Pest collecting vacuum

Abstract

A vacuum device and method of use for capturing unwanted pests includes a housing including a carrying handle, an inlet opening capable of communicating unwanted pests therethrough, an inlet duct in open communication with a bag cavity, an exhaust duct in open communication with at least one exhaust vent, a bag cavity adapted to receive a bag including at least one layer of air-permeable material, optionally including a pesticide, a plurality of pliable members sealingly engaging one another when the vacuum is not operating and cooperating to form a passageway when the vacuum is operating, and a bag mounting flange, at least one exhaust vent in open communication with the exhaust duct for passing exhaust air away from the housing to air surrounding the housing; and a suction-creating device that creates suction thereby forming a vacuum within the housing. Optionally, the bag may include a pleasantly scented compound.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a pest collecting vacuum for use in collecting and eliminating unwanted pests.

BACKGROUND

When using conventional pest control devices to eliminate pests such as insects, reptiles, or rodents, one often has to handle of the pest. Having to engage in such clean-up and handling is often highly undesirable. In particular, in addition to the inconvenience of having to subsequently wipe up pest remains from surfaces with a tissue or piece of paper, one often has to also remove a stain or residue from the surfaces. Removal of such staining can be toilsome, as it may require one or more subsequent applications of cleaning substances or even new coats of paint.

Furthermore, pests and their remains can be unsanitary, inconvenient, frightening, and even dangerous to handle or dispose of.

Thus, there is a need for a device that makes the collection and disposal of pests easier and less messy by providing a means of disposal that minimizes the handling of pests and a means of exterminating pests while keeping them intact.

SUMMARY

A vacuum device for capturing unwanted pests is provided and includes a housing including a carrying handle for carrying the vacuum device, an inlet opening capable of communicating unwanted pests therethrough, an inlet duct in open communication with a bag cavity, an exhaust duct in open communication with at least one exhaust vent, a bag cavity adapted to receive a bag and in open communication with the inlet duct and the exhaust duct, at least one exhaust vent in open communication with the exhaust duct for passing exhaust air away from an interior portion of the housing to air surrounding the housing; a bag including at least one layer of air-permeable material, a plurality of pliable members that sealingly engage one another when the vacuum is not in operation and that cooperate to form a passageway when the vacuum is in operation, a mounting flange for retaining the bag in the bag cavity; and a suction-creating device that creates suction thereby forming a vacuum within the housing.

In an embodiment of the invention, the bag includes a pesticide. Additionally, in another embodiment of the invention, the bag includes a pleasantly scented compound capable of being dispersed to the air surrounding the vacuum device. Additionally, in another embodiment of the invention a telescopic extension is provided. A method of use is also provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the appended drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a cut-away elevational view of a vacuum device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the vacuum device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates an elevational view of the a vacuum device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an extension tube for use with a vacuum device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a bag for use in a vacuum device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a bag for use in a vacuum device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side elevational view of a bag for use in a vacuum device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side elevational view of a bag for use in a vacuum device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a battery charger for use with a vacuum device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a rear elevational view of the vacuum device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a bag for use in a vacuum device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Generally, the embodiments of the present invention include a vacuum device that operates to create suction thereby creating a vacuum within the vacuum device to capture and dispose of pests therein including: a housing 22, an inlet 24, a bag 26, a motor 28, a fan 32, a plurality of exhaust vents 34, a switch 36 for activating or deactivating the vacuum, and a power source 38 (not shown). Like elements are referred to with like numbering throughout the specification.

In one embodiment of the present invention 10, shown in FIG. 1, the housing 22 is generally cylindrical in shape and has an inlet end 42, an exhaust end 44, an upper side 46, and a lower side 48. The inlet end 42 is tapered from a smaller diameter d1 at an inlet 24 to a larger diameter d2 in a middle portion 52 of the housing 22. The housing 22 includes a bag access door 54, located in the middle portion 52 of the housing 22. The housing 22 includes exhaust vents 34 that permit ventilation of air moved by the fan 32, an inlet duct 64, an exhaust duct 65, and a bag cavity 68 integrally formed therewith that cooperate to operate the vacuum, as well as providing mounting devices for other elements of the invention by way of being adapted to receive various elements, such as an optional battery 39 or optional power cord 134 in such locations as the optional features are disposed.

Additionally, the housing 22 includes an integrally formed carrying handle 56 that provides a means of easily carrying and using the vacuum for the user.

It is contemplated that the housing 22 may be manufactured from moldable, lightweight material. In a non-limiting embodiment, a thermoplastic or similar material that is both durable and inexpensive may be used to form the housing, including, but not limited to: plastics, other synthetic resins, or any material that has come or may come into existence.

The inlet 24 includes an annular inlet opening 62 that is integrally formed with the housing 22 as illustrated in FIG. 2. The annular opening 62 defines an inlet opening to an inlet duct 64 having a first end 66 in open communication with the air outside the vacuum and a second end in open communication with the bag cavity 68. The inlet duct 64 is generally tubular in shape having a peripheral wall 72 defining inner contours of the inlet duct 64, and extends from the first inlet end 66 to the bag cavity 68. Both the annular opening 62 and the inlet duct 64 are of sufficient size to allow a variety of pests 58 to be communicated therethrough without becoming stuck or lodged.

In an embodiment of the invention, the peripheral wall 72 of the inlet duct 64 includes a low-friction material 74 (not shown) to prevent pests from gaining traction while being communicated through the inlet duct 64.

In another embodiment of the invention, the annular opening 62 is adapted to receive an optional telescopic extension 76, illustrated in FIG. 4.

In another embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIG. 3, the annular opening 62 is adapted to receive a cap 78 that operates to sealingly engage the annular opening 62 to prevent the escape of pests trapped therein.

The telescopic extension 76 has a generally tubular shape and may include one or more telescoping extension tubes 82 with each extension tube 82 including an inner peripheral wall 83 that are each in telescopic engagement with each other.

In an embodiment of the invention, more than one extension tube 82 is included and has an inner extension tube 84 having a first end and a second end and is disposed within an outer extension tube 86 that includes a similar structure as the inner extension tube 82. The outer extension tube 86 includes a second annular opening 88 at the first end adapted to receive an extension cap 92. A first mounting flange 95 is included at the second end of the outer extension tube 86. The mounting flange 94 is adapted to sealingly fit within the annular opening 62 of the housing 22.

The inner extension tube 84 slidingly engages the outer extension tube 86 so as to enable a user to lengthen the telescopic extension 76 by sliding the first end of the inner extension tube 82 outwardly away from the first end of the outer extension tube 86.

In an embodiment of the invention, the inner peripheral wall 83 of the extension tubes 82 may include a low-friction material 74 to prevent pests from gaining traction while being communicated therethrough.

The bag cavity 68 is formed as an integral part of the housing 22, and has a generally cylindrical shape, with a diameter of substantially the same size as the inlet duct 64. The bag cavity 68 is adapted to receive a bag 26 by way of an upper recess 94 and a lower recess 96. The upper and lower recesses 94, 96 are adapted to receive a second mounting flange 98 positioned on an inlet end 100 of the bag.

One embodiment of the bag 26, illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 11, includes a body portion having a generally tubular shape and including an inlet end 100, an exhaust end 102, an outer membrane 104, and an inner membrane 106. The inlet end 100 of the bag includes an opening aperture 108 and a second mounting flange 98. The opening aperture 108 is adapted to pass pests therethrough during operation of the vacuum and includes a plurality of pliable members 110 fixedly joined to the second mounting flange 98 about the periphery of the opening aperture 108. The plurality of pliable members 110 extend radially inward from the periphery of the opening aperture 108 to the center point of the opening aperture 108, wherein the plurality of pliable members 110 cooperate to seal the opening aperture 108 when the vacuum is not in operation and creating a passageway when the vacuum is in operation, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. Both the bag 26 and the opening aperture 108 are of sufficient size to fully contain a pest 58, examples of which include, but are not limited to: insects, rodents, and reptiles.

In an embodiment of the invention, a bag 26 is included as illustrated in FIG. 5. The bag 26 includes an inlet end 100 and an exhaust end 102. A third mounting flange 112 located at the inlet end 100, is generally rectangular in shape, having four sides and a center point 114, operates to fixably retain the bag 26 in open communication with the inlet duct 64 and exhaust duct 65. The third mounting flange 112 is retained in its respective position by sliding at least one portion of the third mounting flange 112 into at least one of the upper or lower recesses 94, 96 located at the end of the bag cavity 68 nearest the inlet duct 64. The opening aperture 116 is coplanar with the third mounting flange 112 and centered about the center of the mounting flange 114.

In another embodiment of the bag 26, illustrated in FIG. 5, the opening aperture 116 is generally rectangular, having dimensions slightly smaller than that of the third mounting flange 112. Also included is a plurality of pliable members 118, with the pliable members 118 being generally rectangular and fixedly mounted about the periphery of the opening aperture 116.

An embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 5, includes a wedge-shaped bag 120. The wedge-shaped bag 120 includes an inner membrane 122 (not shown) and an outer membrane 124 that extend from the rear of the third mounting flange 112 to the exhaust end 102 of the bag, and has an upper portion 126 and a lower portion 128. The wedge-shaped bag 120 is tapered, with the distance between the upper portion 126 to the lower portion 128 decreasing as the distance from the third mounting flange 112 increases.

The exhaust end 102 of the bag 26, 120 is adjacent to, and in open communication with, an exhaust duct 65. The exhaust duct 65 is a generally tubular opening that is integrally formed as part of the housing 22 and includes a first end and a second end and operates to provide a path for exhaust air moved by the fan 32 to exit the housing 22. The exhaust duct 65 is adapted to receive a motor 28 at the first end and is adapted to sealingly mate with a plurality of exhaust vents 34 at the second end.

The inner membrane 106 of the bag, illustrated in FIG. 6, may be comprised of any air-permeable material capable of allowing air to pass therethrough without impeding the flow of the air while also preventing the smallest of pests from passing therethrough. Non-limiting examples of smallest of pests include: ants, gnats, or other small insects. The inner membrane 106 may contain a pesticide 130 (not shown) that is dispersed throughout the inner membrane 106. The inner membrane 106 is disposed within the outer membrane 104, and is slightly smaller in size than the outer membrane 104, thereby allowing the inner membrane 106 to fit within the outer membrane 104.

The outer membrane 104 of the bag 26, 120 may be made of a material similar to that of the inner membrane 106. Additionally, the outer membrane may contain a synthetic compound 131 (not shown), an organic compound 132 (not shown), or a combination thereof (not shown) having a pleasant scent associated therewith that is communicated through the exhaust duct 65 and discharged from the vacuum through the exhaust vents 34 when air is passed through the outer membrane 104.

The exhaust vents 34, illustrated in FIG. 1, may be of any shape, though illustrated throughout as a plurality of spaced-apart parallel linear openings. The exhaust vents 34 are in open communication with the exhaust duct 65 and are of a sufficient size so as not to restrict the flow of air produced by the rotation of the fan 32 by the motor 28.

In one embodiment of the invention, the motor 28 is an electrically powered motor that may be powered by either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC). The motor 28 rotates a fan 32 when power is supplied to the motor from a power source 38 (not shown) via a switch 36.

The switch 36, illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, may be connected to a power source 38 (not shown) by means of electrically conductive wires 136 and operates to either connect or disconnect the motor 28 from the power source 38 (not shown). The power source may include a battery 39, a power cord 134, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the switch 36 may be connected to an indicator light 138 by means of electrically conductive devices such as electrically conductive wires 136.

The indicator light 138 may be a light emitting diode or any other type of light bulb or emitter. The indicator light 138 may also be connected to an optional sensor 140 located in or near the bag 26, 120 by means of electrically conductive devices such as electrically conductive wires 136.

The sensor 140 is positioned in a manner allowing detection of a pest 58 in the bag 26, 120. Upon detection of a pest 58, an electrical signal is sent to the indicator light 138, thus alerting the user to the presence of a pest 58 in the bag 26.

In another embodiment of the invention, the sensor 140 may be positioned in such a way as to determine the amount or number of pests 58 contained in the bag 26, 120, so as to communicate to the indicator light 138 that the bag 26, 120 has reached capacity and should be changed by the user.

In another embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIG. 9, a battery charger 142 is provided. The battery charger 142 is adapted to receive the vacuum device 10, allowing the battery 39 to be charged without being removed from the vacuum device 10. In this embodiment, the battery 39 is charged by way of electrically conductive contacts 146 located in the exhaust end 150 of the housing 22, illustrated in FIG. 10 and corresponding electrically conductive contacts 144 located in the base 148 of the battery charger 142.

In operation, a user determines an unwanted pest is present. The inlet opening of the vacuum device is then placed in a proximate location to the unwanted pest. The switch is manipulated to an on position thereby supplying power to the motor. The motor, upon being powered, begins to spin, in turn causing the fan to rotate. The rotation of the fan causes air to be communicated through the inlet opening of the housing into the inlet duct. Air is communicated through the inlet duct into the bag cavity, passing through both the opening aperture of the bag and the bag as air is communicated through the bag cavity. Air is then communicated from the bag cavity into the exhaust duct and expelled from the housing through the exhaust vents.

The communication of air through the housing causes suction to be created at the inlet opening of the housing. When the inlet opening is placed in sufficient proximity to an unwanted pest, the pest is drawn along the same path as the surrounding air. The pest is communicated into the bag cavity, at which point the pest is deposited and retained in the bag, due to the pliable members of the opening aperture of the bag and the unwanted pest's inability to pass through the material from which the bag is formed.

The device is deactivated after the unwanted has been deposited within the bag. The bag is then removed by opening the bag access door located in the housing, and removing the bag from the bag cavity.

After removing the bag containing the unwanted pest, a replacement bag is placed in the bag cavity, where the replacement bag is retained in proper position by the cooperation of a mounting flange that is connected to the bag, and a pair of recesses integrally formed within the bag cavity. The device is then ready to be used again in accordance with the method claim disclosed herein.

In one embodiment of the invention, the bag contains a quantity of pesticide. When an unwanted pest is communicated into the bag, the unwanted pest is in direct contact with the pesticide, which operates to rapidly and humanely exterminate the unwanted pest.

Another embodiment of the invention includes a pleasantly scented compound in the bag. The pleasantly scented compound is dispersed from the bag by the movement of air therethrough when the device is operated.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a sensor is located in or near the bag. The sensor is in communication with an indicator light located where it may be easily seen. When the bag reaches capacity, or a pest is contained within, the indicator light signals to the user that the bag should be replaced with a replacement bag.

In another embodiment of the invention, a telescopic extension is attached to the inlet opening of the housing, and effectively lengthens the inlet duct, while keeping all other operational aspects of the device the same. The telescopic extension allows a user to capture an unwanted pest from a greater distance than would be possible using only the inlet opening of the housing, or to capture pests that may be in areas too small to otherwise access.

While several aspects have been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that a vast number of variations exist and these aspects are merely an example, and it is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description provides those of ordinary skill in the art with a convenient guide for implementing a desired aspect of the invention and various changes can be made in the function and arrangements of the aspects of the technology without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vacuum device for capturing unwanted pests comprising:

a housing including a carrying handle for carrying the vacuum device, an inlet opening capable of communicating unwanted pests therethrough, an inlet duct in open communication with a bag cavity, an exhaust duct in open communication with at least one exhaust vent, a bag cavity adapted to receive a bag and in open communication with the inlet duct and the exhaust duct, at least one exhaust vent in open communication with the exhaust duct for passing exhaust air away from an interior portion of the housing to air surrounding the housing;

a bag including at least one layer of air-permeable material, a plurality of pliable members that sealingly engage one another when the vacuum is not in operation and that cooperate to form a passageway when the vacuum is in operation,

a mounting flange for retaining the bag in the bag cavity; and

a suction-creating device that creates suction thereby forming a vacuum within the housing.

2. The vacuum device of claim 1, wherein the inlet duct comprises:

a tubular duct including a peripheral wall, and

a low-friction material to prevent pests from gaining traction while being communicated through the inlet duct.

3. The vacuum device of claim 1, wherein the inlet opening is annular in shape and is adapted to receive a cap to prevent pests from escaping from the vacuum device.

4. The vacuum device of claim 1, wherein the power source is in electromechanical communication with a motor.

5. The vacuum device of claim 4, wherein the power source comprises:

a battery.

6. The vacuum of claim 4, wherein the power source comprises:

a cord including a plug for plugging into an electrical outlet.

7. The vacuum device of claim 4, wherein the power source comprises:

a battery and a cord combination.

8. The vacuum device of claim 1, wherein a fan is disposed within the exhaust duct and is in mechanical communication with a motor so that rotation of the motor causes rotation of the fan, thereby creating suction at the inlet of the housing.

9. The vacuum device of claim 1, wherein a switch is connected to both the motor and the power source and wherein the switch operates to connect or disconnect the motor from the power source.

10. The vacuum device of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises:

an opening in the housing in open communication with the bag cavity to allow removal of the bag from the bag cavity; and

a bag access door to cover the opening in the housing.

11. The vacuum of claim 1, wherein the suction creating device comprises:

a housing,

an inlet opening to allow air surrounding the housing to be communicated into the housing,

a bag cavity to retain the bag,

a motor including a motor shaft that rotates when power is supplied thereto,

a fan in mechanical communication with the motor that causes the surrounding air to be moved when rotated by the motor,

a plurality of exhaust vents that allow air that has been communicated into the housing to be expelled therefrom after being communicated past the bag cavity,

a power source that provides energy to the motor, and

a switch for activating or deactivating the device that when activated, the switch places the motor and the power source into electromechanical communication with one another, and that when deactivated, the switch removes the motor and power source from electromechanical communication with one another.

12. A vacuum device for capturing unwanted pests comprising:

a housing including a carrying handle for carrying the vacuum, an inlet opening capable of communicating unwanted pests therethrough, an inlet duct in open communication with a bag cavity, an exhaust duct in open communication with at least one exhaust vent, a bag cavity adapted to receive a bag and in open communication with the inlet duct and the exhaust duct, at least one exhaust vent in open communication with the exhaust duct for passing exhaust air away from an interior portion of the housing to air surrounding the housing;

a bag including, at least one layer of air-permeable material, a plurality of pliable members that sealingly engage one another when the vacuum is not in operation and that cooperate to form a passageway when the vacuum is in operation, a mounting flange for retaining the bag in the bag cavity, an outer membrane in open communication with the inlet duct and the exhaust duct formed from an air-permeable material and adapted to receive an inner membrane therein, an inner membrane in open communication with the opening aperture and disposed within the outer membrane, the inner membrane formed of an air-permeable material, and a pesticide disposed within the inner membrane.

13. The vacuum of claim 12, wherein an indicator light is in electromechanical communication with the power source and the switch.

14. The vacuum of claim 12, wherein the outer membrane comprises:

a synthetic or organic compound having a pleasant scent associated therewith that is communicated through the exhaust duct and discharged from the vacuum through the exhaust vents when exhaust air is passed through the outer membrane.

15. The vacuum of claim 12, further comprising:

a telescopic extension, the telescopic extension including a plurality of telescoping extension tubes in telescopic engagement with one another, with at least one of the plurality of telescoping extension tubes adapted to sealingly engage the inlet opening, a low-friction material to prevent pests from gaining traction while being communicated therethrough,

a cap adapted to sealingly engage an annular opening associated with an end of at least one of the plurality of extension tubes.

16. A method of capturing unwanted pests comprising:

providing a vacuum device having an inlet opening, a switch, a motor, a power supply, an inlet duct, a bag cavity, an exhaust duct, a plurality of exhaust vents, and a bag;

placing the inlet opening of the vacuum device in a proximate location to a pest;

manipulating the switch to an on position thereby supplying power to the motor;

creating suction within the vacuum device;

exhausting air communicated through the inlet duct into the bag cavity and into the exhaust duct through the plurality exhaust vents in the housing;

communicating the pest into the bag cavity;

depositing the pest in the bag; and

retaining the pest in the bag.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

replacing a bag full of unwanted pests with a replacement bag.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

providing a quantity of pesticide within the bag to exterminate the pest.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

providing a pleasantly scented compound within the bag; and

dispersing the pleasantly scented compound from the bag by movement of air therethrough when the vacuum device is operated.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

using a telescopic extension attached to the inlet opening of the housing to capture the pest.