Swatters Patents (Class 43/137)
  • Patent number: 11553704
    Abstract: The device for swatting insects includes a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, a handle portion mounted on the proximal end, and a paddle portion mounted on the distal end. The paddle portion absorbs excess force so that strong swings to strike the insect are less likely to damage the device. The paddle portion includes an elongated frame, a plurality of first flaps, and a plurality of second flaps. The elongated frame has top contact portion and a bottom contact portion. An initial configuration includes the flaps being planar and the top contact portion being furthest apart from the bottom contact portion in preparation to strike. A deformed configuration includes the flaps being bent upward from the frame and the top contact portion and the bottom contact portion closer to each other during the strike on the insect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Inventor: Patrick Gwen
  • Patent number: 11439138
    Abstract: The present invention is a device for removing flies and other flying or crawling organisms, which allows the user to swat and/or scoop for capture and removal. The embodiment is a handheld mobile device for swatting and subsequently scooping and/or trapping and/or holding insects, bugs, flies, spiders or other organisms from undesired places, then releasing or disposing. The invention may include a handle, swatting mechanism, scoop, reservoir, beveled or tapered scoop edge, openings in handle for structural integrity, storage, with swatting/scooping mechanism, which are configured as follows: opposing end of handle is housed a loop for storage, handle embodies textured grip and comfort configuration, swatting/scooping embodiment at adjacent end of handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Inventor: Scott Putnam
  • Patent number: 11229198
    Abstract: An insect catching tool has a handle, a tool head, and at least one adhesive layer affixed to an adhesive support insert. The handle is rotatably connected to a proximal end of the tool head, and an insert receptacle traverses into a distal end of the tool head. The adhesive support insert is removably and slidably positioned within the insert receptacle, from within which the at least one adhesive layer is exposed, enabling the user to press the at least one adhesive layer onto a surface with a spider or insect present, capturing the creature. The at least one adhesive layer may include a plurality of adhesive sheets stacked atop each other, which can be easily peeled off and disposed of.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Inventors: Donna L Schmidt, Paul R Lindahl
  • Patent number: 10383324
    Abstract: A flyswatter is disclosed which includes a handle split into a top part and a bottom part from a first end to a first predetermined location along an elongated direction of the handle, an elastic band wrapped around the handle at a second predetermined location between the first end and the first predetermined location of the handle, the elastic band urging the top part and the bottom part toward each other, and a perforated swatting panel removably inserted into the handle between the top part and the bottom part, the perforated swatting panel having a first and a second slot cut into an edge thereof accommodating two side portions of the elastic band, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Inventor: Warren Jibu Xiong
  • Patent number: 9930877
    Abstract: Novel devices and methods of capturing, controlling and preventing infestation of insects using microfabricated surfaces are provided. In particular, a mechanism of insect capture inspired by the microstructures of the leaf surfaces of plants and the key features of those surfaces with respect to the capture and control of pests have been determined and engineered into a variety of microfabricated surfaces capable of reproducing the effectiveness of these physical capture methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, The University of Kentucky Research Foundation
    Inventors: Catherine Loudon, Robert Corn, Megan Szyndler, Kenneth F. Haynes, Michael F. Potter
  • Patent number: 9718424
    Abstract: A spider web clearing device including an inverted U-shaped clamp having a right side, a left side, a top side, a continuous exterior surface, a continuous interior surface, a lining continuously disposed on the interior surface, and an adjustment knob selectively threadably engageable within an aperture medially disposed through the clamp right side from the exterior surface to the lining. A vertically disposed flexible base unit has a top end and a bottom end, with the bottom end medially mounted to the top side of the clamp. An inverted and elongated triangular attachment has a horizontally disposed linear top edge and a bottom apex. The bottom apex is attached to the top end of the base unit. The clamp is removably attachable to a front rack of an all-terrain vehicle, and the adjustment knob is selectively securable to the front rack of an all-terrain vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: William Rogers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9468203
    Abstract: Novel devices and methods of capturing, controlling and preventing infestation of insects using microfabricated surfaces are provided. In particular, a mechanism of insect capture inspired by the microstructures of the leaf surfaces of plants and the key features of those surfaces with respect to the capture and control of pests have been determined and engineered into a variety of microfabricated surfaces capable of reproducing the effectiveness of these physical capture methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, The University of Kentucky Research Foundation
    Inventors: Catherine Loudon, Robert Corn, Megan Szyndler, Kenneth Haynes, Michael F. Potter
  • Patent number: 9179663
    Abstract: A swatter apparatus with removable films that includes a plurality of removable films disposed in layers covering each of a first surface and second surface of a head portion, each of said plurality of removable films removable sequentially from the head portion after swatting, whereby insect and other pest remains are readily separable from the head portion when an uppermost one of the plurality of removable films is peeled from the head portion for expedient disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Inventor: George B. Holland
  • Patent number: 8915014
    Abstract: An insect dissuasion device that incorporates a miniature fly swatter adapted to be fixed onto an end of a human finger. An insect can be discouraged by simply flexing, slowly encroaching upon and then “flicking” the finger with the attached device to strike the insect. Devices of the present invention are designed to be removably attached to a finger by a ring-like structure. The ring-like structure is tailored to slip onto and engage a finger in various positions and remain attached to the finger when the finger is flicked. Joined to the ring-like structure is an extension shaft that terminates in an insect engagement head. The length and/or cross-sectional profile of the extension shaft can be altered as well as the shape of the head portion or ring-like structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: John Richard Daugherty
  • Publication number: 20140352201
    Abstract: A fly swatter device to catch a plurality of bugs and insects that includes a traditional fly swatter that having an elongated handle with a distal end and a planar diagonal frame disposed on the distal end of the handle. A plurality of adhesive layers that are disposable and replaceable are disposed on the planar diagonal frame. In use, when a fly is caught on the outermost layer of one of the adhesive layers, that outer layer can be peeled-off and disposed of to expose the next adhesive layer for continue catching bugs and insects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Lucy Wegscheider
  • Publication number: 20140165454
    Abstract: A flexible electric fly swatter comprising a grid of electrically conducting shape memory materials encased within a flexible frame for striking against and electrocuting a fly on a surface or in the air. The single layer grid has odd and even rods oppositely charged where both the frame and the grid return back to their original shape after being struck. An alternate embodiment of this invention is a flexible electric fly swatter comprising two or more meshes in parallel of electrically conducting shape memory materials that are fastened together with connecting-spacers to allow a gap between the top mesh and the bottom meshes such that when a fly touches the meshes the circuit is completed and the fly is electrocuted. Also included in this invention is a spring-pivot-hinge fastened between the dorsal part of the handle to the proximal part of the frame or meshes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventor: Nathan Louis Gordon, IV
  • Publication number: 20130291428
    Abstract: The present invention is a fly swatter device to catch a plurality of bugs and insects that include a traditional fly swatter that includes a handle with a distal end and a planar square surface disposed on the distal end of the planar square surface and a planar sticky surface that is disposed on the planar square surface that is disposable and replaceable. The planar sticky surface is a plurality of layered planar sticky surfaces that are peeled-off and disposed of and expose new planar sticky surfaces to continue catching bugs and insects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Lucy Wegscheider
  • Patent number: 8567114
    Abstract: A device and method for capturing insect pests that rest or crawl on a surface, while keeping one's fingers away from the capture site. The capture device is a rectangular sheet that is coated on one side with a high-tack adhesive, and on the other side with a release coating so that the sheets can be provided in a stack. Using a handling tab, the capture sheet is inserted into grooves in a holder which is mounted at one end of a handle. Disposal of the entrapped insect can be accomplished by removing the sheet by hand or by holding the handle so that the capture sheet is vertical and letting it drop away from the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Raoul East Drapeau
  • Patent number: 8490325
    Abstract: A flying pest deterrent device. Streamers are attached to fan blades of an electric fan. The rotary motion of the fan blades creates relative wind causing the streamers to move erratically through the air thereby creating a flying pest deterrent area. In a preferred embodiment the fan is a portable fan creating a flying pest deterrent area over food and the flying pests are flies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: Rudy Gregory Gargiulo
  • Publication number: 20130067798
    Abstract: A fly repeller includes a housing; a motor contained within the housing; a rod having one end connected to the motor and rotatably driven by the motor, the rod extending from the one end through the housing to a distal end portion exterior to the housing; and plural arms fixed to and extending laterally from the distal end portion of the rod, wherein the arms are adjustable relative to the horizontal. The arm may be freely shaped by hand (manually) into a configuration which is held by the arms when rotated in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Steve KELTNER
  • Publication number: 20130025186
    Abstract: An insect extermination device through which insects are killed in a simple and effective manner by slowly advancing the device toward the insects and striking the insects. An impact element is advantageously made from a highly transparent, smooth foil, which is advantageously connected to a handle rod through a coupling element and a link and is replaceable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Markus Scheubeck, Thomas Scheubeck, Irmgard Scheubeck
  • Publication number: 20120311921
    Abstract: A note pad is attached to a device having a handle and a base. Kinetic force is applied through the device to stun or crush a target pest between a top sheet of the note pad and a wall or floor. The top sheet does not have previously applied adhesive for trapping insects, and hence does not generally adhere to the wall or floor. Some sheets bear indicia, such as the likeness of an unpopular public figure or other target of mockery. After a pest is smashed onto it, smearing indicia, the sheet can be removed, wrapped around the target's remains, and placed in a wastebasket for disposal. The device may be provided alone, or it may be provided together with a note pad, or it may be provided with a note pad and with a stamp or stickers for placing target likenesses on the note pad sheets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: John W. Ogilvie
  • Patent number: 8181385
    Abstract: An insect destroying device is battery operated and shaped somewhat like a squash or tennis racquet in order to provide a wide opening to enable insects to make contact with one of two outer grids and an inner grid. Both a manual and static technique is provided for enabling contact with insects while destroying them. An uppermost portion of the housing includes an open area in which a narrow strip of central grid is exposed adjacent two ground grids to enable exposure to an insect discovered along the corner between the wall and the ceiling, or where the wall meets a wall at a 90 degree angle, or between the wall and the floor where it is very difficult to have the insect make contact with the center grid or ground grids through the main openings of the grid support area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: James R. Mars
  • Patent number: 8127488
    Abstract: A flyswatter (10) having an elastically deformable swatting member (16) with a plurality of protrusions (20) formed thereon. The protrusions (20) are spaced apart on the swatting member (16), and have a height somewhat less than the height of the insect. When the swatting member (16) is struck on an object upon which the insect rests, the protrusions (20) contact the object, and the swatting member (16) elastically deforms and bows outwardly and strikes the insect without flattening or squishing the insect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: John C. Vines
  • Publication number: 20110154717
    Abstract: A shock-proof device for electric mosquito trap is a frame body capable of being arranged to two sides of an electric mosquito trap. The frame body has a plurality of polygonal through holes formed by thin sheets so as to avoid human body from touching an electric net of the electric mosquito trap. User will not have a fear of being electric shocked. The voltage of the electric mosquito trap can be thus raised for efficiently killing mosquitoes by single shock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: CHAO JUNG HUNG
  • Publication number: 20100275506
    Abstract: The process of killing an insect by first blinding it with high-intensity light then extirpate, capture or remove the insect by mechanical means. For example: Flies are hard to kill because of their keen sense of vision which enables them to easily evade a flyswatter. Using a flash (similar to a flash on a camera) or a laser (harder to aim but will produce the same results) immobilizes a fly and allows it to be hit with a fly swatter. This process can be easily tested with a camera and a fly swatter. A product called a “Flash Swatter” can be easily made which combines a fly swatter and a camera's flash (located on the swatter's lower shaft).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventor: Kevin T. Kavanagh
  • Publication number: 20100162615
    Abstract: An apparatus according to the present invention for hitting a flying insect, includes the combination of at least one electrically conducting net for hitting the flying insect, a source of electric power connected to the at least one electrically conducting net a counter, a transducer coupled to the at least one electrically conducting net and to the counter, for indicating to the counter when the at least one electrically conducting net hits the flying insect, and a display coupled to the counter for indicating the number of hits. The at least one electrically conducting net is provided sufficient electrical power to kill the flying insect upon contact. A preferred form of the apparatus further includes a frame for holding the at least one electrically conducting net and a handle for manually holding the apparatus, wherein the frame extends from one end of the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Marc A. Keralla
  • Patent number: 7739830
    Abstract: A vacuum-creating fly swatter. A blade is flat and a handle is hand-held, slender, elongated, and extends from the blade. The blade has a plurality of through bores that are diamond-shaped and extend in a specific configuration forming a vacuum when the blade is swatted, thereby sucking in a fly. The plurality of through bores include one central through bore and four peripheral through bores. The four peripheral through bores, each of which is 1 cm high and ½ cm wide, are positioned substantially at corners of a rectangle. Two peripheral through bores are ½? from a forward edge of the blade, are 2¾? apart from each other, and are ?? from a pair of side edges of the blade, respectively. The other two peripheral through bores are 2½? back from the two peripheral through bores, are 2¾? apart from each other, and are ½? from the pair of side edges, respectively. The one central through bore is central to the four peripheral through bores, is 1½ cm high, and is 1 cm wide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventor: Leola Wells
  • Publication number: 20100132247
    Abstract: A racquet-shaped swatting apparatus for killing insects comprises a racquet head having a racquet frame and frame opening. Closely spaced electrical wires extend across the frame opening for intercepting and killing insects in flight, while a plurality of light sources are provided on the racquet head for illuminating flying insects. Preferably, the electrical wires of the racquet head frame and the racquet head light sources can be simultaneously activated by the user. The swatting apparatus is particularly adapted for use in low lighting environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Cory Thomas Borovicka, Charles Adams
  • Patent number: 7721486
    Abstract: A device can capture small pests with a sheet overlaying a perforated panel. The sheet may be one layer or several separable and disposable layers with pest detaining adhesive applied to at least a portion of an outer side. The sheet has a marginal recess with a deflected pull tab that is no longer or wider than the recess. The perforated panel has a handle and a peripheral wall with a first and a second section rising in opposite directions from the panel. The panel has at least one overhang projecting inwardly from the peripheral wall for holding the sheet in place. The outer side of said sheet is adhesive free in a region located under the overhang. A cover can fit on the panel and at least partially cover it. The cover has at least one internal detent for engaging the panel and holding it in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Rhanfy Rosario
  • Publication number: 20100037511
    Abstract: An extendable pest swatter operable to interface with a pest that includes a handle, a plurality of interlocking conical sections coupled to the handle, wherein each of the interlocking conical sections are formed with a first end and a second end and the first end of one interlocking conical section interlocks with the second end of the adjoining interlocking conical section, a connecting adaptor formed into the second end of the last interlocking conical section, and a utility receptor coupled to the connecting adaptor for interfacing with the pest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffrey Thomas Schier
  • Publication number: 20090272026
    Abstract: A bendable electric mosquito swatter includes a handle having a battery therein and a switch, a swatter head having a wire net, and a flexible metal member connecting the handle and the swatter head and conducting the battery to the wire net. The present invention further includes a plurality of barrels fitted to the flexible metal member in a serial connection to form a shaft. Each of the barrels is provided with inclined faces on a front end and a rear end respective that forms an angle between the corresponding inclined faces of the neighboring barrels respectively. The barrels allows the shaft bending and limits the maximum bending angle by the corresponding inclined faces of the neighboring barrels touching each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: Kuei-Tzu SU
  • Publication number: 20090158636
    Abstract: A device can capture small pests with a sheet overlaying a perforated panel. The sheet may be one layer or several separable and disposable layers with pest detaining adhesive applied to at least a portion of an outer side. The sheet has a marginal recess with a deflected pull tab that is no longer or wider than the recess. The perforated panel has a handle and a peripheral wall with a first and a second section rising in opposite directions from the panel. The panel has at least one overhang projecting inwardly from the peripheral wall for holding the sheet in place. The outer side of said sheet is adhesive free in a region located under the overhang. A cover can fit on the panel and at least partially cover it. The cover has at least one internal detent for engaging the panel and holding it in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Rhanfy Rosario
  • Patent number: 7540112
    Abstract: A method and a fly swatter for practicing the method of killing a fly resting on a support surface without smashing the fly against the support surface, including a swatter having, at the outer end of an elongated handle, a head portion formed of a generally planer, pliable, foraminous sheet having on an inner surface a peripheral lip, including the step of striking, by use of the handle, the head portion to instantaneously encapture the fly between the sheet inner surface and the support surface and within the peripheral lip, compressing air that passes out through the foraminous sheet suddenly forcing the fly against the sheet inner surface, the impact of the fly contacting the sheet inner surface and/or the aerodynamic shock of compressed air serving to kill the fly without compressing the fly against the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventor: Floyd D. Crenshaw
  • Patent number: 7484328
    Abstract: An insect dissuasion method that incorporates a miniature fly swatter adapted to be fixed onto an end of a human finger. An insect can be discouraged by simply flexing, slowly encroaching upon and then “flicking” the finger with the attached device to strike the insect. Devices of the present invention are designed to be removably attached to a finger by a ring-like structure. The ring-like structure is tailored to slip onto and engage a finger in various positions and remain attached to the finger when the finger is flicked. Joined to the ring-like structure is an extension shaft that terminates in an insect engagement head. The length and/or cross-sectional profile of the extension shaft can be altered as well as the shape of the head portion or ring-like structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Inventor: John Richard Daugherty
  • Patent number: 7430830
    Abstract: An improved fly swatter with an elongated handle portion and insect engaging section having means for collecting swatted insects. A plastic mesh swatting element is detachably affixed to the elongate handle and a replaceable stack of individually disposed adhesive pads comprises the opposite side of the swatting element. This eliminates the distasteful practice of hand collection of killed insects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventor: John S. Rosa
  • Publication number: 20080190012
    Abstract: A fly swatter includes head that slides between a deployed position and a stored position, and a multi-filament element secured to the head for sliding therewith between said positions. In the deployed position, the multi-filament element fans out naturally from the top of the head in two dimensions, and is substantially flat in the third dimension. In the stored position, the head and multi-filament element are hidden within a housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: SID CHANTHALANGSY
  • Publication number: 20080120897
    Abstract: A portable device for swatting and collecting bugs, insects, flies and the like is disclosed herein. In one practicable embodiment, the device includes a spread structure having a designated swatting surface, a handle having an inner hollow defined therein, a hollow tube having an open distal end joined to the spread structure and an open proximal end joined to the handle, an activatable vacuum system in fluid communication with the inner hollow of the handle, an electric power source electrically connected to the vacuum system, and a hold in fluid communication with the inner hollow of the handle. In this configuration, bugs can be struck with the swatting surface of the spread structure by wielding the handle, and air can be drawn into the open distal end of the hollow tube by activating the vacuum system so as to convey the bugs to the hold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: James H. Miller, Patricia Miller
  • Patent number: 7165355
    Abstract: A device for catching insects is provided which includes an elongated member with first and second distal portions, an insect trapping head mounted on the first distal portion, and an actuating mechanism. The insect trapping head includes a first member and a second member pivotally mounted with respect to each other such that one of the members is moveable from about 0 to about 340 degrees relative to the other member, and preferably to about 270 degrees relative to the other member by activation of the actuating mechanism. When in the closed position, the first and second members define a rigid compartment such that the insect can be trapped between the first and second members. Preferably, a sticky surface on at least a portion of the interior of the compartment maintains the insects within the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventors: David Michael George, Ryan Bruce Johnson
  • Patent number: 7065919
    Abstract: An insect captivating device comprising in combination, two flaps, and a first frame pivotally supporting the flaps, a sticky surface associated with one or both flaps, and a second frame operatively connected to the flaps to displace them for pivoting toward one another to close upon an insect as the second frame is displaced relative to the first frame, for captivating an insect stuck on said surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Samuel Vierra
  • Patent number: 6957510
    Abstract: An improved fly swatting apparatus (10) including: a hollow handle member (20) provided with a dispensing slot (23) for disinfectant wipes (22), a shaft member (30) connected on one end (31) to the handle member (20) and connected to the other end (32) to the paddle element (41) of a paddle member (40) wherein, the opposed faces of the paddle element (41) are provided with pluralities of apertured adhesive sheets (43) (43) wherein, the apertures (44) (44) of the adhesive sheets (43) (43) are aligned with the apertures (42) (42) of the paddle element (41).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventor: Ronald F. Kominkiewicz
  • Patent number: 6851218
    Abstract: An insect swatter includes an elongate rod with an elastic lash fixedly joined to a distal end thereof. The lash is sized for being stretched from the rod distal end to adjacent a proximal end of the rod so that release of the lash results in spontaneous contraction thereof for swatting the insect. In an exemplary embodiment, the swatter is in the form of a pistol, with the lash extending from the distal end of the rod to a latch operated by a trigger. Aiming the rod toward the insect and pulling the trigger releases the lash for swatting the insect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Francis Luca Conte
  • Publication number: 20030188473
    Abstract: The invention relates to a simple and effective insect extermination device with which insects are killed by slowly advancing the device towards the insects and squashing them. The inventive device is preferably produced from perspex and comprises a base plate (1), a joint (2), a handle (3) and handle extension pieces (4, 5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Alfred Heller
  • Publication number: 20020178649
    Abstract: A means to kill or disable flying insects is provided having a lightweight, long-handled racquet, similar to a badminton racquet, with the elliptical hoop of the racquet being woven with tightly stretched, small diameter wire or other inelastic filaments and with the adjacent wires being spaced closely so that a flying insect will be hit by one or more of the strands when the racquet is swung to hit the insect. The small diameter wire is difficult for the insect to see and it does not build up an advance air pressure wave which might warn the insect to avoid the approaching racquet or move the insect out of the path of the racquet. The rigid racquet and the tightly stretched, relatively inelastic wire effectively convey the momentum of the racquet to the small area of the wire that hits the insect and so delivers a concentrated blow that is very damaging to the insect. The device can be used to control the flying insect population, indoors or outdoors, without the use of insecticides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: Keith M. Betzen
  • Patent number: 6279262
    Abstract: A light-weight, easily manipulatable, hand-held sanitary device for snappily catching and/or trapping both airborne insects or bugs as well as crawling or stationary ones, comprising, in combination, in at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a main body portion having a rear pistol-grippable portion for conveniently accommodating the clenched hand of the user, a hinge-moveable triggering component attached to a forwardly arching, flared portion; a hinge-moveable, triggering, pivoting arm capable of both forward and rearward arch-like movements; said pivoting arm provided with an optimally located hole to conform to a wide variety of forefinger shapes and sizes; said hole being positioned at one end of said hinge-moveable, triggering, pivoting arm at the opposite end of the hinge attachment of said hinge-moveable, triggering arm to said forward main body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Richard W. Walkemeyer
  • Patent number: 6195932
    Abstract: An electronic insect killer apparatus which generates a musical song, noise or display in response to detecting the electrocution of an insect. The apparatus provides a light source for attracting insects to a pair of electrodes which electrocute insects which come in close proximity thereto. The apparatus monitors the load current delivered to the apparatus and activates a music player when the detected load current exceeds a predefined threshold associated with electrocution of an insect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Steve A. Aicher
  • Patent number: 6185862
    Abstract: A device for manually capturing and restraining intended insects, the same comprising a pad of stacked, singular sheets each sheet having a partial enveloping means comprised of hydrophillic absorbing material and collapsible sheet construction whereby the sheet partially conforms in response to the insects body mass. Each sheet has a region is coated with a mild compression adhesive material capable of trapping of an insect in response to the physical manipulation by a human being. The pad of stacked adhesive sheets can be used by separating each sheet individually or as a stack. Upon apprehension of an insect, the sheet restraining the insect is separated, if not already separated from its stack, folded to encase the insect and ready for disposal. The pad of stacked adhesive sheets can have various sheet sizes, thickness and density with varying enveloping ability—all depending upon intended insect to be trapped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: David Nelson
  • Patent number: 6161328
    Abstract: A multifunction flyswatter and broom for swatting and sweeping one of flies and bugs away from an area. The multifunction flyswatter and broom includes a handle including a side wall forming a pool therein and an open top end leading into the pool. A plurality of substantially rigid strands are partially received by the pool and extend through the top side of the handle forming a surface for one of swatting and sweeping flies and bugs. A loop may also be provided extending from a second side of the handle for carrying or hanging the multifunction flyswatter and broom. At least one band may be included to extend around the plurality of rigid strands for retaining the plurality of rigid strands together in a bunch, one of the bands may be positioned outside of said pool and moveable along a length of the plurality of rigid strands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Gordon K. Y. Sing
  • Patent number: 6105306
    Abstract: A portable electronic insect-killing device includes a handle connected to an insulating frame which has top and bottom frame portions, and a plurality of negative and positive bare wires which extend alternately from the top to bottom frame portions in a plane. The top frame portion has a front surface adjacent and parallel to the plane of the wires, and a plurality of shallow recesses in the surface to receive the negative and positive wires. Adjacent shallow recesses are spaced apart from each other via deep isolating valleys which are indented from the front surface to a depth greater than the depth of the shallow recesses. The shallow recesses and deep isolating valleys have substantially the same length along the direction of the bare wires so that the top frame portion is free of any part to bridge adjacent shallow recesses, thereby preventing possible occurrence of short-circuiting when the surface of the top frame portion is wetted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Hsi-Hsiung Teng
  • Patent number: 6067746
    Abstract: An adhesive insect trapping device having an elongated handle being fixedly attached to a flat plate member whereon a sheet of adhesive material is attached is disclosed. The plate member includes a foldable cover member being hingeably attached thereto so as to be secured in coplanar relation in an open position of the device. In the open position a sheet of adhesive material is arranged thereon to allow an insect to be adhesively captured on the device. The plate and cover members are foldable to a closed position wherein the adhesive sheet is folded 180.degree. onto itself thereby entrapping the insect in an envelope formed from the adhesive sheet material for disposal. In one embodiment the insect trapping device is manually folded to contain the captured insect. In an alternative embodiment the insect trapping device is automatically folded by a trigger actuated spring mechanism which folds the device to capture the insect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventors: Robert G. Kistner, William C. Kistner
  • Patent number: 6055767
    Abstract: A fly swatter for killing insects. The device includes an elongate handle member with a substantially planar swatting member extending from said proximal end of said handle member. The swatting member has opposite substantially planar first and second swatting surfaces. Provided on each the swatting surface of the swatting member are a plurality of swatting sheets. The swatting sheets of each plurality of swatting sheets are adhesively coupled to the adjacent swatting sheets its respective plurality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Tracy D. Carter
  • Patent number: 5634293
    Abstract: An insect and pest disposal apparatus and method which includes a mounting apparatus which is loaded with an adhesive sheet of material which is used to capture and dispose of an insect. The mounting apparatus has a planar face and a aperture or slit penetrating through the face to the back of the apparatus. The adhesive sheet includes a first bisecting fold and a second and third parallel fold above and below the bisecting fold. The sheet is folded to form a gripping plane and a perpendicular adhesive plane. The gripping plane is inserted through the aperture, with the adhesive plane drawn flush against the mounting assembly face. Upon capturing an insect with the exposed adhesive material, the material sheet is pulled back through the assembly aperture, thereby causing the adhesive faces to fold inwards and seal the insect inside for hygienic disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventors: Andrew V. Mike, Joyce A. Mike
  • Patent number: 5630290
    Abstract: A bug collection apparatus comprising a frame with a handle portion. Extending from the frame is a removable net with an adhesive disposed thereon. In some embodiments, the net also has an insecticide disposed thereon. The net is supported in the frame by a mounting member, which is mounted in a semi-circular portion of the frame. The mounting member is removable from the frame and is held in place by a retaining peg. The apparatus is further adapted to prevent the net from contacting a surface on which it is placed when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Inventors: Bill R. Wade, Thelma L. Wade
  • Patent number: 5586407
    Abstract: A swatter has a handle, and a flat swatting blade which is fast with the handle. The blade is provided with openings which are uniformly distributed over the blade. Two sets of impaling projections are mounted on one of the major surfaces of the blade. The projections of the two sets are of different length and are uniformly distributed over the blade and among each other. Neighboring projections of each set are spaced from one another by distances which are so large that essentially no squashing of an insect would occur were the insect to be impaled by more than one projection of a set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Inventor: Anthony E. Raymond
  • Patent number: RE48657
    Abstract: Novel devices and methods of capturing, controlling and preventing infestation of insects using microfabricated surfaces are provided. In particular, a mechanism of insect capture inspired by the microstructures of the leaf surfaces of plants and the key features of those surfaces with respect to the capture and control of pests have been determined and engineered into a variety of microfabricated surfaces capable of reproducing the effectiveness of these physical capture methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, The University of Kentucky Research Foundation
    Inventors: Catherine Loudon, Robert Corn, Megan Szyndler, Kenneth F. Haynes, Michael F. Potter