WO2010148510A1

WO2010148510A1 - System and method for insect control

Info

Publication number: WO2010148510A1
Application number: PCT/CA2010/000982
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anthony Niceforo
Original assignee: BUG KILLER PRO INTERNATIONAL Inc
Current assignee: BUG KILLER PRO INTERNATIONAL Inc
Priority date: 2009-06-25
Filing date: 2010-06-25
Publication date: 2010-12-29
Anticipated expiration: 2011-12-25

Abstract

An apparatus for insect control comprising: a containing area; an air curtain assembly for generating a first flow of air that acts as an air curtain to enclose the containing area; a light provided in the containing area for attracting insects to the containing area; and a collector positioned below the containing area for collecting insects. A further for insect control comprising: a blower unit for creating an air curtain; a light unit for attracting insects inside the air curtain; and a collection unit for collecting insects. A method of insect control comprising: attracting insects to a containing area; trapping insects in the containing area using an air curtain; and dehydrating the insects using a flow of air.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INSECT CONTROL

FIELD

[0001] The present application relates generally to an apparatus and method for insect control. More particularly, the application relates to an apparatus and method for attracting and trapping insects.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A variety of insect control devices are known in the art. One type of insect control device uses an ultraviolet light to attract insects to an electrical grid where they are electrocuted. This type of insect control device has a disadvantage that the electrical grid may pose a potential safety hazard, while the electrocution of the insects often produces an undesirable noise.

[0003] Another type of insect control device uses an ultraviolet light to attract insects to a tray containing toxic chemicals. This type of insect control device can be unsuitable in some environments due to the exposed toxic chemicals, which may pose potential health risks, particularly for pets and children.

[0004] Yet another type of insect control device makes use of lights to attract insects and an "air curtain", that is, flowing air, to drive insects into a trap that has a lid or that includes a sticky substance to keep the insects inside the trap. It appears that these devices have not been commercialized due to potential difficulties with: establishing an appropriate distribution and force of air flow to create an efficient and effective air curtain; cleaning or replacing the trap elements including difficulties in handling the sticky substance; and the potential risk of insects escaping from the traps when in use.

[0005] As noted above, conventional insect traps can involve unpleasant sounds, unpleasant chemicals or other factors that make them less likely to be put to use in home or garden environments.

[0006] It is therefore desirable to provide an improved apparatus and method for insect control that overcomes at least some of the problems of conventional devices. SUMMARY

[0007] In a first aspect herein, there is provided an apparatus for insect control comprising: a containing area; an air curtain assembly for generating a first flow of air that acts as an air curtain to enclose the containing area, a light provided in the containing area for attracting insects to the containing area, and a collector positioned below the containing area for collecting insects. The air curtain assembly may comprise an air intake; a chamber that tapers to define a chamber exit; and a blower for drawing air from the air intake and directing the air to form the air curtain.

[0008] In another aspect, the blower may be a drum fan for drawing air in from an air intake and directing the air into a chamber that tapers to define a chamber exit for forming the air curtain.

[0009] In a particular case, the containing area and the blower may be configured such that air flow from the air curtain flows through the containing area and is drawn by the blower back to the chamber to create a continuous flow of air through the collector.

[0010] In a further aspect, insect attractant may be placed in locations outside, inside, or both outside and inside the contahing area.

[0011] In still a further aspect, there is provided an apparatus for insect control comprising an air curtain assembly for creating a first air curtain to enclose a containing area and a second air curtain to urge insects to a container for collecting insects, and a light for attracting insects to the containing area. The air curtain assembly may be configured to provide a second flow of air inside the containing area to urge insects to the collector. In a particular case, the collector may be removable.

[0012] In yet a further aspect, there is provided a method for insect control comprising attracting insects to a containing area, trapping insects in the containing area using an air curtain; and dehydrating the insects using a flow of air.

[0013] In an aspect of embodiments herein, there is provided an apparatus for insect control comprising a blower unit for creating an air curtain, a light unit for attracting insects inside the air curtain, and a collection unit for collecting insects. [0014] In a further aspect, there is provided an apparatus for insect control comprising a blower unit for creating an air curtain, a light unit for attracting insects toward the air curtain, a collection unit for collecting insects, and an enclosure unit for holding the blower unit, the light unit, and the collection unit

[0015] In a still further aspect, the enclosure unit, the blower unit, and the collection unit include guides 1hat cooperate to aid the insertion and removal of the blower unit and the collection unit from the enclosure unit, and help maintain alignment between the units.

[0016] In a particular case the blower unit may comprise: an air intake; a chamber that tapers to define a chamber exit; and a blower for drawing air from the air intake and directing the air to form the air curtain, wherein the container unit and the blower unit are configured such that the air flow from the air curtain flows Ihrough the container unit and is drawn by the blower back to the chamber to create a continuous flow of air through the collection unit.

[0017] In the above cases, the apparatus for insect control may further include additional elements to assist with attracting insects, such as, for example, a water feature such as a fountain, or a planter area to allow the planting of flowers. The method for insect control may similarly include the provision of and use of these additional elements.

[0018] Other aspects and features will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0019] Embodiments herein will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein

Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an apparatus for insect control;

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an apparatus for insect control;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an apparatus for insect control; Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a light unit engaged in a fan unit of an embodiment of an apparatus for insect control;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a light unit engaged in a fan unit and a container unit below the fan unit.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the insertion or removal of a light module of another embodiment of an apparatus for insect control;

Fig. 7 is a side view of a light unit engaged in a fan unit above a container unit;

Fig. 8 is a front view of the embodiment of Fig. 5;

Fig. 9 is a partially exploded perspective view of a light unit and light cover;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a container unit of the embodiment of Fig. 5;

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 as applied to a decorative fountain; and

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 as applied to a decorative planter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Figure 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an apparatus for insect control (10). The apparatus (10) includes one or more lights (20), an air curtain assembly (30), a containing area (40), a set of holders (44), and a collector (46).

[0021] The one or more lights (20) lure insects to the apparatus (10) by emitting frequencies of light that attract insects. It will be understood that one of the main insects targets will be mosquitoes. In the case the light is ultraviolet light and is not emitted at a visible spectrum, although light visible to humans may also be a suitable alternative. The one or more lights (20) can be of a variety of types, such as incandescent, fluorescent, or LED. LED lights may offer the advantages of relatively low power consumption and durability. In a further embodiment, the one or more lights (20) are arranged together with one or more reflectors (22), which may more efficiently project light in the desired direction, i.e. toward opening (42).

[0022] Air curtain assembly (30) comprises a blower, or fan, (32), an air intake (34), and a chamber (36), which tapers to define a chamber exit (38). The action of the blower (32) draws ambient air into chamber (36) through air intake (34), and expels 1he air through tapering chamber exit (38). As the air leaves chamber exit 38, it is intended to create an

"air curtain", that is, a substantially non-turbulent flow of air with a relatively high velocity, directed across opening (42). The air curtain would be located adjacent to opening (42) and the air flow be directed downward and slightly toward the collector (46). The opening (42) is defined by the geometry of adjacent walls (12). The shape of chamber exit (38) is designed to create an air curtain that corresponds to and flows over the entire opening (42) to effectively enclose the containing area (40). As will be understood by one skilled in the art, characteristics of the air curtain, such as velocity, can be determined by varying the type and characteristics of blower (32), the geometry of chamber (36), chamber exit (38), air intake (34), and other various parameters. For example, a drum fan can be used for blower (32) in order to produce an ar curtain that is more consistent and/or more powerful, enabling it to capture larger and/br heavier insects. It will be further understood that the sides of the containing area (40) may be protected by an air curtain generated either by the same or similar fan (32), chamber (36) and exit (38) or by a separate system, or may be protected by a side wall, such as a glass panel or the like. The flow of air may be further adjusted to be hotter or cooler to assist with the dehydration of the insects.

[0023] It will be understood that the light (20) and blower (32) maybe powered by batteries (not shown) or some appropriate combination. In some embodiments, solar power may also be available.

[0024] As an insect is attracted to the one or more lights (20) and moves in toward opening (42), the insect is swept downward toward or into the collector (46) by the air curtain. The air curtain is intended to also prevent the escape of the insect, as attempting to move out through opening (42) will once again cause the insect to be swept downwards toward or into container 46. The constant flow of the air curtain and the inability of the insects to escape is also intended to cause insects in the containing area (40) or the collector (46) to die of dehydration, after which they accumulate in collector (46). The containing area (40) and the blower (32) may be configured such that the air flow from the air curtain flows through the containing area (42) and is drawn by the blower back to the chamber (36) to create a continuous flow of air through the collector (46). The continuous flow is intended to aid in the dehydration of the trapped insects.

[0025] In the embodiment of Figure 1 , the collector (46) is positioned in the apparatus (10) by a set of holders (44), and is designed to collect insects that die in the containing area (40). The collector (46) can be removed from the set of holders (44) for convenient disposal of accumulated insects. It will be understood that the container 46 is preferably removable, however, other systems of removal of the dead insects may be used. For example, the container may be fixed in place but be provided with a liner or the like that can be removed and replaced periodically. In some cases, collector (46) is formed to have perforations or is formed from a rigid or flexible mesh material, such as a mosquito netting, to prevent the accumulation of moisture.

[0026] In a further embodiment, the efficacy of the apparatus (10) may be increased by placing an attractant, such as a volatile, airborne attractant, in one or more locations interior or exterior to the apparatus (10). For example, placing an attractant, such as octenol, in chamber (36) or on the exterior of the apparatus (10) may provide an additional lure for insects to apparatus (10). In another example, placing an attractant in containing area (40) or collector (46) may encourage insects to remain in the containing area (40) or collector (46), and may decrease the chance that a trapped insect will escape the apparatus (10).

[0027] Figure 2 shows a further embodiment in which an additional air curtain intended to urge insects into the collector (46) is provided. In this embodiment, one chamber exit (38a) may be shaped to create an air curtain that flows over the entire opening (42), while a second chamber exit (38b) may be shaped to create a second airflow or air curtain that flows over light (20) inside the containing area. In this case, an insect that has passed through the first air curtain to enter containing area (40) may continue to be attracted by the light (20). As the insect approaches light (20), it passes into the second air curtain, which may urge the insect toward collector (46). In an alternative embodiment, an additional blower (not shown) can be provided to generate the additional air curtain by directing air into a separate, additional chamber with a chamber exit shaped to create the additional air curtah.

[0028] Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment in which an apparatus for insect control (100) is formed of modular units or components, including an enclosure unit (110), a blower unit (130), a light unit (120), and a collection unit (146). The enclosure unit (110) is configured hold the blower unit (130), the light unit (120) and the collecion unit (146), and can include guides (148 and 150) to aid the sliding insertion or removal of the modular, and may help maintain proper alignment between the modular units. As in the other embodiments, the light unit may include a light (124) and a reflector (122) to direct the light (124) to attract the insects. Figure 3 illustrates one embodiment where the guides include a set of ridges (148) along a bottom interior surface of the enclosure unit, and a set of channels (150) along the interior side surfaces of the enclosure unit (110). The ridges (148) and channels (150) may cooperate with corresponding channels (152) and ridges (154) on the outer surfaces of the collection unit (146) and/or the blower unit (130) respectively to guide the sliding insertion into, and removal from, the enclosure unit (110).

[0029] Additionally, the enclosure unit (110) may include a locking feature to secure a modular unit in a particular position, and to prevent the modular unit from being unintentional^ dislodged from that position. The locking feature in the enclosure unit (110) may include at least one recess (not shown), which cooperates with at least one corresponding raised portion (156) in the ridges (154) of the blower unit, as shown in figure 4, and the collection unit (not shown). When the blower unit (130) and/or the collection unit are fully inserted into the enclosure unit, the at least one raised portion (156) and the recess cooperate to removably secure the blower unit (120) and/or the collection unit (146) within the enclosure unit (110). It will be understood that the at least one raised portion may be incorporated in enclosure unit and corresponding at least one recess may be incorporated into the blower unit and/or collection unit for a similar locking feature.

[0030] The enclosure can also include a rear opening for air intake handling or access for electrical connections or the like.

[0031] The enclosure unit (110), blower unit (130), light unit (120), collection unit (146), as well as any additional units, can be manufactured in standard sizes, with standard physical interfaces, and with standard power interfaces to enable interoperability between the units, and interchangeability within a particular type of unit. Interoperability enables configuration flexibility, as an apparatus for insect control may comprise a combination of different enclosure units, blower units, lights units, collection units, and other units. Interchangeability facilitates repairs, since a malfunctioning unit can be easily replaced with a functioning unit.

[0032] Figure 4 is a partially exploded perspective view of the blower unit (130) engaged with the light unit (120). The blower unit (130) may include a blower (132), an air intake (134), a chamber (136), which tapers to define at least one chamber exit (in this case, two are shown 138a and 138b), drum fan, a removable side panel (158), which may be secured to the chamber by fasteners. The blower unit (130) further includes a cavity (160), which is adapted to sldingly receive the light unit (120).

[0033] The removable side panel (158) may enable access to the interior of the blower unit (130) for maintenance and service of interior parts. As described above, the blower unit (130) can include guides, such as ridges (154) or channels, and locking features such as raised portions (156) or recesses along its outer surface to facilitate proper alignment relative to the other units, and to facilitate sliding insertion into, and removal from, the enclosure unit.

[0034] The blower (132) may be any of various types of fans but in this case, a drum fan is used to obtain consistent air flow across the air curtain. The flow of air may be adjusted to be hotter or cooler to assist with the dehydration of the insects.

[0035] Figure 5 illustrates the blower unit (130) and light unit (120) when combined with the collection unit (146). As described above, the collection unit (146) may also comprise guides such as ridges (154) that may slidingly engage the enclosure unit. Figure 5 further illustrates an opening (142) defined by adjacent walls (112a and 112b). Once an insect enters the opening (142) and is within the containing area (140), it will be trapped and directed downward by the air curtain. The insect is intended to be forced into opening (162) of the collection unit (146).

[0036] Figure 6 illustrates the sliding removal of the light unit (120) from the blower unit (130). The light unit (120) slides into and out of the light cavity (160) and may lock into place in a similar manner to the locking features described above. The light unit (120) includes a light tube (124) which may be UV or other light bulb and a reflector (122) to direct the light at the opening (142). The light unit may further include a shield (164) that prevents insects from entering the light unit (120) itself. The shield (164) may reduce the risk of damaging the light unit (120) and having insects bum if in contact with the light (124) which may result in an unpleasant odor.

[0037] Figure 7 illustrates a side view of the blower unit (130) in connection with the light unit (120) and the collection unit (146). From the side view the tapered structure of blower unit's (130) air chamber exit (138) can be seen. Further the light unit (120) is shown within the cavity (160). The cavity (160) is adapted to fit a power attachment (166) that may be needed to power the light. The front view of the apparatus for insect control is shown in figure 8. From the front view the light unit (120) clearly projects light through the opening (142). The ridges (154), the guides used in this embodiment, are visible on both the blower unit (130) and the container unit (146).

[0038] Figure 9 is a partially exploded perspective view of a light unit (120), showing the one or more lights (124), the reflector (122) for more effectively distributing the light, and the removable shield (164). The light unit (120) may have different forms according to functional and aesthetic requirements. As described above, a variety of lights may be used, such as incandescent, fluorescent or LED lights. The light unit (120) canalso include a power interface (166) for powering and/ormounting removable lights, such as fluorescent tubes or light bulbs. The reflectors (122) can be a separate element, or can be included with the light itself. The removable shield (164) can beslidingly mounted in the light unit (120) or the reflector, and prevents insects from entering into the light unit (120) , and can also act as an optical filter for the one or more lights (124).

[0039] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a collection unit (146). The collection unit (146) includes a container body (168), and a grill portion (170), removably mounted to the container body (168). The grill portion (170) allows air to flow from the collection unit and into the blower unit (130) through a hole provided thereon acing as an air intake for the blower unit (130). The grill portion (170) allows a continuous flow of air from the air curtain through the collection unit (146) and then back to the blower unit (130).

[0040] As described above, the collection unit can include guties, such as ridges (154) and locking features along its outer surface to facilitate proper alignment with respect to the other units, and to facilitate sliding insertion into, and removal from, the enclosure unit. When the collection unit (146) has been removed from the enclosure unit, the grill portion (170) can be removed to facilitate disposal of insects and cleaning.

[0041] Figures 11 and 12 show further embodiments in which the apparatus for insect control is combined with a fountain assembly and a potted plant assembly, respectively. It will be understaood that these represent only some of a large number of potential uses.

In these embodiments, the fountain assembly and potted plant assembly are intended to provide an additional attractant element that may assist in attracting insects to the apparatus. In particular, insects that are attracted to the water or the plants may enter the air curtain and containment area and be trapped. It will be understood that the type of plant to be provided in the planter can be selected based on insect attracting properties. The provision of a fountain or a plant in the area of the apparatus for insect control is also intended to make the apparatus for insect control more aesthetically pleasing and allow for its use in a greater variety of areas including homes, restaurants, gardens, and the like. Additionally, The fountain assembly or the potted plant assembly can be adapted to accept modular units, such as those described above.

[0042] The apparatus for insect control (200) shown in figure 11 shows a cross section of the apparatus (200) and how it may be incorporated into a fountain (210). The apparatus may include a top air vent (234), which may draw air into the apparatus and through the fan or blower (232). The air is forced through the tapered air chamber exit (238). The apparatus may further include a light unit (220) that may further attract an insect and a collection area or container, which in this embodiment is shown as a removable net (246). The unit may be powered by a junction box (280) that may be connected at the back of the apparatus. The apparatus may comprise further openings (282) atthe back and below the removable net, which may aid in dehydrating the insects at an increased rate, as moisture will generally not remain in the collection area. The fountain (210) may be a typical residential ornamental fountain known in the art.

[0043] Figure 12 shows an alternative embodiment in which the apparatus for insect control (300) is incorporated into a planter (310). The apparatus may still incorporate a top air vent (334), which directs air towards a motorized fan (332). The fan (332) forces the air through the tapered air chamber exit (338) and creates an air curtain designed to entrap insects and force them into the removable container (346) which may be a removable mosquito netting. The apparatus includes a light unit (320) that is designed to attract insects and may further include a reflector, which may aid in directing the light. Similar to the apparatus incorporated with the fountain, this apparatus may also have openings (382) behind and below the removable container that may assist in a speedier dehydration of the insects. As above, the apparatus may further include a junction box (380) or other power supply that may provide power to the fan (332) or light unit (320) or both. [0044] A method for insect control makes use of the apparatus described and includes: attracting insects to a trap using chemical, natural, light or other attractants, preferably in combination; providing an air curtain to trap the insects; and providing some means to kill the insects, such as dehydration by the flow of air from the air curtain.

[0045] The above-described embodiments are intended to be examples only. Those of skill in the art can effect alterations, modifications and variations to the particular embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

We Claim:

1. An apparatus for insect control comprising: a containing area; an air curtain assembly for generating a first flow of air that acts as an air curtain to enclose the containing area; a light provided in the containing area for attracting insects to the containing area; and a collector positioned below the containing area for collecting insects.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the air curtain assembly comprises: an air intake; a chamber that tapers to define a chamber exit; and a blower for drawing air from the air intake and directing the air to form the air curtain.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the blower is a drum fan.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the containing area and the blower are configured such that air flow from the air curtain flows through the containing area and is drawn by the blower back to the chamber to create a continuous flow of air through the collector.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an insect attractant is placed outside or inside or both outside and inside the containing area.

6. The apparatus claim 1 wherein the air curtain assembly is configured to provide a second flow of air inside the containing area to urge insects to the collector.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the collector is removable and replaceable.

8. An apparatus for insect control comprising: a blower unit for creating an air curtain; a light unit for attracting insects inside the air curtain; and a collection unit for collecting insects.

. The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising an enclosure unit for holding the blower unit, the light unit and the collection unit.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the blower unit comprises: an air intake; a chamber that tapers to define a chamber exit; and a blower for drawing air from the air intake and directing the air to form the air curtain, wherein the container unit and the blower unit are configured such that air flow from the air curtain flows through the container unit and is drawn by the blower back to the chamber to create a continuous flow of air through the collection unit.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the blower unit is configured to provide a second flow or air from the chamber to urge insects to the collection unit.

12. The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a water feature.

13. The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a planter.

14. The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising an insect attractant is placed outside or inside or both outside and inside the containing area.

15. A method of insect control comprising: attracting insects to a containing area; trapping insects in the containing area using an air curtain; and dehydrating the insects using a flow of air.