U.S. patent application number 12/417257 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-30 for method and apparatus for repelling pests.
Invention is credited to Michael Joseph DeGinto, William Lester Earl.
Application Number | 20090190355 12/417257 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46323253 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090190355 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DeGinto; Michael Joseph ; et
al. |
July 30, 2009 |
Method and Apparatus for Repelling Pests
Abstract
A method and apparatus are disclosed for preventing pests
sensitive to light from inhabiting an enclosed area. In one
embodiment, the method includes providing a strobe light configured
to emit high intensity flashes of light in a continuously repeated
pattern, a mounting mechanism configured to mount the strobe light
in the enclosed area, and a power source configured to supply
energy to the strobe light; placing the strobe light in the
enclosed area in a relatively central location; providing power to
the strobe light; and driving pests sensitive to light from the
enclosed area.
Inventors: |
DeGinto; Michael Joseph;
(Kulpsville, PA) ; Earl; William Lester;
(Norristown, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Kunzler & McKenzie
8 EAST BROADWAY, SUITE 600
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84111
US
|
Family ID: |
46323253 |
Appl. No.: |
12/417257 |
Filed: |
April 2, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11287650 |
Nov 28, 2005 |
7537358 |
|
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12417257 |
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10936385 |
Sep 8, 2004 |
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11287650 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
362/276 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01M 29/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
362/276 |
International
Class: |
F21V 23/04 20060101
F21V023/04 |
Claims
1. An apparatus to repel pests from an enclosed area, the apparatus
comprising: a strobe light configured to repeatedly emit high
intensity flashes of light having intensities equal to or greater
than 100,000 candlepower and having a flashing frequency of greater
than or equal to sixty flashes per minute; and a mounting mechanism
having a mounting element supporting the strobe light and
configured to mount the strobe light in the enclosed area; wherein
the strobe light and mounting mechanism are configured to
consistently emit the high intensity flashes of light in a 180
degree range throughout the enclosed area; and wherein the strobe
light is configured to produce the high intensity flashes of light
including intensities that repel by annoying or irritating the
pests.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the strobe light is configured
to protrude from the mounting mechanism to disperse the high
intensity flashes of light throughout the enclosed area.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mounting mechanism is
configured to hang the strobe light from a support of the enclosed
area.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a pattern of the flashes is
repeated at a frequency of approximately ninety flashes per minute
and for an extended period of time.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mounting mechanism
comprises a stand configured to support the strobe light in a
relatively central location within the enclosure.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a power source
configured to supply power to the strobe light and a switch coupled
to the power source to manually regulate the power supplied to the
strobe light.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a power source
configured to supply power to the strobe light and a remote switch
to remotely regulate the power supplied to the strobe light.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a power source
configured to supply power to the strobe light and a motion sensor
coupled to the power source to trigger the power supplied to the
strobe light.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a power source
configured to supply power to the strobe light and a timer coupled
to the power source to control the amount of time for which power
is supplied to the strobe light.
10. A portable apparatus to repel pests sensitive to light from
inhabiting an enclosed area, the apparatus comprising: a strobe
light configured to emit light having an intensity equal to or
greater than 100,000 candlepower as continuously repeated high
intensity flashes at high frequency; wherein the strobe light is
configured to protrude from the mounting mechanism to disperse the
high intensity flashes of light throughout the enclosed area; in
operation, the strobe light repelling at least one of rodents and
insects from the enclosed area; a mounting mechanism configured to
mount the strobe light in the enclosed area; and a power source
configured to supply power to the strobe light.
11. The portable apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a timer
coupled to the power source to power on and power off the strobe
light at predetermined intervals.
12. The portable apparatus of claim 10, wherein the mounting
mechanism is waterproof.
13. A method for vacating rodents and insects from an enclosed
area, the method comprising: identifying an enclosed area inhabited
by at least one of rodents and insects; substantially eliminating
extraneous sources of light from the enclosed area by covering any
windows, other inlets, sources of light in the enclosed area;
providing a strobe light configured to repeatedly emit high
intensity flashes of light in a range equal to or greater than
100,000 candlepower for the purpose of repelling the at least one
of rodents and insects; providing a mounting mechanism configured
to mount the strobe light in the enclosed area; providing a power
source configured to supply energy to the strobe light; placing the
strobe light in the enclosed area; emitting from the strobe light
the high intensity flashes of light; and repelling the at least one
of rodents and insects from the enclosed area by the operations of
providing, placing, and emitting.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein placing the strobe light
further comprises hanging the strobe light from a support of the
enclosed area.
15. The method of claim 13, further comprising dispersing the high
intensity flashes of light throughout the enclosed area.
16. The method of claim 13, further comprising continuously
repeating a pattern of the flashes at a high frequency.
17. The method of claim 13, further comprising regulating the power
supplied to the strobe light.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising remotely controlling
the power supplied to the strobe light.
19. The method of claim 13, further comprising utilizing a timer to
monitor the power supplied to the strobe light.
20. The method of claim 13, further comprising utilizing a motion
sensor to trigger the power supplied to the strobe light.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of and claims priority to
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/287,650 entitled "METHOD AND
APPARATUS FOR REPELLING PESTS", filed Nov. 28, 2005, which is a
continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/936,385 entitled "HIGH INTENSITY STROBE
LIGHT BEAM RODENT REPELLING APPARATUS" and filed on Sep. 8, 2004
for Michael Joseph De Ginto and William Lester Earl, which are
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to pest deterrents and more
particularly relates to methods and apparatuses for preventing
pests sensitive to light from inhabiting an enclosed area.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Animals that cause problems or are a nuisance to humankind
are commonly known as pests. Property owners often report being
plagued by rodents, such as squirrels, rats, mice, bats, raccoons,
and the like, which frequently inhabit enclosed areas of homes,
barns, garages, cellars, and other building structures. Insects,
such as cockroaches, spiders, scorpions, bees, ants, etc., are
another type of pest that typically plague humankind and can cause
physical harm in certain instances.
[0006] Rodents and other pests inherently deposit urine and feces,
which can be a vehicle for spreading disease, and often cause
damage to surrounding property. Squirrels, in particular, are known
to remove insulation, chew wires, and even cause electrical fires.
The cost of repairs due to damage caused by rodents can be
exorbitant.
[0007] Attempts have been made in the past to remove rodents,
insects, and other pests from enclosed areas, such as attics and
crawl spaces. A common method to repel pests includes using strong
chemicals, natural odors, or sticky substances to irritate the
pest. Odors and/or chemicals, however, typically are ineffective
deterrents unless the pest is killed as a result of exposure.
Killing pests generally implies leaving behind a corpse, which may
pose a danger to humans and may negatively affect the
environment.
[0008] Additionally, chemicals tend to be expensive, particularly
if professional exterminators are required to eliminate the pests.
Exterminators and chemical deterrents typically become a recurring
expense for property owners. In addition, the chemicals themselves
may create possible hazards to the users.
[0009] Another common method of repelling rodents or other pests
employs ultrasonic sound to ward off the animals. This method,
however, does not affect some pests, which either build up a
tolerance to the noise or continue existing just out of range of
the sound. Squirrels, in particular, have been known to form sound
barriers with roofing insulation in order to continue living in
their chosen abode. Once the ultrasonic sound ceases, the rodents
tend to quickly re-inhabit the enclosed area, indicating that the
ultrasonic sounds usually do not produce a lasting effect.
[0010] Mechanisms that generate ultrasonic sounds commonly require
power either from batteries or electrical outlets. Batteries must
be replaced frequently to sustain production of the ultrasonic
sound, while ultrasonic units requiring power outlets must be
strategically installed in several specific locations in order to
maximize the units' effectiveness to repel pests. This tends to be
an expensive and somewhat ineffective solution.
[0011] From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a
need exists for an apparatus and method that repel pests inhabiting
enclosed areas. Beneficially, such an apparatus and method would
provide an economical, long-lasting solution to prevent pest
infestations without permanently injuring the animals. The
apparatus and method would be simple to install, would cover a
large extended area, and would be energy efficient compared to
other solutions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention has been developed in response to the
present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the
problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved
by currently available pest deterrents. Accordingly, the present
invention has been developed to provide a method and apparatus for
repelling pests that overcome many or all of the above-discussed
shortcomings in the art.
[0013] A method of the present invention is presented for
preventing pests sensitive to light from inhabiting an enclosed
area. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a strobe
light configured to emit high intensity flashes of light in a
continuously repeated pattern, a mounting mechanism configured to
mount the strobe light in the enclosed area, and a power source
configured to supply energy to the strobe light; placing the strobe
light in the enclosed area in a relatively central location;
providing power to the strobe light; and driving pests sensitive to
light from the enclosed area.
[0014] In certain embodiments, the method may further include
hanging the strobe light from a support of the enclosed area.
Placing the strobe light in a relatively central location may
facilitate dispersing the high intensity flashes of light
throughout the enclosed area. In a further embodiment, the method
may include continuously repeating the pattern of flashes at a
relatively high frequency to provide a potent, continuous pest
deterrent. The pattern may be repeated continuously for an extended
period of time.
[0015] In addition, eliminating extraneous sources of light within
the enclosed area may increase the effectiveness of the strobe
light. In certain embodiments, the power supplied to the strobe
light may be regulated to provide an energy-efficient solution for
repelling pests as well as a safety mechanism to prevent
accidents.
[0016] The apparatus, in one embodiment, includes a strobe light
that emits high intensity flashes of light in a continuously
repeated pattern, a mounting mechanism configured to mount the
strobe light in the enclosed area at a relatively central location,
and a power source configured to supply power to the strobe light.
The apparatus may further include a timer to monitor the power
supplied to the strobe light, a motion sensor to trigger the power
supplied to the strobe light, and/or a switch to manually regulate
the power supplied to the strobe light. In certain embodiments, the
apparatus may further include a remote switch to control the power
supply remotely.
[0017] Reference throughout this specification to features,
advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the
features and advantages that may be realized with the present
invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the
invention. Rather, language referring to the features and
advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature,
advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present
invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and
similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not
necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.
[0018] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and
characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable
manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art
will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or
more of the specific features or advantages of a particular
embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages
may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in
all embodiments of the invention.
[0019] The present invention provides an economical, long-lasting
solution to pest control without permanently injuring the animals.
The apparatus is simple to install, protects a large extended area,
and is energy efficient. The present invention operates in relative
silence and does not require harmful chemicals or odors to ward off
pests. These features and advantages of the present invention will
become more fully apparent from the following description and
appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention
as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] In order that the advantages of the invention will be
readily understood, a more particular description of the invention
briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific
embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings.
Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments
of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be
limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and
explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of
the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one
embodiment of a pest deterrent method in accordance with the
present invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating an
alternative embodiment of a pest deterrent method in accordance
with the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating one embodiment
of an enclosed area containing a centrally mounted strobe light in
accordance with the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one
embodiment of a portable pest deterrent device in accordance with
the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 5A is a side view illustrating one embodiment of a
portable pest deterrent device in accordance with the present
invention; and
[0026] FIG. 5B is an exploded view illustrating in greater detail
the portable pest deterrent device illustrated in FIG. 5A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment,"
"an embodiment," or similar language means that a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the
present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one
embodiment," "in an embodiment," and similar language throughout
this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the
same embodiment.
[0028] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or
characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable
manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description,
numerous specific details are provided to give a thorough
understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the
relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be
practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with
other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other
instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not
shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the
invention.
[0029] The schematic flow chart diagrams that follow are generally
set forth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted
order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the
presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are
equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or
portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the
format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical
steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of
the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be
employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to
limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or
other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of
the method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method
occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the
corresponding steps shown.
[0030] FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a method 100 for repelling
pests. The method 100, as depicted, includes providing 102 a high
intensity strobe light with a mounting mechanism and a power
source, placing 104 the strobe light in a relatively central
location within an enclosed area, providing 106 power to the strobe
light, and driving 108 pests from the enclosed area. The method 100
ends 110.
[0031] Flashing a high intensity light in a continuously repeated
pattern may facilitate disrupting the living pattern of pests
inhabiting an enclosed area, which consequently provokes the pests
to abandon the enclosed area. Pests that are sensitive to light,
such as rodents, birds, insects, mammals, reptiles, etc., may be
driven 108 easily and economically from the enclosed area without
permanently harming the pests. The method 100 is preferably
employed in an unoccupied, enclosed area.
[0032] The high intensity strobe light repels unwelcome animals
without additional scents, ultrasonic sounds, chemicals, sirens,
traps, or the like. The high intensity flashes aggravate the pest's
acute optical senses, creating stress significant enough to
motivate the animal(s) to vacate 108 the enclosed area.
Furthermore, the potent negative stimulation typically prevents the
animals from reentering the enclosed area, even when the strobe
light is no longer powered 106. Thus the method 100 may provide a
simple, yet relatively permanent solution for pest control.
[0033] In one embodiment, the method 100 may be used to repel
pests, such as squirrels and roof rats, which are known to inhabit
crawl spaces and attics of homes and buildings. The continuous high
intensity flashes of light effectively and consistently annoy the
rodents and force them to find a new habitat. The rodents may even
be known to communicate to other rodents to avoid the affected
enclosed area.
[0034] In certain embodiments, the pests have been known to vacate
the enclosed area within twenty-four hours or less of providing 106
power to the high intensity strobe light, the majority of the pests
leaving immediately. Observation suggest that even if the high
intensity strobe light is positioned in an enclosed area often
frequented by rodents, the rodents typically become annoyed and
relocate any nests close to the enclosed area.
[0035] Further experimentation suggests that light sensitive
insects, such as cockroaches, spiders, scorpions, bees, ants, and
the like, are affected by the high intensity strobe light.
Continuous exposure to the high intensity flashes drives the
insects away.
[0036] The method 100 may be effectively employed in any enclosed
area to repel 106 pests. In a contemplated embodiment, the method
100 may be applied in storage rooms/units, food storage bins,
restaurants, warehouses, attic and basement crawl spaces, sheds,
kitchens, and the like. Anywhere light-sensitive pests pose a
threat the high intensity strobe light may be used to ward off the
pests. The device and method may also be used in open areas to
control pests such as bears and deer.
[0037] In one embodiment, the high intensity strobe light may be
placed 104 or installed in a newly constructed building, storage
unit, or the like to prevent pests from entering or inhabiting
selected enclosed areas. In certain embodiments, the strobe light
may be wired to turn on with a light switch, similar to overhead
lights. The preventative measure may ensure against pest
infestations and may protect a building from structural damage and
from the spread of disease. In addition, installing a high
intensity strobe light in cabinet space, a food storage area, or
the like may prevent insect infestations. Preferably, the high
intensity strobe light is installed with caution to prevent
negative affects to humans, pets, or other non-targeted
animals.
[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of a method 200 for
repelling pests in accordance with the present invention. The
method 200, as illustrated, includes providing 202 a high intensity
strobe light with a mounting mechanism and power source, hanging
204 the strobe light from a support of the enclosed area in a
relatively central location, eliminating 206 extraneous sources of
light within the enclosed area, providing 208 power to the strobe
light and regulating the supplied power, continuously emitting 210
high intensity flashes of light in a repeated pattern at a high
frequency and for an extended period of time, dispersing 212 high
intensity flashes of light throughout the enclosed area, and
driving 214 pests from the enclosed area. Subsequently, the method
200 ends 216.
[0039] The enclosed area may be similar to the enclosed area
illustrated in FIG. 3 in certain embodiments. The method 200 may be
discussed in relation with FIG. 3; however, the method 200 is not
limited to the illustrated embodiments.
[0040] FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a building 300 with a
plurality of enclosed areas 302, such as an attic crawl space 302a
and a basement crawl space 302b, which may or may not be infested
with pests. As mentioned above, the enclosed area 302 may be
protected with a strobe light in order to prevent pest
infestation.
[0041] The enclosed area 302 may be any defined area that is
substantially enclosed by walls 303, a roof 304, floor 305, ceiling
306, or the like. In certain embodiments, the enclosed area 302
typically represents a dark, secluded area where pests naturally
feel comfortable to nest or frequent, which is generally a place
unoccupied by humans. The enclosed area 302 may comprise one or
more supports 307, such as a support beam 307, wall 303, ceiling
306, or the like.
[0042] A high intensity strobe light 308 may be provided 202 to
disperse 212 high intensity flashes of light throughout the
enclosed area 302. In certain embodiments, the high intensity
strobe light 308 comprises a beacon that emits light on all sides
of the strobe light 308.
[0043] In one embodiment, the strobe light 308 is a high intensity
strobe light manufactured by Federal Signal Corporation, 2645
Federal Signal Drive, University Park, Ill., 60466. Federal Signal
Corporation provides a plurality of high intensity strobe lights
308, such as the LP3M-C120C strobe light and the Firebolt
FB2ST-120C, which are powered by twelve watts and emit a high
intensity flash of light having the strength of 100,000 candlelight
power or more, which may provide adequate stimulation to ward off
pests without producing excessive heat. In one embodiment, the
strobe light 308 produces a flash of light having one million
candlelight power. In certain embodiments, given by way of example,
the strobe light 308, or strobe tube, produces continuous flashes
of light for 7,000-10,000 hours.
[0044] As mentioned, the strobe light 308a may be mounted or hung
204 from the support 307 or the like in order to place the strobe
light 308 in a relatively central location. The central location
enables the high intensity flashes of light to be dispersed 212
throughout the enclosed area 302, reaching the corners 310 and
recesses of the enclosed area 302. In certain embodiments, the
central location may be relative to a known nest, to a wall 303,
floor 305, or ceiling 306, or to the overall enclosed area 302.
Ultimately, the strobe light 308 may be placed in a relatively
central location where the high intensity flashes of light will
have the greatest effect for repelling the pest(s).
[0045] In one embodiment, the strobe light 308b comprises a
mounting mechanism for mounting the strobe light 308b on a wall
303. In another embodiment, the strobe light 308c includes a
mounting mechanism such as a stand 312 for centrally placing the
strobe light 308c relative to the floor 305. Those of skill in the
art will recognize that a variety of mounting mechanisms may be
used to mount or place the strobe light 308 in the enclosed area in
a relatively central location.
[0046] In one embodiment, given by way of example, the strobe light
308 affects an area of about 30 feet.times.30 feet, depending on
the placement of the strobe light 308. In certain embodiments,
multiple strobe lights 308 strategically spaced may be required,
such as strobe lights 308b and 308c shown in the enclosed area
302b, in order to provide adequate coverage. Particularly if an
enclosed area 302 is extremely large or contains multiple light
obstructions, such as stairs 314 in the depicted embodiment,
multiple strobe lights 308 may provide a more powerful deterrent
for pests.
[0047] The method 200 of the present invention may require an
enclosed area 302 to intensify the effects of the strobe light and
to prevent the strobe light from negatively affecting people,
animals, or the like, outside of the enclose area 302. In addition
and as a result, the pests may choose to escape the enclosed area
to an unaffected area physically unharmed. Beneficially, the user
may be freed from releasing pests from traps or from disposing of
rotting carcasses.
[0048] In certain embodiments, the user may be required to
eliminate 206 or block extraneous light sources by covering
windows, turning off lights, closing doors, or the like.
Accordingly, if the enclosed area is devoid of light, the effects
of the high intensity strobe light may be greater.
[0049] The power supplied 208 to the strobe light 308 may be
regulated by one or more mechanisms. In certain embodiments, the
power source may be coupled to a timer, a motion sensor, and/or a
switch, which will be discussed in greater detail with relation to
FIG. 4. In addition, the power may be controlled remotely in
certain embodiments.
[0050] Typically, the high intensity flashes of light are emitted
in a repeated pattern. When the pattern(s) are repeated 210
continuously over an extended period of time and at a relatively
high frequency, the strobe light 308 may have the greatest effect
on light sensitive pests, particularly rodents. In one embodiment,
given by way of example, the pattern repeats at a rate of about
ninety flashes per minute.
[0051] In one embodiment, the strobe light 308 is powered on 208
for an extended period of time equaling the lifetime of the strobe
tube. The strobe light 308 may be powered continuously for
twenty-four hours a day for seven days a week, breaking only to
replace the strobe tube. Alternatively, the strobe light 308 may be
powered on for a determined period of time representing the amount
of time necessary to motivate pests to move nests. The period of
time may be subjective to the need for the strobe light 308 and the
resources available within the enclosed area 302.
[0052] FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a portable pest
deterrent device 400 in accordance with the present invention. The
portable pest deterrent device 400, as depicted, includes a strobe
light 402, a mounting mechanism 404, a power source 406, a timer
408, a motion sensor 410, a switch 412, and a remote switch 414.
The strobe light 402 may emit high intensity flashes of light in a
continuously repeated pattern and at a high frequency.
[0053] The mounting mechanism 404 may be connected to the strobe
light 402 and may facilitate mounting or placing 104 the strobe
light 402 within the enclosed area. In one embodiment, the mounting
mechanism 404 enables the strobe light 402 to hang 204 from the
support 307 of the enclosed area 302. Alternatively, the mounting
mechanism 404 may comprise a stand 312 or the like for positioning
the strobe light 402 in a central location relative to the floor
305 or the like of an enclosed area 302 as discussed above. In
another embodiment, the mounting mechanism 404 may comprise a chain
or the like, which will be discussed in greater detail with
relation to FIGS. 5A-5B.
[0054] The power source 406 supplies power to the strobe light 402.
The power source 406, in one embodiment, comprises a cord
configured to plug into a 120 volt AC power outlet. Alternatively,
the power source 406 may comprise a battery supply. In certain
embodiments, the power source 406 may comprise a combination of 120
volt AC power and a battery supply to power the strobe light
402.
[0055] The power source 406 may be regulated 208 to provide
efficiency and safety without diminishing the effectiveness of the
strobe light 402 to repel pests. In one embodiment, the timer 408
may simply limit the amount of time the power source 406 provides
power to the strobe light 402. Alternatively or in addition, the
timer 408 may be set to turn the power on and off at intervals. In
certain embodiments, the user may adjust the timer 408 depending on
the user's need. Additionally, the timer 408 may be used in
conjunction with the motion sensor 410 and/or switch 412.
[0056] The motion sensor 410 may trigger the power supplied to the
strobe light 402. The motion sensor 410 may be an active sensor,
such as those that send out beams of light, microwave radio energy
or ultrasonic sound waves to detect the presence of an animal or
pest. Alternatively, the motion sensor 410 may be a
non-transmitting system that detects infrared energy or the like.
In one embodiment, the motion sensor 410 may be employed to
activate the strobe light 402 when a motion is detected.
Alternatively, the motion sensor 410 in conjunction with the timer
408 may deactivate the strobe light 402 if motion is not detected
for a determined amount of time.
[0057] The switch 412 may enable the user to manually regulate the
power supplied to the strobe light 402. In one embodiment, the
switch 412 is controlled remotely. The remote switch 414 may
include a transmitter to enable the user to power the strobe light
402 on or off from a distance. In certain embodiments, the portable
pest deterrent device 400 includes a microcontroller to direct the
timer 408, motion sensor 410, switch 412, and/or power source 406.
Those of skill in the art will recognize that an assortment of
mechanisms may be employed to regulate 208 the power supplied to
the strobe light 402.
[0058] FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate one embodiment of a portable pest
deterrent device 500 in accordance with the present invention. The
portable pest deterrent device 500, as depicted in FIG. 5A,
includes a strobe light 502, a mounting mechanism 504, and a power
source 506. In certain embodiments, the mounting mechanism 504
includes a chain 508, a rope cable, or the like to facilitate
hanging 204 the strobe light 502 within the enclosed area. In
addition, the strobe light 502 may protrude from the mounting
mechanism 504 in order to disperse the high intensity flashes of
light throughout the enclosed area.
[0059] The portable pest deterrent device 500 may consist of UL
(Underwriters Laboratories Incorporated) approved parts and may be
suitable for industrial/commercial use. In addition, the portable
pest deterrent device 500 may be weatherproof and dustproof.
[0060] FIG. 5B illustrates an exploded view of the portable pest
deterrent device 500. As depicted, the portable pest deterrent
device 500 comprises a lens 510, a lens housing 512, a pipe mount
514, housing wires 516, a threaded coupling 518, a threaded nipple
520, a waterproof cover 522, a waterproof gasket 524, mounting
screws 526, insulated wire connectors 528, a waterproof round box
530, a flange 531, a v-shaped galvanized wire 532, a 3-pronged
power supply cord 534, a water tight connector 536, tie wraps 538,
and a ground screw 540.
[0061] The lens 510 and lens housing 512 provide casing for the
strobe light 502 and may be connected to the mounting mechanism 504
with the pipe mount 514 and the threaded coupling 518. The threaded
nipple 520 may be attached to the round waterproof cover 522 and
may be connected to the threaded coupling 518. The waterproof
gasket 524 corresponds to the waterproof cover 522 and may include
holes for receiving the mounting screws 526. The housing wires 516
may be fed through the waterproof gasket 524, the waterproof cover
522, the threaded nipple 520, and the threaded coupling 518.
[0062] In one embodiment, a twelve-foot long 3-pronged power supply
cord 534 is threaded through the watertight connector 536 and may
be connected to the waterproof round box 530 with the ground screw
540. In the depicted embodiment, two wires of the 3-pronged power
supply cord 534 are connected to the housing wires 516 by crimping
the wires with nylon insulated wire connectors 528. The third wire
of the 3-pronged power supply cord 534 may be fastened to the
waterproof round box 530 with the ground screw 540.
[0063] The waterproof cover 522 and the waterproof gasket 524 may
be connected to the waterproof round box 530 with the mounting
screws 526. The v-shaped galvanized wire 532 may be fastened to the
waterproof round box 530 through holes in the flanges 531. The
3-pronged power supply cord 534 may be threaded through the
v-shaped galvanized wire 532 and fastened to the coated chain 508
with tie wraps 538.
[0064] The strobe light 502 may be a high intensity beacon that
provides a 360 degree range of consistent, high intensity flashes
of light. The strobe light 502 may or may not be triggered by other
mechanisms. In certain embodiments, the portable pest deterrent
device 500 is powered by 120 and 240 AC volts. In one embodiment,
the strobe light 502 is powered continuously for maximum protection
against pests.
[0065] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
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