “connect”, “engage”, “couple”, “attach”, or any other term describing an interaction between elements is not meant to limit the interaction to direct interaction between the elements and may also include indirect interaction between the elements described. The various characteristics mentioned above, as well as other features and characteristics described in more detail below, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the embodiments, and by referring to the accompanying drawings.  
         [0026]     Referring initially to  FIG. 1A , flying insect protection device  100  is shown. Flying insect protection device  100  includes tank  10 , electric pump  12 , hose  20 , delivery system  30 , and surfactant  40 . Electric pump  12  is preferably a self-priming, diaphragm pump that is positioned integrally to tank  10 , and is preferably powered by a DC motor (not shown). Hose  20  is connected between tank  10  and delivery system  30 . In certain embodiments, hose  20  is a tubular line, and may be comprised of rubber, plastic, or other suitable flexible tubular material. Hose  20  may likewise be comprised of rigid or non-rigid conduit. Tank  10  is filled with surfactant  40  and may have a volumetric capacity in the range of four to twenty gallons. In this particular embodiment, tank  40  preferably has a volumetric capacity of 16 gallons. In certain embodiments, tank  10  is comprised of plastic, fiberglass, or any other suitable light-weight material. In the present embodiment, tank  10  and delivery system  30  of flying insect protection device  100  are mounted to a wheeled vehicle, such as tractor  500 , with the delivery system  30  preferably positioned in an area above the operator of tractor  500 . The DC motor driving electric pump  12  is preferably powered by connection to the battery (not shown) of tractor  500 .  
         [0027]     Referring now to  FIG. 1B , an alternative embodiment of flying insect protection device  100  is shown. In this embodiment, device  100  includes tank  10 , electric pump  12 , hose  20 , spray jets  25 , and surfactant  40 . Spray jets  25  are mounted to tractor  500  in proximity to the operator and are fluidly connected to tank  10  via hose  20 . Surfactant  40  is delivered from tank  10  via hose  20  to spray jets  25  under pressure from electric pump  12 , and is expelled from spray jets  25  in the direction of the operator. In one embodiment, spray jets  25  may be mounted above the operator and to the left and the right of the operator, thereby surrounding the operator on at least three sides. Spray jets  25  may be comprised of brass, and may deliver a wide-field spray of surfactant  40 , a more concentrated direct stream of surfactant  40 , or some combination thereof.  
         [0028]     Referring now to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , an embodiment of delivery system  30  is shown. In this embodiment, delivery system  30  is characterized by header  31  and a plurality of spray nozzles  32 . Header  31  is a tubular member, formed in a halo-like shape, which may be comprised of ½-inch diameter stainless steel piping. In certain embodiments, header  31  forms a circular halo that is approximately 12 to 24 inches in diameter. Spray nozzles  32  are mounted on the outer surface of header  31 , spaced equally on header  31 , and in fluid communication with the interior diameter of header  31 . Nozzles  32  may be comprised of brass, and may deliver a wide-field spray of surfactant  40 , a more concentrated direct stream of surfactant  40 , or some combination thereof. Header  31  need not be circular, but in other embodiments, may be arcuate or linear.  
         [0029]     Delivery system  30  is also characterized by supply tubing  33 , hose couple  34 , grip  35 , trigger  36 , valve  37 , and feed tubing  38 . Supply tubing  33  is a tubular member capable of fluid communication, and is connected between hose couple  34  and grip  35 . Supply tubing  33  is oriented radially to header  31 , and may be secured to header  31  by clamp  39 . Supply tubing  33  connects with grip  35  at one end, creating a passage for fluid flow into grip  35  when hose  20  is attached to hose couple  34 . Grip  35  is capable of fluid communication, and incorporates trigger  36 , which is used to open and/or close valve  37  located in the fluid path when trigger  36  is depressed. Feed tubing  38  is oriented radially with respect to header  31 , and is connected between grip  35  and header  31  at the opposite end of grip  35  from supply tubing  33 . Feed tubing  38  is a tubular member capable of fluid communication, and creates a passage for fluid flow such that feed tubing  38 , grip  35  and header  31  are in fluid communication.  
         [0030]     When an operator in proximity to flying insect protection device  100  is attacked by stinging flying insects, device  100  is utilized to deliver a spray or mist of surfactant  40  from delivery system  30  that envelopes the person under attack. The operator may take delivery system  30  in hand by grasping grip  35 , actuating trigger  36  to open valve  37  and to close a switch (not shown), thereby activating electric pump  12 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the operator does not need to grasp grip  35  of delivery system  30 . Electric pump  12  pressurizes surfactant  40  contained in tank  10 , delivering surfactant  40  through hose  20  to delivery system  30  under pressure. Upon reaching delivery system  30 , surfactant  40  enters header  31  and flows to nozzles  32 . The pressure on surfactant  40  created by electric pump  12  forces surfactant  40  through nozzles  32 , thereby delivering surfactant  40  in a stream, spray, mist or small droplets. As the column of spray or mist of surfactant  40  is applied to and envelopes the operator under attack, the spray or mist of surfactant  40  also contacts the attacking bees in the vicinity. The attacking bees exposed to the spray or mist of surfactant  40  from delivery system  30  are stopped and killed.  
         [0031]     It is preferred that electric pump  12  deliver the spray or mist of surfactant  40  through spray nozzles  32  at a flow rate of 1-3 gallons per minute. In the embodiment of delivery system  30  shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the spray or mist of surfactant  40  provided by delivery system  30  has a maximum linear range of 6 to 8 feet, and provides a coverage area based on a spray zone of 6 feet in diameter. In certain embodiments, surfactant  40  is a soap-water mixture, wherein the ratio of soap to water is 1:10. Alternatively, surfactant  40  may also be comprised of a 1:10 mixture of detergent and water, or a 1:10 mixture of shampoo and water, as further examples.  
         [0032]     Referring to  FIGS. 3A, 3B , and  3 C, device  100  may alternatively use an embodiment of delivery system  50  shown therein. In this embodiment, delivery system  50  includes a grip  41 , trigger  42 , nozzle head  43 , nozzles  44  and  45 , valve  47 , and hose couple  46 . Delivery system  50  may be generally “L-shaped” and in the style of a garden-watering sprayer, with nozzle head  43  and nozzles  44  and  45  disposed at one end and hose couple  46  disposed at a second end. Delivery system  50  may alternatively be a straight-line sprayer with nozzles  44  and  45  disposed at one end and house couple  46  disposed at a second end. Grip  41  is of the garden-sprayer type, with an internal passage for fluid flow. Hose couple  46  is connected at one end of grip  41  and provides an entry port for surfactant  40  to enter delivery system  50 . Hose  20  attaches to hose couple  46 , thereby fluidly connecting grip  41  and tank  10 . Trigger  42  is disposed on grip  41 , and trigger  42  is activated to open and close valve  47  located in the internal passage of grip  41  to control fluid flow.  
         [0033]     Valve  47  is opened by actuating trigger  42 . Depressing trigger  42  further activates a switch (not shown) that energizes electric pump  12 , which pressurizes surfactant  40  in tank  10 . Surfactant  40  is delivered under pressure via hose  20  to delivery system  50 , and flows through grip  41  to nozzles  44  and  45 . Surfactant  40  is expelled through nozzles  44  as a spray and nozzle  45  as a stream, and is directed to the operator under attack by stinging bees. Surfactant  40  encompasses the operator and contacts the stinging bees, thereby stopping the attack and killing the bees. This embodiment of delivery system  50  is preferably used with the tank  10  embodiments shown in  FIGS. 4 and 6 .  
         [0034]     The size of tank  10  in the varying embodiments of flying insect protection device  100  is dependent upon the anticipated and/or desired use. Referring now to  FIG. 4 , in certain embodiments tank  10  is configured such that it can be carried in a manner akin to a backpack, with shoulder straps  16  attached to tank  10  for permitting an operator to support and transport the tank on his or her shoulders and back. With tank  10  suspended from the operator&#39;s back, hose  20  connects to delivery system  50 . Hose  20  may have a length in the range of 3-6 feet. Tank  10  is filled with surfactant  40 , and preferably has a volumetric capacity of 4 gallons in this embodiment. Additionally, in this embodiment, a battery  11  is mounted in battery housing  13  of tank  10  in order to provide power for electric pump  12 . A battery charger  14  is also included in this embodiment of flying insect protection device  100  as part of tank  10  in order to keep battery  11  charged with sufficient power to run electric pump  12 .  
         [0035]     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , in an alternative embodiment flying insect sprayer device  100  is shown with tank  10  mounted on a portable platform such as wagon  600 . Tank  10  is filled with surfactant  40 , and in this embodiment preferably has a volumetric capacity of 8 gallons. In this embodiment, an operator may take delivery system  30  in hand and direct the spray or mist of surfactant  40  onto him or herself. Alternatively, delivery system  50  may be used in this embodiment to deliver surfactant  40 .  
         [0036]     Referring to  FIG. 6 , in an additional alternative embodiment of flying insect protection device  100  is shown with tank  10  mounted on a hand-truck  700 . Tank  10  is filled with surfactant  40 , and in this embodiment preferably has a volumetric capacity of 8 gallons. In this embodiment, an operator may take delivery system  50  in hand and direct the spray or mist of surfactant  40  onto him or herself. Alternatively, delivery system  30  may be used in this embodiment to deliver surfactant  40 . Additionally, in the embodiments related to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , battery  11  is positioned integrally to tank  10  in order to provide power for electric pump  12 . A battery charger  14  is also included in these embodiments of flying insect protection device  100  in a manner integral to tank  10  in order to keep battery  11  charged with sufficient power to run electric pump  12 .  
         [0037]     All of the above-described embodiments mounted to a portable platform allow the flying insect protection device  100  to be portable and easily accessible to an operator within a short time of a bee attack. Further, these embodiments allow an operator to engage the device by a simple pull of a trigger or the pressing of a switch. More importantly, the embodiments discussed herein allow a victim to operate the device without the need of outside intervention and independent of rescue efforts, despite the stress of the attack.  
         [0038]     Referring to  FIG. 7 , in an alternative embodiment delivery system  30  is shown positioned on the ground, allow an operator under attack from a swarm of bees to position him or herself within the mist of surfactant  40  expelled from delivery system  30 . In this embodiment, delivery system  30  is oriented such that spray nozzles  32  are directed upward. The upwardly directed spray nozzles  32  send a spray or mist of surfactant  40  up from the ground to create an insect defeating barrier of surfactant  40  that envelopes the operator. In this embodiment, the operator activates delivery system  30  by actuating and locking trigger  36  in the activated position, and then placing delivery system  30  on the ground so that nozzles  32  are directed upward.  
         [0039]     While preferred embodiments of this invention have been shown and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or teaching of this invention. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only and are not limiting. It will be appreciated that many other modifications and improvements to the disclosure herein may be made without departing from the scope of the invention or the inventive concepts herein disclosed. Because many varying and different embodiments may be made within the scope of the present inventive concept, including equivalent structures or materials hereafter thought of, and because many modifications may be made in the embodiments herein detailed in accordance with the descriptive requirements of the law, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.