U.S. patent application number 16/036459 was filed with the patent office on 2018-11-15 for repellant system and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Broan-NuTone LLC. Invention is credited to Jeffery Emmerich, Karen Formico.
Application Number | 20180325097 16/036459 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52005325 |
Filed Date | 2018-11-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180325097 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Formico; Karen ; et
al. |
November 15, 2018 |
REPELLANT SYSTEM AND METHOD
Abstract
An insect repellant system that provides volatized pest
repellant at a radius to the system. The repellant system includes
at least one housing with (i) a base and an upper housing removably
joined to the base to define an inner region of the housing, (ii) a
repellant reservoir having a wick extending upwardly through a neck
of the reservoir that receives a repellant fluid that is
transferred by the wick during operation of the insect repellant
system, and (iii) an evaporator system having a heater element
coupled to a support assembly. The upper housing includes at least
one upper fluid outlet and the base including at least one inlet
opening. In an installed position, the repellant reservoir is
inserted into the inner region and the wick extends through the
support assembly and into the heater element to volatize repellant
fluid carried by the wick.
Inventors: |
Formico; Karen; (Mequon,
WI) ; Emmerich; Jeffery; (Delavan, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Broan-NuTone LLC |
Hartford |
WI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52005325 |
Appl. No.: |
16/036459 |
Filed: |
July 16, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14608996 |
Jan 29, 2015 |
10021875 |
|
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16036459 |
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|
14467491 |
Aug 25, 2014 |
9591843 |
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14608996 |
|
|
|
|
13292759 |
Nov 9, 2011 |
8845118 |
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14467491 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01M 1/04 20130101; F21K
9/00 20130101; A01M 29/10 20130101; A01M 2200/012 20130101; F21S
8/08 20130101; F21Y 2115/10 20160801; A01M 1/2044 20130101; F21W
2103/00 20180101; F21W 2131/10 20130101; F21V 21/0824 20130101;
A01M 29/12 20130101; B05B 17/00 20130101; F21V 33/006 20130101;
F21S 9/03 20130101; F21K 2/00 20130101; F21V 15/01 20130101; A01M
1/2077 20130101; Y02B 20/72 20130101; F21S 9/02 20130101; F21W
2131/109 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01M 29/12 20110101
A01M029/12; F21V 33/00 20060101 F21V033/00; A01M 1/04 20060101
A01M001/04; A01M 1/20 20060101 A01M001/20; F21K 9/00 20160101
F21K009/00; F21V 15/01 20060101 F21V015/01; B05B 17/00 20060101
B05B017/00; F21K 2/00 20060101 F21K002/00; A01M 29/10 20110101
A01M029/10 |
Claims
1. An insect repellant system that provides pest repellant at a
radius to the system, the system comprising: a main housing having
a base and an upper housing removably joined to the base to define
an inner region, wherein the upper housing includes a top wall and
sidewall extending downward from the top wall, the upper housing
including at least one upper fluid outlet and the base including at
least one inlet opening; a repellant reservoir having a wick
extending upwardly through a neck of the reservoir, wherein the
reservoir defines a chamber that receives a repellant fluid that is
transferred by the wick during operation of the insect repellant
system; an evaporator system positioned within the upper housing,
the evaporator system including: a support assembly coincident with
the sidewall of the upper housing, the support assembly including a
lower wall with an aperture and a support wall arrangement that
defines an upper receptacle, a heater element positioned within the
upper receptacle, the heater element having an opening that is
aligned with the aperture of the support assembly; wherein in an
installed position, the repellant reservoir is inserted into the
inner region and an upper extent of the wick extends through the
aperture in the support assembly and into the opening of the heater
element.
2. The insect repellant system of claim 1, wherein in the installed
position, a bottom portion of the repellant reservoir extends into
the base of the main housing.
3. The insect repellant system of claim 2, wherein the base is
configured to define a base receiver that receives the bottom
portion of the repellant reservoir in the installed position.
4. The insect repellant system of claim 1, wherein in the installed
position, a bottom portion of the repellant reservoir extends
beyond the upper housing and into the base of the main housing.
5. The insect repellant system of claim 1, wherein in the installed
position, an upper extent of the repellant reservoir is received by
a receiving surface of the support assembly to join the repellant
reservoir to the support member.
6. The insect repellant system of claim 1, wherein the support
assembly has at least one flange formed around the aperture, the
flange configured to engage a ridge formed on the neck of the
repellant reservoir in the installed position.
7. The insect repellant system of claim 1, wherein the base
comprises a bottom wall and a side wall extending upward from the
bottom wall, and wherein the inlet opening is formed in the bottom
wall.
8. The insect repellant system of claim 1, wherein the main housing
includes means for coupling the upper housing to the base, wherein
the coupling means allows an operator to open the main housing and
gain access to the repellant reservoir when the reservoir is
empty.
9. The insect repellant system of claim 1, wherein the support wall
arrangement extends upward from a periphery of the lower wall to
define the upper receptacle in which the heater element is
positioned.
10. The insect repellant system of claim 1, further comprising a
reservoir coupler joined to the repellent reservoir and configured
to facilitate engagement of the repellant reservoir in the
installed position.
11. The insect repellant system of claim 1, wherein outer
dimensions of repellant reservoir are less than an inner dimensions
of upper housing to define a gap between the repellant reservoir
and the upper housing that provides an internal fluid flow path
through the main housing, and wherein the internal fluid flow path
is in fluid communication with the inlet opening of the base.
12. The insect repellant system of claim 1, wherein the wick
includes an upper end that resides adjacent to an upper surface of
the heater element.
13. A mosquito repellant system that provides pest repellant at a
radius to the system, the system, comprising: a main housing having
a base and an upper housing removably joined to the base to define
an inner region, wherein the base has a bottom wall, a side wall
arrangement extending upward from the bottom wall, and at least one
inlet opening, and wherein the upper housing includes a top wall
and side wall arrangement extending downward from the top wall, and
at least one fluid outlet opening; a repellant reservoir having a
wick extending upwardly through a neck of the reservoir, wherein
the reservoir defines a chamber that receives a repellant fluid
that is transferred by the wick during operation of the insect
repellant system; an evaporator system positioned within the upper
housing, the evaporator system including: a support assembly
coincident with the sidewall of the upper housing, the support
assembly including an intermediate wall with an aperture and a
support wall arrangement extending from the intermediate wall to
define an upper receptacle, a heater element positioned within the
upper receptacle, the heater element having an opening that is
aligned with the aperture of the support assembly; wherein in an
installed position, the repellant reservoir is inserted into the
inner region of the main housing and an upper extent of the wick
extends through the aperture in the support assembly and into the
opening of the heater element.
14. The mosquito repellant system of claim 13, wherein in the use
position, a bottom portion of the repellant reservoir extends into
the base of the main housing.
15. The mosquito repellant system of claim 14, wherein the base is
configured to define a base receiver that receives the bottom
portion of the repellant reservoir in the use position.
16. The mosquito repellant system of claim 13, wherein in the use
position, a bottom portion of the repellant reservoir extends
beyond the upper housing and into the base of the main housing.
17. The mosquito repellant system of claim 13, wherein in the use
position, an upper extent of the repellant reservoir is received by
a receiving surface of the support assembly to join the repellant
reservoir to the support member.
18. The mosquito repellant system of claim 13, wherein the support
assembly has at least one flange formed around the aperture, the
flange configured to engage a ridge formed on the neck of the
repellant reservoir in the use position.
19. The mosquito repellant system of claim 13, wherein the base
comprises a bottom wall and a side wall extending upward from the
bottom wall, and wherein the inlet opening is formed in the bottom
wall.
20. The mosquito repellant system of claim 13, wherein the main
housing includes means for coupling the upper housing to the base,
wherein the coupling means allows an operator to open the main
housing and gain access to the repellant reservoir when the
reservoir is empty.
21. The mosquito repellant system of claim 13, wherein the support
wall arrangement extends upward from a periphery of the
intermediate wall to define the upper receptacle in which the
heater element is positioned.
22. The mosquito repellant system of claim 13, further comprising a
reservoir coupler joined to the repellent reservoir and configured
to facilitate engagement of the repellant reservoir in the use
position.
23. The mosquito repellant system of claim 13, wherein the
repellant reservoir and the upper housing are configured to define
a gap there between that provides an internal fluid flow path
through the main housing, and wherein the internal fluid flow path
is in fluid communication with the inlet opening of the base.
24. The insect repellant system of claim 13, wherein the wick
includes an upper end that resides adjacent to an upper surface of
the heater element.
25. The insect repellant system of claim 13, wherein during
operation of the insect repellant system, an operating temperature
of the heater is approximately 140 degrees Celsius to enable the
heater to volatize repellant fluid.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This Application is a Continuation of and claims the benefit
of priority under 35 U.S.C. 102 to U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/608,996, filed Jan. 29, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/467,491, filed Aug. 25, 2014, which
is a Continuation-in-Part of and claims the benefit of priority
under 35 U.S.C. Section 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/292,759, filed Nov. 9, 2011, which are incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Some illumination systems can provide lighting for outdoor
activities, however, some bothersome pests, such as mosquitoes,
moths, other insects, some mammals, and other potential pests can
be attracted to the illumination provided by some illumination
systems. Moreover, some outdoor activities, regardless of
illumination, can attract at least some of the aforementioned pests
due to the presence of humans or animals. In order to repel some of
these pests, various chemicals, such as insect repellents and/or
pesticides, or other deterrents/repellents can be used either by
spraying in the general vicinity, such as a porch, yard, or pool
area, or by topical application to skin, or application to
clothing, or other surfaces. However, some of these chemicals can
release undesirable odors, and/or may be undesirable to apply to
human skin or articles of clothing. Single-use repellents such as
citronella candles and coils tend to leave residue, and require
frequent attention and replacement. Electrical repellent systems
including torches, zappers, and traps are costly, require frequent
maintenance, and be range limited.
SUMMARY
[0003] Some embodiments of the invention provide an illumination
system that can include an outer housing including a base, a
central housing pivotably coupled to the base including at least
one fluid inlet, and an upper housing including at least one fluid
outlet coupled to the central housing. The central housing
comprises at least one side that comprises a viewing region.
Further, the inner housing defines a chamber and is coupled to the
base, and includes a first fluid aperture substantially adjacent to
the base and a second fluid aperture substantially adjacent to the
upper housing and a viewing aperture. The illumination system also
includes an evaporator system disposed within the chamber so that
the evaporator system is not visible through the outer housing, and
at least one illumination device positioned substantially between
the inner housing and the central housing.
[0004] Some embodiments of the invention include an illumination
system with an evaporator system that comprises a reservoir, a
wick, and an evaporator assembly. In some embodiments, the
reservoir contains at least one of a pest repellent or a pesticide.
In some embodiments, the evaporator assembly is coupled to the
reservoir, and the wick is positioned in the evaporator assembly,
the evaporator assembly configured and arranged to output thermal
energy.
[0005] Some embodiments of the invention include an evaporator
assembly that includes a lockable evaporator support comprising at
least one key and an attachment cap, where the attachment cap
includes at least one lock configured and arranged to engage the at
least one key. In some embodiments, the attachment cap is
configured and arranged to couple the reservoir to the evaporator
assembly by rotatably engaging the at least one key with the at
least one lock to render the reservoir non-refillable.
[0006] In some embodiments, the viewing region is positioned on the
at least one side positioned at least partially aligned to the
viewing aperture to enable a user to at least partially view the
reservoir through the viewing region and the viewing aperture. In
some embodiments, the illumination system comprises at least one
indicator, the at least one indicator configured and arranged to
provide illumination when the evaporator system is operational. In
some embodiments, the illumination device comprises at least one of
a light-emitting diode, an incandescent bulb, a compact fluorescent
bulb, or a halogen bulb. In some embodiments, the illumination
device is configured and arranged to emit a dynamic illumination
event. In some embodiments, the inner housing comprises at least
partially blocks light transmission.
[0007] Some embodiments of the illumination system further comprise
a support assembly coupled to the base, and comprising a stem. Some
embodiments of the illumination system further comprise a fluid
flow path defined by the fluid inlet, the first fluid aperture, the
second fluid aperture, and the fluid outlet. In some embodiments,
the fluid flow path passes immediately adjacent to the evaporator
system and incorporates at least some fraction of a fluid from the
reservoir.
[0008] Some embodiments of the illumination system further comprise
at least one hinge coupled to the base and at least one hinge
coupling coupled to the central housing. In some embodiments, the
central housing and inner housing and upper housing can be rotated
away from the base using the at least one hinge coupled to the at
least one hinge coupling.
[0009] Some embodiments of the invention includes a repellent
system comprising a base including at least one fluid inlet, a main
housing at least partially enclosing an inner region and including
an upper portion comprising at least one fluid outlet. The main
housing is pivotably coupled to a base with at least one hinge, and
the hinge includes a hinge coupler extending from the main housing
and coupled to the base using a hinge bolt. The repellent system
includes at least one latch configured and arranged to secure the
main housing to the base, and an evaporator system being disposed
within the inner region so that the evaporator system is not
visible through the main housing.
[0010] Some embodiments of the repellent system include an
evaporator system that comprises a reservoir, a wick, and an
evaporator assembly. In some embodiments, the reservoir contains at
least one of a pest repellent or a pesticide. In some embodiments,
the evaporator assembly is coupled to the reservoir, and the wick
is positioned in the evaporator assembly, the evaporator assembly
configured and arranged to output thermal energy. In some
embodiments, the evaporator assembly includes a lockable evaporator
support comprising at least one key and an attachment cap, and the
attachment cap includes at least one lock configured and arranged
to engage the at least one key.
[0011] In some embodiments of the repellent system, the attachment
cap is configured and arranged to couple the reservoir to the
evaporator assembly by rotatably engaging the at least one key with
the at least one lock to render the reservoir non-refillable. In
some embodiments, the main housing at least partially blocks light
transmission to prevent a user from seeing the evaporator
system.
[0012] Some embodiments of the repellent system further comprise a
support assembly coupled to the base, and comprising a stem. Some
embodiments of the repellent system further comprise a fluid flow
path defined by the fluid inlet, the inner region, and the fluid
outlet. In some embodiments. the fluid flow path passes immediately
adjacent to the evaporator system and incorporates at least some
fraction of a fluid from the reservoir.
[0013] Some embodiments of the repellent system include at least
one latch comprising a latching coupler extending from the main
housing, and configured and arranged to couple to a latch aperture
extending from the base.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illumination system
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an outer housing of the
illumination system of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 3A is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the
outer housing of the illumination system of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a portion of an
illumination system according to one embodiment of the
invention.
[0018] FIG. 4A illustrates perspective views of the illumination
system of FIG. 1 coupled to different adapters.
[0019] FIG. 4B is a bottom view of an adapter according to one
embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a diagram representing a plurality of illumination
systems according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an inner housing of the
illumination system of FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the
illumination system of FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of an illumination system
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the illumination
system of FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a reservoir and wick
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of an illumination
system and fluid flow path according to one embodiment of the
invention.
[0027] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an illumination system
including an internal view according to another embodiment of the
invention.
[0028] FIG. 12B is a perspective view of an illumination system of
FIG. 12A including an opaque central housing according to another
embodiment of the invention.
[0029] FIG. 13 is a perspective internal view of the illumination
system of FIG. 12A according to another embodiment of the
invention.
[0030] FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the illumination
system of FIG. 12A according to another embodiment of the
invention.
[0031] FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a portion of an evaporator
system according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0032] FIG. 15B is a bottom perspective view of a portion of an
evaporator system according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0033] FIG. 16A is a perspective view of the illumination system of
FIG. 12A coupled to a support structure according to another
embodiment of the invention.
[0034] FIG. 16B is a perspective view of the illumination system of
FIG. 12B coupled to a support structure according to another
embodiment of the invention
[0035] FIG. 17 is an exploded assembly view of an illumination
system according to another embodiment of the invention.
[0036] FIG. 18 is an exploded assembly view of an illumination
system according to another embodiment of the invention.
[0037] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the illumination system of
FIG. 12A in an open position with a representation of reservoir
insertion according to another embodiment of the invention.
[0038] FIG. 20 is a side view of the illumination system of FIG.
12A in an open position with a representation of reservoir
insertion according to another embodiment of the invention.
[0039] FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of the
illumination system of FIG. 12A according to another embodiment of
the invention.
[0040] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a repellent system
according to further embodiments of the invention.
[0041] FIG. 23 is a bottom perspective view of the repellent system
of FIG. 22 according to further embodiments of the invention.
[0042] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the repellent system of
FIG. 22 coupled to a support structure according to further
embodiments of the invention.
[0043] FIG. 25 is an exploded view of the repellent system of FIG.
22 according to further embodiments of the invention.
[0044] FIG. 26 is an exploded view of the repellent system of FIG.
22 according to further embodiments of the invention.
[0045] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the repellent system of
FIG. 22 in an open position with a representation of reservoir
insertion according to further embodiments of the invention.
[0046] FIG. 28 is a partial cross-sectional view of the repellent
system of FIG. 22 showing following the reservoir insertion
represented in FIG. 27 according to further embodiments of the
invention.
[0047] FIG. 29 depicts an evaporator support coupled to a reservoir
in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
[0048] FIG. 30 depicts a lockable evaporator support and attachment
cap coupled to a reservoir in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the invention.
[0049] FIG. 31 depicts a lockable evaporator support and attachment
cap coupled to a reservoir in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the invention.
[0050] FIG. 32 depicts an assembly perspective view of the
evaporator support and reservoir of FIG. 29 in accordance with at
least one embodiment of the invention.
[0051] FIG. 33 depicts an assembly perspective view of the lockable
evaporator support and attachment cap with reservoir of FIG. 30 in
accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
[0052] FIG. 34 depicts an assembly perspective view of the lockable
evaporator support and attachment cap with reservoir of FIG. 31 in
accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
[0053] FIG. 35 depicts an assembly perspective view of the
evaporator support and reservoir of FIG. 29 in accordance with at
least one embodiment of the invention.
[0054] FIG. 36 depicts an assembly perspective view of the lockable
evaporator support and attachment cap with reservoir of FIG. 30 in
accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
[0055] FIG. 37 depicts an assembly perspective view of the lockable
evaporator support and attachment cap with reservoir of FIG. 31 in
accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
[0056] FIG. 38 depicts an evaporator support coupled to a reservoir
in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
[0057] FIG. 39 depicts a lockable evaporator support and attachment
cap coupled to a reservoir in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the invention.
[0058] FIG. 40 depicts a lockable evaporator support and attachment
cap coupled to a reservoir in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the invention.
[0059] FIG. 41 depicts an assembly perspective view of the
evaporator support and reservoir of FIG. 38 in accordance with at
least one embodiment of the invention.
[0060] FIG. 42 depicts an assembly perspective view of the lockable
evaporator support and attachment cap with reservoir of FIG. 39 in
accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
[0061] FIG. 43 depicts an assembly perspective view of the lockable
evaporator support and attachment cap with reservoir of FIG. 40 in
accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
[0062] FIG. 44 depicts an assembly perspective view of the
evaporator support and reservoir of FIG. 38 in accordance with at
least one embodiment of the invention.
[0063] FIG. 45 depicts an assembly perspective view of the lockable
evaporator support and attachment cap with reservoir of FIG. 39 in
accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
[0064] FIG. 46 depicts an assembly perspective view of the lockable
evaporator support and attachment cap with reservoir of FIG. 40 in
accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
[0065] FIG. 47 illustrates a perspective view of a lockable
evaporator support coupled to an attachment cap in accordance with
at least one embodiment of the invention.
[0066] FIG. 48 illustrates a top view of a lockable evaporator
support coupled to an attachment cap in accordance with at least
one embodiment of the invention.
[0067] FIG. 49 illustrates an exploded assembly perspective view of
a lockable evaporator support and attachment cap in accordance with
at least one embodiment of the invention.
[0068] FIG. 50 illustrates a front perspective view of an
attachment cap in accordance with at least one embodiment of the
invention.
[0069] FIG. 51 illustrates a rear perspective view of an attachment
cap in accordance with at least one embodiment of the
invention.
[0070] FIG. 52 illustrates a top view of an attachment cap in
accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
[0071] FIG. 53 illustrates a side view of an attachment cap in
accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
[0072] FIG. 54 illustrates a rear perspective view of a lockable
evaporator support in accordance with at least one embodiment of
the invention.
[0073] FIG. 55 illustrates a front perspective view of a lockable
evaporator support in accordance with at least one embodiment of
the invention.
[0074] FIG. 56 illustrates a top view of a lockable evaporator
support in accordance with at least one embodiment of the
invention.
[0075] FIG. 57 illustrates a side perspective view of a lockable
evaporator support in accordance with at least one embodiment of
the invention.
[0076] FIG. 58 illustrates an exploded assembly perspective view of
a lockable evaporator support and attachment cap in accordance with
at least one embodiment of the invention.
[0077] FIG. 59 illustrates an exploded assembly perspective view of
a lockable evaporator support and attachment cap in accordance with
at least one embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0078] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangement
of components set forth in the following description or illustrated
in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in
various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including,"
"comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to
encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as
well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise,
the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled" and
variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and
indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further,
"connected" and "coupled" are not restricted to physical or
mechanical connections or couplings.
[0079] The following discussion is presented to enable a person
skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the invention.
Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be
readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic
principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and
applications without departing from embodiments of the invention.
Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited
to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope
consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The
following detailed description is to be read with reference to the
figures, in which like elements in different figures have like
reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to
scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit
the scope of embodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will
recognize the examples provided herein have many useful
alternatives that fall within the scope of embodiments of the
invention.
[0080] FIG. 1 illustrates an illumination system 10 according to
one embodiment of the invention. The illumination system 10 can
include an outer housing 12, at least one illumination device 14,
an inner housing 16, and an evaporator system 18. In some
embodiments, at least a portion of the elements of the system 10
can be disposed within, and/or supported by the outer housing 12.
Moreover, after assembly, some portions of the outer housing 12 can
be substantially fluid resistant or can be configured and arranged
to limit fluid influx within the outer housing 12. For example, in
some embodiments, a user can employ the illumination system 10 in
some outdoor applications. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the
illumination system 10 can be configured and arranged to limit an
amount of precipitation from entering the outer housing 12 and
contacting some elements positioned within the outer housing 12.
For example, as described in further detail below, at least a
portion of the elements positioned within the outer housing 12 can
be operated by an electrical current, and, accordingly, preventing
a substantial volume of precipitation from contacting the elements
can at least partially reduce risks of short circuit events and
other damage to the illumination system 10.
[0081] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the outer
housing 12 can comprise a substantially cubical or square shape. In
some embodiments, the outer housing 12 can be configured in other
shapes such as spherical, pyramidal, a regular or an irregular
polygon, or other shapes. In some embodiments, the outer housing 12
can be configured and arranged to take any shape desired by a
manufacturer or the user.
[0082] In some embodiments, the outer housing 12 can comprise
multiple elements. The outer housing 12 can include a base 20, an
upper housing 22, and a central housing 24. In some embodiments,
the outer housing 12 can be configured so that at least a portion
of the outer housing 12 elements are substantially integral with
each other. In other embodiments, at least some of the outer
housing 12 elements are manufactured separately and later coupled
together to form the outer housing 12. Moreover, in some
embodiments, the outer housing 12 can comprise multiple materials,
such as a metal, an alloy, a polymer, polycarbonate, a resin, a
composite, and other materials. Further, in some embodiments,
different portions of the outer housing 12 can comprise different
materials. For example, in some embodiments, the central housing 24
can comprise a metal-containing material, and the base 20 can
comprise a polymer (e.g., polycarbonate). In some embodiments, each
portion of the outer housing 12 can comprise substantially similar
materials.
[0083] In some embodiments, the base 20 can be coupled to the
central housing 24, as shown in FIG. 3A. In some embodiments, the
central housing 24 can comprise four substantially similar sides
(e.g., a substantially square configuration) and each of the four
sides can comprise at least one flange 26 extending inward. At
least some of the flanges 26 can comprise a coupling aperture 28
that can be configured and arranged to receive at least one
coupling structure (e.g., a screw, a nail, a fastener, adhesive,
etc.). In some embodiments, the central housing 24 can be
dimensioned so that the base 20 can be disposed within the central
housing 24 and can be supported and retained in position by one or
more of the flanges 26. Moreover, in some embodiments, the base 20
can comprise receiving apertures 30, as shown in FIG. 3B. For
example, in some embodiments, the base 20 can be configured and
arranged so that when the base 20 can be coupled to the central
housing 24, the receiving apertures 30 and the coupling apertures
28 can substantially align so that a coupling structure (not shown)
can be disposed through the apertures 28, 30. This can aid in
coupling together the base 20 and the central housing 24. In other
embodiments, as previously mentioned, the base 20 can be
substantially integral with the central housing 24, and no coupling
is necessary.
[0084] In some embodiments, the outer housing 12 can comprise an
adapter 25. Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the adapter 25 can be
coupled to the base 20 and/or the central housing 24 to enable
versatile positioning of the illumination system 10. In some
embodiments, the adapter 25 can comprise multiple configurations
and/or the outer housing 12 can be configured and arranged to be
coupled to multiple adapters 25. For example, as shown in FIG. 4A,
multiple adapters 25 can be coupled to the outer housing 12 so that
the illumination system 10 can be coupled to structures of multiple
sizes (e.g., multiple circumferences, perimeters, areas, volumes,
etc.). By way of example only, the adapter 25 can be configured to
receive a substantially cylindrical support structure, a support
post including a first size, and a support post including another,
different size. In some embodiments, the adapter 25 can be
configured and arranged to receive any structure so that the
illumination system 10 can be supported by, and coupled to, a
relatively stable structure in any location (e.g., a fence post, a
support post for a deck, a support for a patio, etc.).
[0085] As shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, a plurality of
illumination systems 10 can be coupled to multiple support
structures. By way of example only, as shown in FIG. 5, multiple
illumination systems 10 can be coupled to the support posts around
at least a portion of a perimeter of a gathering area (e.g., an
outdoor/indoor patio, deck, entertainment region, any other region
where humans or other animals would gather) to provide
illumination, pest control, or other desirable benefits, some of
which are described in further detail below. Moreover, in some
embodiments, the illumination systems 10 can be coupled to the
support posts at regular and/or irregular intervals (e.g., a
substantially daisy-chained configuration).
[0086] In some embodiments, the central housing 24 can comprise a
plurality of panels 32. As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments,
each side of the central housing 24 can comprise at least one panel
32. In some embodiments, the central housing 24 can comprise
different numbers of panels 32 relative to sides (e.g., more sides
than panels 32 or more panels 32 than sides). Moreover, in some
embodiments, at least some of the panels 32 can be substantially
transparent and/or substantially translucent. For example, at least
a portion of the panels 32 can comprise glass (e.g., any form of
glass, such as substantially transparent glass or substantially
translucent glass, such as frosted glass), polycarbonate, or other
materials through which illumination can be visible to observers.
Although, in some embodiments, at least one of the panels 32 can be
substantially opaque so that illumination cannot be visible through
the panel 32. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the
central housing 24 can be uncoupled so that the panels 32 can be
installed or replaced within the sides of the central housing
24.
[0087] In some embodiments, the illumination device 14 can be
coupled to a portion of the outer housing 12. In some embodiments,
the illumination system 10 can comprise multiple illumination
devices 14 coupled to portions of the outer housing 12. For
example, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the
illumination devices 14 can be coupled to the base 20. The
illumination devices 14 can be coupled to the base 20 at
substantially regular intervals. For example, the illumination
devices 14 can be disposed substantially adjacent to at least a
portion of the panels 32, as shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments,
the base 20 can comprise at least one electrical socket 34 to which
illumination devices 14 can be coupled (e.g., installed) for use.
Moreover, the illumination devices 14 can be oriented substantially
parallel to the panels 32. In some embodiments, the illumination
devices 14 can be disposed substantially adjacent to at least some
corners of the base 20 and/or the central housing 24. In other
embodiments, the illumination devices 14 can be coupled to any
other portion of the outer housing 12 desired by the manufacturer
or the user.
[0088] In some embodiments, the illumination devices 14 can be
electrically coupled to a power source. In some embodiments, the
base 20 can be electrically coupled to a generally low-voltage
(e.g., 12 volts) current source such as battery (not shown), a
photovoltaic system (not shown), or other current source, such as
an alternating current source (e.g., current originating from a
structure, such as house or other building). For example, in some
embodiments, electrical connections, such as wiring, can be coupled
to the illumination devices 14 and/or electrical sockets 34 and
routed through some portions of the outer housing 12 (e.g., the
adapter 25) to a current source. Moreover, in some embodiments, the
battery can be installed within the outer housing 12 or
electrically coupled to the illumination system 10. Additionally,
in some embodiments, a photovoltaic cell (not shown) can be coupled
to the upper housing 22 or other portions of the outer housing 12
to capture any solar energy needed to operate the illumination
system 10. Moreover, in some embodiments, the illumination system
10 can comprise any combination of power sources.
[0089] In some embodiments, the inner housing 16 can be coupled to
the outer housing 12. For example, the inner outer housing 12 can
be at least partially disposed within the outer housing 12, as
shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the inner housing 16 can be
coupled to the base 20 and/or the central housing 24. For example,
as shown in FIGS. 6-8, in some embodiments, the inner housing 16
can comprise one or more coupling flanges 36, one or more
positioning flanges 38, and one or more positioning recesses 40.
Moreover, in some embodiments, the base 20 can comprise one or more
receiving apertures 42 and the central housing 24 can include one
or guide flanges 44 extending inward from at least some of its
sides. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the inner housing 16 can
be inserted within the outer housing 12 so that the coupling
flanges 36 of the inner housing 16 substantially align with the
receiving apertures 42 of the base 20 so that the two elements can
be coupled together (e.g., via coupling structures such as
adhesives, conventional fasteners, welding, brazing, etc.).
Moreover, the guide flanges 44 can at least partially engage the
positioning flanges 38 and the positioning recesses 40 can at least
partially align with, and engage, upper corners of the central
housing 24 to substantially align the inner housing 16 in a desired
position (e.g., so that the coupling flanges 36 substantially align
with the receiving apertures 42).
[0090] In some embodiments, an outer surface 46 of the inner
housing 16 can comprise an at least partially reflective surface.
For example, the inner housing 16 can be coupled to the base 20 so
that one or more of the illumination devices 14 are substantially
adjacent to the outer surface 46. As a result, in some embodiments
where the outer surface 44 is at least partially reflective, at
least a portion of the illumination provided by one or more of the
illumination devices 14 can be directed outward (e.g., to an outer
environment through one or more of the panels 32). In some
embodiments, at least a portion of the outer surface 46 can be
substantially non-reflective so that at least a portion of the
illumination provided by the illumination devices 14 is not
reflected by some portions of the outer surface 46.
[0091] In some embodiments, the inner housing 16 can comprise a
substantially opaque configuration. For example, the inner housing
16 can be configured and arranged to prevent any light transmission
from or to a chamber 48 disposed within the inner housing 16. For
example, as described in further detail below, the evaporator
system 18 can be at least partially disposed within the chamber 48
so that at least a portion of the evaporator system 18 can be
obscured from view.
[0092] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the inner housing 16 can
comprise a first fluid aperture 50 and a second fluid aperture 52.
For example, the first fluid aperture 50 can be substantially
immediately adjacent to one or more of the coupling flanges 36 and
the second fluid aperture 52 can be disposed at a substantially
opposite portion of the inner housing 16 relative to the first
fluid aperture 50. In some embodiments, the inner housing 16 can
comprise a substantially inverted frusto-pyramidal configuration so
that the first fluid aperture 50 comprises a smaller perimeter
relative to the second fluid aperture 52. In other embodiments, the
inner housing 16 can comprise other configurations (e.g.,
cylindrical, cubical, rectangular, etc.) and the first and second
fluid apertures 50, 52 can comprise substantially similar
perimeters or substantially different perimeters. Additionally, as
shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, in some embodiments, at least some sides of
the inner housing 16 can comprise substantially angled, bent, or an
otherwise non-planar configuration, although, in other embodiments,
at least a portion of the sides of the inner housing 16 can
comprise one or more substantially planar configurations.
[0093] In some embodiments, the evaporator system 18 can be at
least partially disposed within the chamber 48 defined by the inner
housing 16. As previously mentioned, by positioning the evaporator
system 18 within the inner housing 16, in some embodiments
comprising a substantially opaque inner housing 16, the evaporator
system 18 can be at least partially obscured from view so that
anyone adjacent to the illumination system 10 cannot readily
visualize the evaporator system 18. Furthermore, at least some of
the fluids or other substances that can be contained within the
evaporator system 18 can be at least partially susceptible to
ultra-violet radiation (e.g., sunlight). Accordingly, by disposing
the evaporator system 18 within the inner housing 16, the
evaporator system 18 can be at least partially shielded from direct
exposure to ultra-violet radiation.
[0094] As shown in FIG. 9, in some embodiments, the evaporator
system 18 can be at least partially supported by and/or coupled to
the outer housing 12. In some embodiments, the evaporator system 18
can comprise a support apparatus 54 that can be configured and
arranged to couple together the evaporator system 18 and at least a
portion of the base 20. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the
support apparatus 54 can include at least two support members 56
and a receiving member 58. In some embodiments, the evaporator
system 18 can comprise at least one reservoir 60 (e.g., a bottle or
other structure capable of receiving a fluid) and the receiving
member 58 and the support members 56 can be configured and arranged
to receive the reservoir 60.
[0095] By way of example only, in some embodiments, the reservoir
60 can comprise a bottle including a neck portion and the support
apparatus 54 can at least partially function to couple the
reservoir 60 to the base 20. For example, the receiving member 58
can be disposed over at least some of the neck portion and the
support members 56 can be spaced apart to receive the reservoir 60,
as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. In some embodiments, the support members
56 can be coupled to the base 20 via conventional fasteners,
adhesives, welds, braze, and other coupling devices and methods.
For example, the support members 56 can be reversibly coupled to
the base 20 (e.g., via conventional fasteners) so that the user can
access the reservoir 60 (e.g., the user can repeatedly access the
reservoir 60 to add a fluid to the reservoir 60). In some
embodiments, the reservoir 60 can be directly coupled to the base
20 or other portions of the outer housing 12. Moreover, in some
embodiments, more than one reservoir 60 can be either directly
coupled to the base 20 or coupled to the base 20 via multiple
support apparatuses 54.
[0096] In some embodiments, at least one wick 62 can be at least
partially disposed within the reservoir 60. As shown in FIG. 10, in
some embodiments, the at least one wick 62 can extend at least a
length of the reservoir 60. For example, in some embodiments, the
at least one wick 62 can comprise a length that is greater than the
length of the reservoir 60. In some embodiments, the at least one
wick 62 can be configured and arranged to enable transfer of the
volatile fluid from within the reservoir 62 to a position outside
of the reservoir 60. For example, because the at least one wick 62
can at least partially extend out of the reservoir 60 (e.g.,
protrude from the neck of the reservoir 60), the at least one wick
62 can function to absorb the volatile fluid within the reservoir
60 and transfer the fluid outside of the reservoir 60 (e.g., via
capillary action, diffusion, etc.).
[0097] In some embodiments, the reservoir 60 can comprise a wick
support structure 63 disposed within an opening of the reservoir
60. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the wick support structure 63
can be disposed at least partially within the neck portion of the
reservoir 60 and can function to support and retain the at least
one wick 62 in position during operations of the illumination
system 10. Moreover, in some embodiments, the volatile fluid within
the reservoir 60 can be expended during operations of the
evaporator system 18 and the user can access the reservoir 60 by
uncoupling the support apparatus 54 from the outer housing 12 and
then removing the wick support structure 63 to add further
quantities of the volatile fluid to the reservoir 60. The wick
support structure 63 can also function to at least partially seal
the reservoir 60 so that the only material amounts of volatile
fluid exiting the reservoir 60 do so via the wick 60 and are not
subject to significant amount of natural evaporation.
[0098] In some embodiments, the evaporator system 18 can comprise
an evaporator member 64. In some embodiments, the evaporator member
64 can generally comprise a structure configured and arranged to
output thermal energy (e.g., a heater, such as resistance heater).
As previously mentioned, the base 20 can be electrically connected
to a current source to provide electrical current to the
illumination devices 14. In some embodiments, the evaporator member
64 and/or other portions of the evaporator system 18 can be
electrically connected to the current source and/or the base 20 so
that the evaporator member 64 can output thermal energy when
receiving power from the current source.
[0099] In some embodiments, the evaporator member 64 can be
removably coupled to the evaporator system 18 to volatilize the
pest-affecting substance or any other substance within the
reservoir 60. For example, in some embodiments, the at least one
wick 62 can be disposed within the evaporator system 18 so that it
is substantially adjacent to the evaporator member 64. As shown in
FIG. 3B, in some embodiments, the evaporator member 64 can be
substantially immediately adjacent (e.g., substantially
circumscribe) to at least a portion of the reservoir 60 (e.g.,
within or immediately adjacent to the neck portion of the reservoir
60) and/or a portion of the at least one wick 62. As a result, in
some embodiments, the thermal energy produced by the evaporator
member 64 can volatilize the substance within the reservoir 60.
Further, as the substance volatilizes, further volumes of the
substance can be drawn upward through the at least one wick 62 so
that the volatile substance can be substantially continuously
released by the evaporator system 18 when the evaporator member 64
is activated.
[0100] In some embodiments, the upper housing 22 can be coupled to
the central housing 24. The upper housing 22 can be coupled to the
central housing 24 using conventional coupling technique, such as,
but not limited to, conventional fasteners, welding, adhesives,
brazing, snap-fittings, grille springs, etc. For example, in some
embodiments, the upper housing 22 can be coupled to the central
housing 24 via one or more conventional fasteners, such as screws,
bolts, and/or nails. Moreover, in some embodiments, the upper
housing 22 can be reversibly coupled to the central housing 24 so
that a user can easily remove the upper housing 22 to access any
elements coupled to, or disposed within, the central housing
24.
[0101] In some embodiments, the upper housing 22 can be coupled to
the central housing 24 at a position substantially opposed to the
adapter 25 and the base 20 (i.e., an upper portion of the
illumination system 10). In some embodiments, by coupling the upper
housing 22 to the central housing 24 at a position substantially
opposite the base 20, the upper housing 22 can substantially
enclose some portions of the illumination system 10, such as, but
not limited to some or all of the illumination devices 14, the
evaporator system 18, the base 20, and some other elements. In some
embodiments, the illumination system 10 can be at least partially
disposed in an outdoor environment, and the upper housing 22 can
function to at least partially reduce the chances of precipitation
contacting some of the components of the illumination system 10
that are electrically connected to a current source (e.g., the
evaporator system 18, the illumination device 14, etc.).
[0102] In some embodiments, the illumination system 10 can comprise
at least one fluid inlet 66 and at least one fluid outlet 68. For
example, some portions of the outer housing 12 can comprise the
fluid inlet 66 and the fluid outlet 68. As shown in FIGS. 4B and
11, in some embodiments, the central housing 24, the adaptor 25,
and/or the base 20 can comprise one or more fluid inlets 66. For
example, in some embodiments, the adaptor 25 can comprise at least
one fluid inlet 66, as shown in FIGS. 4B and 11. Moreover, the base
20 can comprise an inlet 66, in addition to, or in lieu of, the
inlet 66 through the adaptor 25. In some embodiments, the upper
housing 22 can comprise one or more fluid outlets 68. For example,
as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the upper housing 22 can be configured
and arranged to include a plurality of fluid outlets 68 in multiple
layers extending from a position substantially adjacent to the
central housing 24 toward a position substantially distal to the
central housing 24. In some embodiments, the upper housing 22 can
comprise a different configuration and can comprise a single fluid
outlet 68 at a position substantially distal to the central housing
24 (e.g., a top portion of the upper housing 22). In some other
embodiments, the fluid inlets 66 and fluid outlets 68 can be
disposed through other portions of the illumination system 10.
[0103] In some embodiments, as a result of the positioning of some
of the fluid inlets 66 and some of the fluid outlets 68, at least a
portion of the fluid that is volatized by the evaporator system 18
can be distributed to the environment around the illumination
system 10. As illustrated by the arrows in FIG. 11, when the
evaporator member 64 is activated and a fluid (e.g., air)
circulates through the fluid inlets 66 disposed through portions of
the adaptor 25 and/or the base 20 and the first fluid aperture 50
of the inner housing 16. The fluid can receive portions of the
volatized substance (e.g., via diffusion) and can carry the
volatized substance through the second fluid aperture 52 of the
inner housing 16 and the fluid outlets 68, and into the
environment. For example, the natural convection process of air
passing through the fluid flow path (e.g., represented by the
arrows in FIG. 11) that includes the fluid inlets 66, the fluid
apertures 50, 52 and the fluid outlets 68 can pass substantially
adjacent to the evaporator system 18 (e.g., the fluid flow path can
substantially pass around and/or through portions of the evaporator
system 18), which can lead to the air carrying the volatized fluid
out of the outer housing 12.
[0104] Some embodiments of the invention can include an
illumination system 100 that comprises a low voltage outdoor light
fixture that can include an integrated mosquito repellent release
device designed for permanent installation. In some embodiments,
the repellent is not included, but can be added by a user and/or a
reseller, and/or or sold separately. In some embodiments,
installation of the illumination system 100 can be accomplished
using a ground stake or an optional deck mounting flange. In some
embodiments, the illumination system 100 can provide both
illumination and mosquito protection over a large radius, with the
flexibility to have multiple devices wired in series to cover
larger areas. In some embodiments, a control device can permit
operation of lighting and repellent device separately or together.
Embodiments of the illumination system 100 including a mosquito
repellent release device can be designed to secure repellent from
children, and enable convenient replacement of a repellent
container as needed. In some embodiments, the illumination system
100 includes a light fixture that is designed to be mounted with an
in-ground stake or optional deck mounting flange for deck rail or
post installation (e.g., similar to the system 10 shown in FIG.
4A).
[0105] Some embodiments of the invention can include an outer
housing 120 comprising a vented top cover. For example, FIG. 12A is
a perspective view of an illumination system including an internal
view that shows an illumination system 100 including an outer
housing 120 that can comprise multiple elements. In some
embodiments, at least a portion of the elements of the system 100
can be disposed within, coupled to, and/or supported by the outer
housing 120. In some embodiments, the outer housing 120 can include
a base 200, and a central housing 240 at least partially enclosing
one or more functional devices. In some embodiments, the base 200
can be coupled to a lower end 240a of a central housing 240, which
in turn can be coupled to an upper housing 220 at the upper end
240b of the central housing 240.
[0106] In some embodiments, after assembly, some portions of the
outer housing 120 can be substantially fluid resistant or can be
configured and arranged to limit fluid influx within the outer
housing 120. For example, in some embodiments, a user can employ
the illumination system 100 in some outdoor applications, and the
illumination system 10 can be configured and arranged to limit an
amount of precipitation from entering the outer housing 120 and
contacting some elements positioned within the outer housing 120.
As described in further detail below, at least a portion of the
elements positioned within the outer housing 120 can be operated by
an electrical current, and, accordingly, preventing a substantial
volume of precipitation from contacting the elements can at least
partially reduce risks of short circuit events and other damage to
the illumination system 100. In this instance, ingress of fluid
precipitation, dirt or debris into the outer housing 120 of the
illumination system 100 can be at least partially prevented using a
cap 222. As illustrated in at least FIGS. 12A-12B, a cap 222 can
form a portion of the outer housing 120 and can be coupled to the
upper housing 220.
[0107] In some embodiments, the outer housing 120 can include one
or more exhaust venting slots. In some embodiments, the cap 222 can
be coupled to the upper housing 220 that includes a separation
distance forming a fluid outlet 225. In some embodiments, the cap
222 can comprise at least one support spacer 224 and at least one
extension 223, each of which can be positioned between the upper
housing 220 and the cap 222 when the cap 222 is coupled to the
upper housing 220. In some embodiments, the upper housing 220 can
include at least one vent or slot forming an air outlet comprising
the fluid outlet 225. In some embodiments, the fluid outlet 225 can
comprise a single vent or slot. In some further embodiment, the
fluid outlet 225 can comprise a plurality of vents or slots. In
some embodiments, the fluid outlet 225 can extend around a partial
circumference of the upper housing 220. In some other embodiments,
the fluid outlet 225 can extend around the circumference of the
upper housing 220. In some embodiments, the combined open area of
multiple exhaust venting slots can be equal or greater than 5.72
square inches.
[0108] In some embodiments, the central housing 240 can comprise
one or more sides 242. In some embodiments, the central housing can
include a plurality of coupled sides 242. For example, in some
embodiments, the central housing 240 can comprise a substantially
octagonal shape comprising a plurality of sides (i.e., eight
substantially equally-sized sides 242). In some embodiments, the
cross sectional shape of the central housing 240 is substantially
octagonal. In some other embodiments, at least some portion of the
outer housing 120 (including for example the central housing 240)
can be configured in other shapes such as spherically shaped (with
one substantially circumferentially continuous side 242), a
pyramidal shape (that could include at least three sides), regular
or irregular polygonal shaped (with various numbers of sides 242
depending on the number of vertices), or in other shapes. Further,
in some embodiments, the outer housing 120 can be configured and
arranged to take any shape desired by a manufacturer or the
user.
[0109] In some embodiments, the outer housing 120 can be configured
so that at least a portion of the outer housing 120 elements are
substantially integral with each other. In other embodiments, at
least some of the outer housing 120 elements are manufactured
separately and later coupled together to form the outer housing
120. Moreover, in some embodiments, the outer housing 120 can
comprise multiple materials, such as a metal, an alloy, a polymer
(such as a polycarbonate), a thermoset or thermoformed resin, a
composite, a glass or glass-ceramic, and other materials. Further,
in some embodiments, different portions of the outer housing 120
can comprise different materials (i.e., a combination of one or
more of the aforementioned materials). For example, in some
embodiments, the upper housing 220 can comprise a metal-containing
material and the base 200 can comprise a polymer (such as a
polycarbonate) or vice versa. In some embodiments, each portion of
the outer housing 120 can comprise substantially similar materials.
For example, in some embodiments, the base 200 and the upper
housing 220 can each comprise a metal-containing material or a
polymer-containing material. In some embodiments, any portion of
the outer housing 120 can include a material that comprises a metal
exterior with protective finish. In some embodiments, the finish
and color can be created using a powder coated finish that matches
other exterior metal parts.
[0110] As described earlier, in some embodiments, the outer housing
120 can at least partially enclose one or more functional devices.
In some embodiments, these functional devices can comprise one or
more light sources, and/or one or more systems for expelling pest
repellent. In some embodiments, the illumination system 100 can
include one or more light sources that are at least partially
hidden within the outer housing 120, and are configured and
arranged to emit light that can be diffused and reflected from at
least a portion of the outer housing 120. Further, in some
embodiments, the illumination system 100 can include a system that
is capable of expelling at least one pest repellent and is at least
partially hidden within the outer housing 120.
[0111] Some embodiments accomplish light diffusion and illumination
from the outer housing while providing a structure that enables one
or more functional devices to be at least partially shielded from
view. In some embodiments, the central housing 240 can comprise a
substantially opaque configuration. FIG. 12B is a perspective view
of an illumination system 100 of FIG. 12A including an opaque
central housing 240 according to another embodiment of the
invention. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the central housing
240 can comprise a material that is at least partially translucent
or opaque. For example, in some embodiments, the central housing
240 can include at least one window 242 that is at least partially
translucent or opaque. In some other embodiments, the central
housing 240 can comprise a material that includes portions that are
translucent or opaque, and portions that are substantially
optically transparent. In some embodiments for example, at least a
portion of the at least one window 242 can comprise glass (e.g.,
any form of glass, such as substantially transparent glass or
substantially translucent glass, such as frosted glass),
polycarbonate, or other materials through which illumination can be
visible to observers. In some embodiments, the central housing 240
can comprise a glass with matte exterior finish. In some
embodiments, the glass can be acid etched or sandblasted.
[0112] In some embodiments, specific portions of the at least one
window 242 can comprise regions that are optically transparent. For
example, in some embodiments the at least one window 242 can
comprise a viewing region 244. In this instance, a user can be
provided with an option to peer into the illumination system 100 to
check the status or function of one or more devices enclosed within
the outer housing 120. Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 12B, in
some embodiments, the illumination system 100 can include at least
one indicator 190. In some embodiments, the operational status of
one or more devices enclosed within the outer housing can be
monitored using at least one indicator 190. In some embodiments,
the at least one indicator 190 can be used to monitor the
operational status of a system that is capable of expelling at
least one pest repellent, and is at least partially hidden within
the outer housing 120.
[0113] In some embodiments, an evaporator system 180 can be at
least partially disposed within the central housing 240 so that at
least a portion of the evaporator system 180 can be obscured from
view. For example, FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective internal view
of the illumination system of FIG. 12A, where the upper housing 220
and the central housing 240 are shown in dotted lines and
transparent to represent their location with respect to components
within the outer housing 120 that would normally be shielded from
view (by at least the central housing 240 that can be opaque and/or
substantially light blocking). The evaporator system 180 can be
coupled to the outer housing 120, and can include a support
assembly 181 that comprises a support base 182, at least one
support member 184 extending from the support base 182, and an
evaporator support 186 that can be coupled to the at least one
support member 184. As illustrated in FIG. 14, showing a bottom
perspective view of the illumination system 100 of FIG. 12A, an
evaporator assembly 188 can be coupled to the evaporator support
186. FIGS. 13 and 14 also illustrate structural features of the
base 200 that can be coupled to the lower end 240a of the central
housing 240. For example, in some embodiments, the base 200 can
comprise at least one support member 230 coupled to at least one
support aperture 235 that can be used for coupling to one or more
support structures. In some embodiments, the base 200 can also
include at least one hinge 250 capable of being coupled to a hinge
coupling 246 coupled to the central housing 240 to allow the
central housing 240 to be pivoted about the base 200 to provide a
user with access to the inside of the illumination system 100.
Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the base 200 can include at least one
fluid inlet 227. The base 200 can include one or more exhaust vents
or slots forming the fluid inlet 227. For example, in some
embodiments, the base 200 can include at least one fluid inlet 227
that can be configured to function as an air intake. In some
embodiments, the at least one fluid inlet 227 can comprise a single
vent or slot. In some further embodiments, the at least one fluid
inlet 227 can comprise a plurality of vents or slots. In some
embodiments, the at least one fluid inlet 227 can extend around a
partial circumference of the base 200. In some other embodiments,
the at least one fluid inlet 227 can extend around the
circumference of the base 200. In some embodiments, the combined
open area of multiple air intake slots can be equal or greater than
5.72 square inches.
[0114] In some embodiments, fluid entering the fluid intake 227 can
pass into the inner housing 160 from the first aperture 169a and
into the evaporator system 180, and can exhaust out of the inner
housing 160 through the second aperture 169b, and through at least
one vent or slot forming a fluid outlet 225. Further, in some
embodiments, when provided with a repellent source, the evaporator
assembly 188 can disperse one or more pest repellents that can flow
out of the illumination system 100 through the fluid outlets 225,
and fluid (e.g., air) can flow into the illumination system 100
from the at least one fluid inlet 227 in the base 200.
[0115] In some embodiments of the invention, the base 200 can
include a metal with protective finish. For example, in some
embodiments, the protective finish can comprise a finish and color
that include a powder coat finish that matches other exterior metal
parts of the illumination system 100. In some embodiments, the base
200 can be secured to a tubular metal stem or a short metal stem
that can be coupled to a deck mounting flange with threaded pipe
connections.
[0116] In some embodiments, the illumination system 100 can include
one or more light sources. Some embodiments of the illumination
system 100 can include one or more light sources comprising
illumination devices positioned within the outer housing 120. As
illustrated in FIG. 14, some embodiments of the illumination system
100 can include a plurality of illumination devices 140. As shown,
in some embodiments, the illumination devices 140 can be coupled to
the support base 182 of the support assembly 181, and can be
distributed at a substantially equal distance apart, and can be
positioned circumferentially within the central housing 240. In
some other embodiments, more or less illumination devices 140 shown
in FIG. 14 can be positioned within the central housing 240.
Further, in some embodiments, the illumination devices 140 can be
positioned coupled to other regions of the support base 182, to
other components coupled to the support base 182, or can be coupled
to other structures that can be enclosed within the outer housing
120.
[0117] In some embodiments, the illumination devices 140 and the
evaporator system 180 can be controlled together or switched
separately. For example, in some embodiments, the illumination
devices 140 can be controlled with an on/off switch or timer (not
shown), and the mosquito repellent vaporizer (the evaporator system
180) can be controlled by an on/off switch or conventional timer
(not shown). As described earlier, and as illustrated in FIG. 12B,
in some embodiments, the operational status of one or more devices
enclosed within the outer housing 120 can be monitored using the
aforementioned at least one indicator 190. In some embodiments, the
at least one indicator 190 can be used to monitor the operational
status of the evaporator system 180. In some embodiments, the at
least one indicator 190 can light and be visible when the
evaporator system 180 is activated. In some embodiments, the at
least one indicator 190 can comprise an LED. For example, in some
embodiments, operation of the evaporator system 180 can be
indicated using the at least one indicator 190 that comprises a
green LED pilot light. In other embodiments, the operation of the
evaporator system 180 can be indicated using the at least one
indicator 190 that can comprise other colored LED's. Further, as
depicted in FIG. 12B, in some embodiments, the at least one
indicator 190 can be located on the base 200, and can be positioned
adjacent to at least one viewing region 244 on the central housing
240. In some other embodiments, the at least one indicator 190 can
comprise more than one LED, an incandescent bulb, or a display
(e.g., an LED display, or an LCD display, or an electroluminescent
display). In some further embodiments, the at least one indicator
190 can be positioned on other regions of the illumination system
100. For example, in some embodiments, the at least one indicator
190 can be positioned on other portions of the base 200 and/or on
some portion of the central housing 240, or on some portion of the
upper housing 220.
[0118] In some embodiments, the illumination system 100 can include
at least one LED assembly 130 that can comprise at least one
illumination device 140. Some embodiments of the illumination
system 100 can include a plurality of LED assembly 130. As shown,
in some embodiments, the at least one LED assembly 130 can be
coupled to the support base 182 of the support assembly 181. The at
least one LED assembly 130 can be distributed at a substantially
equal distance apart, and can be positioned circumferentially
within the central housing 240. In some other embodiments, more or
fewer numbers of LED assembly 130 shown in FIG. 14 can be
positioned within the central housing 240. In some embodiments, the
LED assembly 130 can be coupled to the upper housing 220. In some
other embodiments, the LED assembly 130 can be coupled to another
portion of the outer housing 120. For example, in some embodiments,
the LED assembly 130 can be positioned within the central housing
240, the base 200, or in both the base 200 and the central housing
240. In some embodiments, parts of the at least one LED assembly
130 can be integral, or can be made in one or more pieces, and
fastened together with hidden fasteners or other means of assembly.
Further, in some embodiments, the illumination devices 140 can be
positioned coupled to other regions of the support base 182, to
other components coupled to the support base 182, or can be coupled
to other structures that can be enclosed within the outer housing
120.
[0119] In some embodiments, the LED assembly 130 can include a
material that is capable of managing heat generated by the LEDs
(illumination devices 140) without loss in mechanical and
electrical properties. In this instance, the LED assembly 130 can
comprise a plastic or other nonconductive material. In some
embodiments, the illumination devices 14, 140 can include
incandescent, fluorescent, compact fluorescent, halogen, and/or
other lights and lamps. Further, these lights can comprise flood
lights, globe lights, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), or other
similar lighting apparatuses, including a combination of any of the
above. Moreover, in some embodiments, the illumination systems 10,
100 can comprise other illumination configurations. For example, in
some embodiments, the illumination systems 10, 100 can comprise a
combination of LEDs and other illumination devices as disclosed in
U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 12/902,077 and 12/902,065. The
entire contents of these applications are hereby incorporated by
reference in this disclosure. Briefly, the illumination systems 10,
100 can comprise the capability to emit illumination at different
intensities and at different times. Also, in some embodiments, the
systems 10, 100 can radiate multiple colors of light at different
intensities over a predetermined time period.
[0120] In some embodiments, the illumination devices 14, 140 can
include a number of LEDs that is selected to meet a specified light
output and light spread. For example, in some embodiments, a total
number of LEDs can be selected to meet a total fixture light output
that is 30 lumens as measured inside a 3-meter integrating sphere
with absorption correction, and the LED life (to 80% of original
brightness) can be a minimum of 1800 hours without LED color shift.
In some embodiments, the LED color temperature can be 3000 K, and
the color temperature may not exceed 100 K from one fixture to
another fixture.
[0121] Some embodiments of the invention include a repellent source
coupled to the evaporator system 180. In some embodiments, by
coupling a repellent source to the evaporator system 180, a pest
repellent can flow from the source into the evaporator assembly
188. The evaporator system 180, as illustrated in FIG. 14, includes
the evaporator assembly 188 that can be coupled to the evaporator
support 186. FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a portion of the
evaporator system 180, and FIG. 15B is a bottom perspective view of
a portion of the evaporator system 180 according to another
embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, in some embodiments of
the invention, the evaporator system 180 includes the support
assembly 181, support base 182, and at least one support member 184
extending from the support base 182. In some embodiments, the
evaporator support 186 can be coupled to a reservoir 192 using an
attachment cap 194.
[0122] In some embodiments, the reservoirs 60, 192 can contain any
fluid, mist, liquid, or any other substance. In some embodiments,
if the reservoir 192 contains at least one repellent, repellent can
flow from the reservoir 192 through the attachment cap 194 and into
the evaporator assembly 188. In some embodiments, when reservoir
192 is coupled to evaporator system 180, the evaporator assembly
188 can disperse one or more pest repellents that can flow out of
the illumination system 100 through the fluid outlets 225. As used
throughout, all references to the term "pest" should be understood
to include pests of humans and animals (e.g., insects, rodents,
arthropods, any disease-carrying animal or insect, or any other
animal generally considered to be a conventional pest). In some
embodiments, the pest-affecting substances can comprise a synthetic
substance, an organic substance, a natural substance, and/or any
other substance that can affect pest behavior.
[0123] In some embodiments, the reservoirs 60, 192 can contain a
volatile fluid capable of being volatilized. By way of further
example, in some embodiments, the reservoirs 60, 192 can comprise a
volatile liquid that can include one or more pest-affecting
substances. In some embodiments, the pest-affecting substance can
function as a pest repellent, a pesticide (e.g., a compound capable
of killing or substantially incapacitating a pest), a pest
attractant (e.g., a compound capable of drawing insects near to the
illumination system 10, 100), or any other substance capable of
being recognized by a pest. For example, in some embodiments, the
pest-affecting substance can comprise one or more of permethrin,
bifenthrin, prallethrin, allethrin, esbiothrin, tretramethrin,
d-tetramethrin, phenothrin, metofluthrin, metofluthrin and
petroleum distillate, profluthrin, dimefluthrin, transfluthrin,
imiprothrin, empenthrin, dichlorvos, tetfluthrin, phenothrin,
cypermethrin, etofenprox, pacardin, n,n-diethyl-m-toluamide,
N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide, any pyrethroid-containing compound,
any allyl sulfide, garlic oil, garlic paste, garlic emulsion, and
any other conventional pest-affecting substance. In some further
embodiments, the reservoirs 60, 192 can comprise a volatile liquid
that can include one or more fragrances, deodorization substances,
air sanitizers, aromatherapy substances, volatile medical
compounds, or any combination thereof.
[0124] In some embodiments, the evaporator system 180 can comprise
a positive temperature coefficient heating device. For example, in
some embodiments, the heating device can comprise a positive
temperature coefficient heating device with a part number Z26R 1072
supplied by Zobele (Zobele Industrie Chimiche S.P.A), with an
electrical rating of 12V, 0.465 amps, 5.58 watts, and an operating
temperature of 140.degree. C. In some embodiments, the evaporator
system 180 can include a conventional quick disconnect plug,
allowing the evaporator system 180 to be available as a separate
service part.
[0125] In some embodiments, the illumination system 100 can be
positioned (permanently or semi-permanently) using at least one
support apparatus such as a ground stake or an optional deck
mounting flange. In some embodiments, the illumination system 100
can include one or more fixtures that are designed to enable the
illumination system 100 to be mounted to a ground surface or
optionally to a deck or deck rail using a deck mounting flange
(e.g., similar to the system 10 shown in FIG. 4A). For example,
FIG. 16A is a perspective view of the illumination system of FIG.
12A coupled to a support structure 110, and FIG. 16B is a
perspective view of the illumination system of FIG. 12B coupled to
a support structure 110 according to another embodiment of the
invention. As shown, some embodiments of the invention include a
support structure 110 that includes at least a stem 115 coupled to
a ground stake 118. In some embodiments, the ground stake 118 is
threaded to couple with threads in the stem 115. In some
embodiments, the illumination system 100 can be provided as a
completely assembled device except for ground mounting stake 118
and tubular stem 115. In some embodiments of the invention, at
least a portion of the support structure 110 can include a tubular
metal stem 115. In some embodiments, the stem 115 can comprise a
metal with protective finish, and can include a finish and color
that comprises a powder coat finish that matches other exterior
metal parts of the illumination system 100. In some embodiments,
the stem 115 can comprise an approximate size of 25.4 mm outside
diameter, and can be 46 cm in length. Further, in some embodiments,
the stem 115 can be substantially free of burrs and sharp edges,
and can be sized to fit a ground mounting stake and optional deck
mounting flange. In some embodiments, connections to the base 200
and ground stake 118 can be made with male and female pipe threads.
The threads can be generally free of powder coating, and may not be
visible after product is assembled. In some embodiments, the stem
115 can be coupled to the illumination system 100 using one or more
fasteners, clips, or other coupling mechanisms. In some
embodiments, the stem 115 can couple to at least the support
aperture 235 coupled to the at least one support member 230 in the
base 200. Further, as depicted in the exploded view of an
illumination system 100 shown in FIG. 17, in some embodiments, the
stem 115 can couple to the support aperture 235 using a support
coupler 105. In some embodiments, the support coupler 105 can be
positioned in the support aperture 235 at one end, and can extend
away from the base 200, and the stem 115 can be coupled to the
other end of the support coupler 105. In some embodiments, the stem
115 and the support aperture 235 can be coupled using a pressure
fit. In some embodiments, the stem 115 can coupled with the support
coupler 105 using a pressure fit. In some further embodiments, the
support aperture 235, the stem 115, and/or the support coupler 105
can be coupled using a thread. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, in
some embodiments, at least one end of the support coupler 105 can
include a thread that can be used to couple with the stem 115.
Moreover, as shown in FIG. 21, illustrating a partial
cross-sectional view of the illumination system 100 of FIG. 12A, in
some embodiments, the support coupler 105 can be secured to the
base 200 within the support aperture 235 using at least one
fastener 105a. In this instance, the support coupler 105 can be
inserted into the base 200 within the support aperture 235, secured
with the at least one fastener 105a, and the stem 115 can be
reversible threaded into the support coupler 105.
[0126] Referring to the exploded assembly views of FIGS. 17 and 18,
in some embodiments, the various components of the illumination
system 100 can be assembled and coupled using one or more screws
and/or fasteners. For example, in some embodiments, as described
earlier, and illustrated in at least FIGS. 12A-12B, a cap 222 can
form a portion of the outer housing 120 and can be coupled to the
upper housing 220. The upper housing 220 can be coupled to the
central housing 240 using conventional coupling technique, such as,
but not limited to, conventional fasteners, welding, adhesives,
brazing, snap-fittings, grille springs, etc. For example, in some
embodiments, the upper housing 220 can be coupled to the central
housing 240 via one or more conventional fasteners, such as screws,
bolts, and/or nails (including screws 222c). Moreover, in some
embodiments, the upper housing 220 can be reversibly coupled to the
central housing 240 (using the screws 222c) so that a user can
easily remove the upper housing 220 to access any elements coupled
to, or disposed within, the central housing 240. Further, in some
embodiments, the cap 222 can be coupled to the upper housing 220
using one or more of the extensions 223. In some embodiments, the
extensions 223 can comprise screw receptacles, and the cap 222 can
be secured to the upper housing 220 using screws 222a coupled into
the extensions 223. In some embodiments, at least one support
spacer 224 and at least one extension 223 can extend between the
cap 222 and the upper housing 220. In some embodiments, the space
between the cap 222 and the upper housing 220 (forming the fluid
outlet 225) can be determined by the extent to which screws 222a
extend into the at least one extension. Further, in some
embodiments, the at least one support spacer 224 can coupled with
the upper housing 220 to define minimum distance between the cap
222 and the upper housing 220.
[0127] In some embodiments, the outer housing 120 of the
illumination system 100 can enclose other functional and/or
structural components. For example, in some embodiments, the
illumination system 100 can include an inner housing 160 disposed
within the outer housing 120, configured and arranged to couple
with the base 200. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the inner
housing 160 can define a chamber 168, and can comprise a first
fluid aperture 169a positioned substantially adjacent to the base
200 and the lower end 240a of the central housing 240, and a second
fluid aperture 169b positioned substantially adjacent to the upper
housing 220 and the upper end 240b of the central housing 240.
[0128] In some embodiments, the evaporator system 180 can be at
least partially disposed within the chamber 168 within the outer
housing 120 and the inner housing 160. By positioning the
evaporator system 180 within the inner housing 160, and where in
some embodiments, the inner housing 160 comprises a material that
is substantially opaque or substantially blocking to visible light,
the evaporator system 180 can be at least partially obscured from
view so that anyone adjacent to the illumination system 10 cannot
readily visualize the evaporator system 180. Furthermore, at least
some of the fluids or other substances that can be contained within
the evaporator system 180 (for instance one or more repellents
within the reservoir 192) can be at least partially susceptible to
ultra-violet radiation (e.g., sunlight). Accordingly, by disposing
the evaporator system 180 within the inner housing 160, the
evaporator system 180 can be at least partially removed from direct
exposure to ultra-violet radiation.
[0129] In some embodiments, at least some sides of the inner
housing 160 can comprise substantially angled, bent, or an
otherwise non-planar configuration, although, in other embodiments,
at least a portion of the sides of the inner housing 160 can
comprise a substantially planar configuration. As depicted in FIGS.
17 and 18, in some embodiments, the inner housing 160 can comprise
a plurality of coupled portions. For instance, in some embodiments,
the inner housing 160 can include at least a first portion 162 and
a second portion 164 capable of being coupled together to form the
inner housing 160. In some embodiments, the first portion 162 and
second portion 164 can be coupled using one or more fasteners 165
(e.g., screws or bolts). In some other embodiments, first portion
162 and second portion 164 can be coupled using brazing, welding,
adhesives, conventional fasteners, nails, snap-fittings, springs,
etc.).
[0130] In some embodiments, the inner housing 160 can be coupled to
the base 200 and/or the central housing 240. For example, as shown
in FIGS. 17-18, in some embodiments, the inner housing 160 can
comprise one or more coupling flanges 170, one or more positioning
flanges 172, and one or more positioning recesses 174. Moreover, in
some embodiments, the base 200 can comprise one or more receiving
apertures for coupling to the inner housing 160. Accordingly, in
some embodiments, the inner housing 160 can be inserted within the
outer housing 120 so that the coupling flanges 170 of the inner
housing 160 substantially align with the receiving apertures of the
base 200 so that the two elements can be coupled together (e.g.,
via coupling structures such as adhesives, conventional fasteners,
welds, braze, etc.). Moreover, in some embodiments, the evaporator
system 180 can be coupled to at least one of the positioning
recesses 174 using one or more screws 222b.
[0131] In some embodiments, the base 200 can be reversibly coupled
to at least a portion of the inner housing 160. In some
embodiments, a user can use the at least one hinge 250 to gain
access to the reservoir 192. For example, in some embodiments, a
user can insert and/or replace the reservoir 192. In some
embodiments, a user can use the at least one hinge 250 to gain
access to the reservoir 192 to check the status of the reservoir
192. In some embodiments, the illumination system 100 can be
reversible opened by rotating the central housing 240, inner
housing 160, and upper housing 220 away from the base 200 using the
hinge 250. For example, FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the
illumination system 100 of FIG. 12A in an open position with a
representation of reservoir insertion according to another
embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 20 is a side view of the
illumination system 100 of FIG. 12A in an open position with a
representation of insertion of the reservoir 192 according to
another embodiment of the invention. As described earlier, a user
can be provided access to the inside of the illumination system 100
by pivoting the central housing 240, inner housing 160, and upper
housing 220 using the at least one hinge 250. Further, as shown in
the partial cross-sectional view of the illumination system 100 of
FIG. 21, when the illumination system 100 is in a closed position,
the lower end 240a of the central housing 240 is substantially
circumferentially coupled to the base 200, and a removeable coupler
237 can be coupled through a coupling aperture 238 in the base 200
to couple with the flange 172 of the inner housing 160. In this
way, a user can deploy the removeable coupler 237 to secure the
central housing 240 to the base 200, and/or can remove the coupler
237 when access is required to the chamber 168.
[0132] In some embodiments, the reservoir 192 can comprise an
opaque or substantially transparent material that can enable a user
to assess the amount of fluid (e.g., such as repellent) remaining
within the reservoir 192. In some embodiments, a user can check the
status of the reservoir 192 without opening the illumination system
100. As described earlier, some specific portions of the at least
one window 242 can comprise a viewing region 244. The viewing
region 244 can enable a user the option to peer into the
illumination system 100 to check the level of fluid remaining
within the reservoir 192. Some embodiments of the invention include
at least one metal or plastic light reflector that allows a user to
view fluid level inside the reservoir 192 in the evaporator system
180 without need to disassemble the illumination system 100. This
can serve multiple functions within the illumination system 100.
For example, in some embodiments, the reflector can conceal the
reservoir 192, provide ease wire management, prevent shadowing on
the central housing 240, and guide fluid flow through the system
100. In some embodiments, the reflector is marked or "keyed" to
assure alignment with the viewing region 244 in the central housing
240. In this instance, the central housing 240 is also marked or
"keyed" to specific engagement with the light reflector. In some
embodiments, the inner housing 160 comprises the light reflector.
Further, in some embodiments, the light reflector includes at least
one viewing aperture 166. In some embodiments, the viewing region
244 is positioned on the at least one window 242 so that at least a
portion of the viewing region 244 overlaps a line of sight of a
user viewing through the viewing region and to view the at least
one viewing aperture 166. In some embodiments, during assembly, the
at least one viewing aperture 166 and the viewing region 244 are at
least partially aligned to enable a user to view through the
viewing region 244 and through the viewing aperture 166 to view the
reservoir 192.
[0133] In some embodiments, the evaporator system 180 including the
support assembly 181 comprising the evaporator support 186 coupled
to the evaporator assembly 188 can be configured and arranged to
hold a reservoir 192 capable of holding 40 mil of fluid. In some
embodiments, the reservoir 192 can be tamper resistant, and can
include a collar (thread 193 with attachment cap 194) and at least
one wick 196. In some embodiments, the support assembly 181 can
allow the reservoir 192 to be removed and replaced periodically
without the use of tools (e.g., without the use of screws or
fasteners). As depicted in FIG. 21, illustrating a partial
cross-sectional view of the illumination system 100, in some
embodiments, the at least one wick 196 can be positioned through
the evaporator assembly 188. In some embodiments, the at least one
wick 196 can transport fluid (e.g., such as a pest repellent) from
the reservoir 192 into the evaporator assembly 188. In this
instance, the evaporator assembly 188 can heat the fluid and
vaporize at least some of the fluid from at least one wick 196, and
vaporized fluid can then be transported out of the illumination
system through the fluid outlets 225.
[0134] Some embodiments of the invention can include repellent
dispersal systems that do not include illumination devices. For
example, some embodiments of the invention can include a repellent
system 300 that comprises a low voltage outdoor fixture with
integrated mosquito repellent release device designed for permanent
installation. In some embodiments, the repellent is not included,
but can be added by a user and/or a reseller, and/or or sold
separately for installation in the repellent system 300. In some
embodiments, installation of the repellent system 300 can be
accomplished using a ground stake or an optional deck mounting
flange. In some embodiments, the repellent system 300 can provide
mosquito protection over a large radius, with the flexibility to
have multiple devices wired in series to cover larger areas. In
some embodiments, a control device can permit operation of the
repellent device separately or together. Embodiments of the
repellent system 300 including a mosquito repellent release device
can be designed to secure repellent from children, and enable
convenient replacement of a repellent container as needed. In some
embodiments, the repellent system 300 includes a repellent fixture
that is designed to be mounted with an in-ground stake or optional
deck mounting flange for deck rail or post installation (e.g.,
similar to the system 10 shown in FIG. 4A and system 100 shown in
FIGS. 16A and 16B).
[0135] Some embodiments of the invention can include an outer
housing 305 comprising a vented top cover. For example, FIG. 22 is
a perspective view of a repellent system 300 including the outer
housing 305 that can include a main housing 310 at least partially
enclosing an inner region 313 (shown in FIG. 23) that can include
one or more functional devices. Some embodiments of the invention
can include a main housing 310 that can coupled to a base 320 at
the lower end 310a of the main housing 310. In some embodiments,
the upper end 310b of the main housing can include an upper portion
311 that comprises at least one fluid outlet 325. In some
embodiments, the upper portion 311 can be substantially flared. For
example, as shown in FIG. 22, in some embodiments, the upper
portion 311 can comprise a conical shape including a flared surface
311a extending away from the upper end 310b of the main housing
310. In some other embodiments, the upper can comprise alternative
shapes including being a cubical or square shape, or spherical,
pyramidal, regular or irregular polygonal, or other shapes. In some
embodiments, the upper portion 311 can be configured and arranged
to take any shape desired by a manufacturer or the user.
[0136] Some embodiments of the invention include a repellent system
300 that can comprise a support structure. FIG. 24 is a perspective
view of the repellent system 300 of FIG. 22 coupled to a support
structure 400 according to further embodiments of the invention. As
illustrated, some embodiments of the invention include a repellent
system 300 that can comprise a support structure 400 that includes
at least a stem 405 coupled to a ground stake 410. In some
embodiments, the ground stake 410 is threaded to couple with
threads in the stem 405. In some embodiments, the repellent system
300 can be provided as a completely assembled device except for
ground mounting stake 410 and tubular stem 405. In some embodiments
of the invention, at least a portion of the support structure 400
can include a tubular metal stem 405. In some embodiments, the stem
405 can comprise a metal with protective finish, and can include a
finish and color that comprises a powder coat finish that matches
other exterior metal parts of the illumination system 100. In some
embodiments, the stem 405 can comprise an approximate size of 25.4
mm outside diameter, and can be 46 cm in length. In some
embodiments, the stem 405 can be substantially free of burrs and
sharp edges, and can be sized to fit a ground mounting stake 410
and optional deck mounting flange. In some embodiments, connections
to the base 320 and ground stake 410 can be made with male and
female pipe threads. The threads can be generally free of powder
coating, and may not be visible after product is assembled. In some
embodiments, the stem 405 can be coupled to the repellent system
300 using one or more fasteners, clips, or other coupling
mechanisms.
[0137] In some embodiments, the stem 115 can couple to the base 320
using a support in the base 200. FIGS. 25 and 26 show exploded
views of the repellent system 300 of FIG. 22, illustrating that in
some embodiments, the base 320 can include a support aperture 335
extending from the base 320, and away from the main housing 310. In
some embodiments, the stem 405 can couple to the support aperture
335, and can be fastened by one or more conventional screws, bolts,
rivets, or latches. In some embodiments, the stem 405 and the
support aperture 335 can be reversibly coupled using a pressure
fit. In some other embodiments, the stem 405 can be reversibly
coupled with the support aperture 335 using a thread.
[0138] In some embodiments, the stem 115, 405 and/or the stake 118,
410 can comprise an injection molded, high impact plastic. Some
embodiments of the stem 115, 405 and/or the stake 118, 410 can be
black with matte and/or can include a glossy finish. Some
embodiments include a stake 118, 410 that is capable of being
forced into medium density soil without damage to the stake 118,
410. In some embodiments, the stake 118, 410 can include an
operating temperature range of -30.degree. F. to 120.degree. F. In
some embodiments, one end of stake 118, 410 can include a pointed
tip to allow it to be pushed into the ground. In some embodiments,
the other end can be threaded to fit mating threads of the stem
115, 405. In some embodiments, a molded-in flanged stop can be
provided to prevent the stake 118, 410 from being inserted too far
into the stem 115, 405. Some embodiments of the invention include a
stem 115, 405 and/or a stake 118, 410 that can include an exit
opening for passage of electrical wiring. In some embodiments, the
stem 115, 405 can include openings where electrical wiring can
enter and exit. For example, in some embodiments, electrical wires
can be provided for the illumination devices 140 and the evaporator
system 180 in the illumination systems 10, 100, and/or the
repellent system 380 in the repellent system 300. For example, in
the illumination system 100, electrical wiring can be routed
through one or more fixtures in the base 200, and exit through the
tubular stem 115 and ground stake 118 or optional deck mounting
flange. In some embodiments, low voltage field wiring can exit the
illumination system 100 through the tubular metal stem 115, ground
stake 118, and optional deck mounting flange.
[0139] In some embodiments, the outer housing 305 can include one
or more exhaust venting slots. In some embodiments, the upper
portion 311 of the main housing can comprise at least one vent or
slot forming an air outlet comprising the fluid outlet 325. In some
embodiments, the fluid outlet 325 can comprise a single vent or
slot. In some further embodiment, the fluid outlet 325 can comprise
a plurality of vents or slots. In some embodiments, the fluid
outlet 325 can extend around a partial circumference of the upper
portion 311 of the main housing 310. In some other embodiments, the
fluid outlet 325 can extend around the circumference of the upper
portion 311 of the main housing 310. In some embodiments, the
combined open area of multiple exhaust venting slots (forming the
fluid outlet 325) can be equal or greater than 5.72 square
inches.
[0140] Some embodiments of the invention include a repellent system
300 including at least one covering. In some embodiments, after
assembly, some portions of the outer housing 305 can be
substantially fluid resistant or can be configured and arranged to
limit fluid influx within the outer housing 305. For example, in
some embodiments, a user can employ the repellent system 300 in
some outdoor applications, where it can be configured to limit or
substantially eliminate precipitation from entering the outer
housing 305. For example, ingress of fluid precipitation, dirt or
debris into the outer housing 305 of the repellent system 300 can
be at least partially prevented using a cap 315. As illustrated in
at least FIGS. 22, 24-26, a cap 315 can form a portion of the outer
housing 305, and can be coupled to the upper portion 311 of the
main housing 310. In some embodiments, the cap 305 can be coupled
to the upper portion 311 of the main housing 310 using at least one
extension 323. For example, in some embodiments, the cap 315 can be
secured to the upper portion 311 using one or more screws, bolts,
or other conventional fasteners by coupled through the at least one
extension 323.
[0141] In some embodiments, the repellent system 300 can include at
least one hinge 340 to allow the main housing 310 to be rotated
about the base 320 to provide a user with access to the inside of
the repellent system 300. Moreover, in some embodiments, the
repellent system 300 can also include at least one latch 345 to
secure the base 320 to the main housing 310. The at least one hinge
340 can include hinge coupler 341 extending from the main housing
310 (e.g., see FIG. 23) that can be coupled to the base 320 using a
hinge bolt 343. In some embodiments, the latch 345 can comprise a
latching coupler 365 extending from the main housing 310 and can be
coupled to the base 320 by coupling to the latch aperture 345a
extending from the base 320. In this instance, a latch bolt 350 can
pass through the latching coupler 365 and the latch aperture 345a
to couple and secure the main housing 310 to the base 320. As
illustrated in FIG. 25, the latch 345 can include at least one
spring 355 than can be positioned over a portion of the latch bolt
350. Further, the latch 345 can also include at least one washer
360 coupled to the latch bolt 350 and the latching coupler 365. In
this instance, the at least one spring 355 can provide a release
force to assist a user in securing and releasing the latch bolt
350, and the at least one washer 360 can assist in coupling the
latch bolt within the latch 345.
[0142] In some embodiments, the base 320 can include at least one
fluid inlet 330. In some embodiments, the base housing 300 can
include one or more vents or slots forming the fluid inlet 330. For
example, in some embodiments, the base 320 can include at least one
fluid inlet 330 forming an air intake. In some embodiments, the at
least one fluid inlet 330 can comprise a single vent or slot, and
in some further embodiment, the at least one fluid inlet 330 can
comprise a plurality of vents or slots. In some embodiments, the at
least one fluid inlet 330 can extend around a partial circumference
of the base housing 300. In some other embodiments, the at least
one fluid inlet 330 can extend around the circumference of the base
320. In some embodiments, the combined open area of multiple air
intake slots can be equal or greater than 5.72 square inches.
[0143] Some embodiments include at least one repellent source
positioned within the repellent system 300. In some embodiments,
air entering the at least one fluid intake 330 can pass into a
repellent source, and can exhaust out through at least one vent or
slot forming the fluid outlet 325. In some embodiments, when the
repellent system 300 is provided with a repellent source, one or
more pest repellents can flow out of the repellent system 300
through the fluid outlets 325, and fluid (e.g., air) can flow into
the repellent system 300 from the at least one fluid inlet 330 in
the base 320. As depicted in the exploded assembly views of FIGS.
25 and 26, and in FIGS. 27 and 28, in some embodiments, an
evaporator system 380 can be coupled to the repellent system 300
within the inner region 313. In some embodiments, an evaporator
system 380 can be at least partially disposed within the main
housing 310 so that at least a portion of the evaporator system 380
can be obscured from view. Further, in some embodiments, the main
housing comprises a material that is substantially blocking to
visible light and/or ultra-violet light. In some embodiments, at
least some of the fluids or other substances that can be contained
within the evaporator system 380 (for instance one or more
repellents within the reservoir 192) can be at least partially
susceptible to degradation by ultra-violet radiation (e.g.,
sunlight). Accordingly, by disposing the evaporator system 380
within the main housing 310, the evaporator system 380 can be at
least partially shielded from direct exposure to ultra-violet
radiation. In some other embodiments, the main housing 310 can
comprise a material that is at least partially translucent or
opaque. In this instance, the main housing 310 can comprise glass
(e.g., any form of glass, such as substantially frosted glass),
polymer, metal or other materials that can at least partially block
visible light from entering and exiting the main housing 310.
[0144] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the repellent system 300 of
FIG. 22 in an open position with a representation of insertion of
the reservoir 192 according to further embodiments of the
invention. In some embodiments, the repellent system 300 can be
opened by a user to insert and/or replace the reservoir 192. In
some embodiments, the evaporator system 380 can include a support
assembly 382 that comprises at least one support member 384, and an
evaporator support 386 that can be coupled to the at least one
support member 384. As illustrated in FIG. 28, showing a partial
cross-sectional view of the repellent system of FIG. 22, an
evaporator assembly 388 can be coupled to and supported by an
evaporator support 386, which can be further coupled to a reservoir
coupling 390. In some embodiments, a user can install the reservoir
192 by coupling the attachment cap 194 to the reservoir coupling
390. As shown in FIG. 28 illustrating a partial cross-sectional
view of the illumination system 100, in some embodiments, the
reservoir coupling 390 can be threaded, and the attachment cap 194
can be coupled to the reservoir coupling 390 using the thread 193.
As illustrated in FIG. 28, in some embodiments, when the repellent
system 300 is closed, the at least one wick 196 can be positioned
through the evaporator assembly 388. In some embodiments, at least
one wick 196 can be at least partially disposed within the
reservoir 192. As shown in FIG. 28, in some embodiments, the at
least one wick 196 can extend at least a length of the reservoir
192. For example, in some embodiments, the at least one wick 196
can comprise a length that is greater than the length of the
reservoir 192. In some embodiments, the at least one wick 196 can
be configured and arranged to enable transfer of the volatile fluid
from within the reservoir 192 to a position outside of the
reservoir 192. For example, because the at least one wick 196 can
at least partially extend out of the reservoir 192, the at least
one wick 196 can function to absorb the volatile fluid within the
reservoir 192 and transfer the fluid outside of the reservoir 192
(e.g., via capillary action, diffusion, etc.). In this instance,
the evaporator assembly 388 can heat the fluid and vaporize at
least some of the fluid from at least one wick 196, and vaporized
fluid can be transported out of the illumination system through the
fluid outlets 325.
[0145] In some embodiments of the invention, the at least one wick
62 of system 10, or the at least one wick 196 of systems 100, 300
can comprise any substantially absorbent material such as felt,
cotton, cloth, pulp, paper, a porous resin (polypropylene foam,
urethane foam, etc.), un-woven fabric, asbestos, porous ceramics,
synthetic fiber (nylon, polyester, polypropylene, etc.), natural
fibers, (wool, silk, cotton, hemp, etc.), inorganic substances, or
any combination thereof.
[0146] In some embodiments, the illumination systems 10, 100 and
repellent system 300 can include a specific level of performance
and/or reliability. For example, in some embodiments, the
illumination systems 10, 100 and repellent system 300 can meet an
international protection rating IP55. The systems 10, 100 and
repellent system 300 can be configured and arranged to be dust
protected so that it does not enter in sufficient quantity to
interfere with the satisfactory operation of the product. Further,
the illumination systems 10, 100 and repellent system 300 can
prevent water ingress from a low pressure water jets from all
angles, and can include design must drain holes that prevent
accumulation. The illumination systems 10, 100 and repellent system
300 can include an operating temperature range that can be
-30.degree. F. to 120.degree. F. in direct sunlight. The systems
10, 100 and repellent system 300 can be configured and arranged to
so that outside surfaces are able to be cleaned with soap and
water. Further, all painted parts and fasteners to can be
configured and arranged to pass a 150 hour salt spray test (to
oxidation or red rust).
[0147] In some embodiments, the systems 10, 100 and repellent
system 300 can be available in a black or a bronze colored finish.
Some embodiments include metal components that are aluminum with a
powder coated finish. Polymer-based components can be injection
molded, and can pass a UV resistance test without yellowing for 5
years, and can maintain mechanical properties when operated at
temperatures between -30.degree. F. and 120.degree. F., 20% to 100%
RH. All fasteners can be metal, minimum #6 with Phillips head, and
all exposed fastener heads (visible after unit is assembled) can
include a colored finish. In some embodiments, the systems 10, 100
and repellent system 300 can be operated using an operating voltage
of 12 volts.+-.2 volts, and the total connected load can be 0.60
amps maximum at 12 volts.
[0148] The following description is intended as an example of some
operations of the illumination systems 10, 100 and is not intended
to limit this disclosure. In some embodiments, the illumination
system 10, 100 can provide both illumination and protection from
some pests. The systems 10, 100 can provide illumination or pest
protection at any given time. For example, the illumination systems
10, 100 can provide illumination only or the illumination systems
10, 100 can provide pest protection only. In some embodiments, the
illumination systems 10, 100 can provide both illumination and pest
protection.
[0149] As previously mentioned, in some embodiments, the reservoir
60, 192 can contain a pest-affecting substance, such as an
insecticide or an insect repellent. The pest-affecting substance
can comprise one or more of any of the previously-mentioned
substances or any other conventional pest-affecting substance. For
example, with regard to the illumination system 10, in some
embodiments, the user can activate the evaporator member 64 (e.g.,
via a switch, remotely, automatically via a timer or some other
trigger, etc.) and, because the at least one wick 62, which draws
up the pest-affecting substance from the reservoir 60, is
substantially adjacent to the evaporator member 64, the evaporator
member 64 can volatize at least a portion of the pest-affecting
substance disposed on or within the at least one wick 62. Further,
air can circulate through the inlets 66 and first aperture 50 and
receive at least a portion of the volatized pest-affecting
substance and carry it out of the illumination system 10 via the
outlets 68. Once outside of the outer housing 12, the air flow can
disperse the pest-affecting substance within the local environment
(e.g., within fifteen feet of the outer housing 12) to kill and/or
repel pests (e.g., mosquitoes, ticks, spiders, etc.).
[0150] With regard to the illumination system 100 in some
embodiments, the user can activate the evaporator system 180 (e.g.,
via a switch, remotely, automatically via a timer or some other
trigger, etc.) and, because the at least one wick 196, which draws
up the pest-affecting substance from the reservoir 192, is
substantially adjacent to the evaporator assembly 188, the
evaporator assembly 188 can volatize at least a portion of the
pest-affecting substance disposed on or within the at least one
wick 196. Further, air can circulate through the at least one fluid
inlets 227, and through into the chamber 168 and over the
evaporator assembly 188 so that at least a portion of the volatized
pest-affecting substance can be carried out of the illumination
system 100 via the at least one fluid outlets 225. Once outside of
the outer housing 120, the air flow can disperse the pest-affecting
substance within the local environment (e.g., within fifteen feet
of the outer housing 120) to kill and/or repel pests (e.g.,
mosquitoes, ticks, spiders, etc.).
[0151] With regard to the repellent system 300, in some
embodiments, the user can activate the evaporator system 380 (e.g.,
via a switch, remotely, automatically via a timer or some other
trigger, etc.) and, because the at least one wick 196, which draws
up the pest-affecting substance from the reservoir 192, is
substantially adjacent to the evaporator assembly 388, the
evaporator assembly 388 can volatize at least a portion of the
pest-affecting substance disposed on or within the at least one
wick 196. Further, air can circulate through the at least one fluid
inlets 330, and through into the inner region 313 and over the
evaporator assembly 388 so that at least a portion of the volatized
pest-affecting substance can be carried out of the repellent system
300 via the at least one fluid outlets 325. Once outside of the
main housing 310, the air flow can disperse the pest-affecting
substance within the local environment (e.g., within fifteen feet
of the main housing 310) to kill and/or repel pests (e.g.,
mosquitoes, ticks, spiders, etc.).
[0152] In some embodiments, a plurality of illumination systems 10,
100, or repellent systems 300 can be combined to provide a
substantially pest-free area. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the
illumination systems 10 can be disposed along a perimeter of a
desired area (e.g., an outdoor area such as a deck, a patio, or
other area capable of human occupation) and each of the
illumination systems 10 can produce volatized pest repellent and
illumination. In some embodiments, the illumination systems 10 can
be disposed a distance apart so that a perimeter of volatized pest
repellent released for each of the illumination systems 10 can
substantially about the perimeter of volatized pest repellent
released by neighboring illumination systems 10, as represented by
the circles shown in FIG. 5. As a result of the substantially
continuous perimeter of pest repellent, at least a portion of the
pests (e.g., mosquitoes, ticks, spiders, etc.) can be repelled and
humans can gather within the perimeter to avoid encounters with the
pests. Although FIG. 5 depicts the range of volatized pest
repellent as approximately fifteen feet, the illumination system 10
can be configured to produce ranges greater or lesser than fifteen
feet (e.g., by modulating the power of the evaporation member 64
when releasing volatized pest repellent). Moreover, the
illumination system 10 can also provide illumination for this
substantially pest-free area.
[0153] Additionally, the illumination system 10, 100, and repellent
system 300 can be configured to provide long-term pest protection.
In some embodiments, the reservoir 60 of the system 10, and the
reservoir 192 of the systems 100, 300 can be configured to contain
enough pest repellent for long-term use. For example, the reservoir
60, 192 can be configured to contain about 90 days worth of pest
repellent for volatization by the low-voltage evaporator member 64
(system 10), or evaporator assembly 188 (system 100), or evaporator
system 388 (system 300). Accordingly, by providing a reservoir 60,
192 configured to contain a volume of pest repellent that can last
for a significant portion of an outdoor season, the user can enjoy
the benefits of the system 10, 100, 300 without the need for
disassembly to routinely re-fill the reservoir 60 (system 10), 192
(system 100, 300).
[0154] In some embodiments, the illumination system 10, 100, and/or
the repellent system 300 can be configured to be coupled to
refillable reservoirs or non-refillable (i.e. disposable)
reservoirs. For example, in some embodiments, the reservoir 60 of
the system 10, and/or the reservoir 192 of the systems 100, 300 can
be configured to be refillable or non-refillable (i.e. reservoir 60
of the system 10, and/or the reservoir 192 of the systems 100, 300
can be configured to be disposable once empty of fluid). In the
instance of refillable systems, a user can refill the reservoirs
60, 192 when they are depleted, or to top-off after partial use.
For example, FIG. 29 depicts an evaporator support 500 coupled to a
reservoir 192 that can be used with the evaporator assembly 188 of
system 100. Further, FIGS. 32 and 35 depict assembly perspective
views of the evaporator support 500 and reservoir 192 of FIG. 29 in
accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention. As
illustrated, in some embodiments the evaporator support 500 can
comprise at least one support member 505 (for coupling with a
support base 182), and a coupled attachment cap 530 for coupling to
the thread 193 of the reservoir 192. As shown in FIG. 29, once the
reservoir 192 is coupled to the evaporator support 500, the wick
196 is positioned through the evaporator support 500 to enable it
to be positioned within an evaporator assembly (such as the
evaporator assembly 188 of the evaporator system 180 of system
100). During use, a user can at any time, decouple the reservoir
192 from the evaporator support 500. In some embodiments, a user
can couple a fluid-filled reservoir 192 to the evaporator support
500, and later decouple an empty or partially full reservoir 192
from the evaporator support 500. In some embodiments, a user can
refill the reservoir 192, and attach the reservoir 192 to the
evaporator support 500.
[0155] In the instance of non-refillable systems, in some
embodiments, once the reservoir 60, 192 are locked to the system
10, 100, 300, the reservoir 60, 192 cannot be refilled, and is
discarded after use by detachment from the system 10, 100, 300. For
example, FIG. 30 depicts a lockable evaporator support 550 and
attachment cap 580 coupled to a reservoir 192 in accordance with at
least one embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 33 and 36 depict
assembly perspective views of the lockable evaporator support 550
and attachment cap 580 with reservoir 192 of FIG. 30 in accordance
with at least one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 31 depicts a
lockable evaporator support 600 and attachment cap 630 coupled to a
reservoir 192 in accordance with another embodiment of the
invention. Further, FIGS. 34 and 37 depict assembly perspective
views of the lockable evaporator support 600 and attachment cap 630
with reservoir 192 of FIG. 31 in accordance with another embodiment
of the invention.
[0156] Referring to FIG. 36, in some embodiments, the evaporator
support 550 can include at least one key structure 560 capable of
locking to at least one lock feature 590 within the attachment cap
580. Similarly, in some embodiments, the evaporator support 600 can
include at least one key structure 610 capable of locking to at
least one lock feature 640 within the attachment cap 630 (shown in
FIG. 34).
[0157] In some embodiments, a reservoir 192 coupled to the
attachment cap 580 can be locked to the evaporator support 550
using the at least one key structure 560 coupled with the at least
one lock feature 590. As shown in FIGS. 33 and 36, in some
embodiments, the at least one key structure 560 can comprise a tab
extending from the evaporator support 550, and the at least one
lock 590 can comprise at least one aperture 592 configured to
accept the at least one key structure 560 (i.e. the at least one
key structure 560 can be passed into the attachment cap 580 passing
below at least one top surface 593). In some embodiments, by
rotating the attachment cap 580 with respect to the evaporator
support 550, the at least one key structure 560 can rotate within
the attachment cap 580, and pass under the at least one top surface
593 towards at least one stop feature 594 thereby locking the
attachment cap 580 to the evaporator support 550.
[0158] In some embodiments, a reservoir 192 coupled to the
attachment cap 630 can be locked to the evaporator support 600
using the at least one key structure 610 coupled with the at least
one lock feature 640. As shown in FIGS. 34 and 37, in some
embodiments, the at least one key structure 610 can comprise a tab
extending from the evaporator support 600, and the at least one
lock 640 can comprise at least one aperture 642 configured to
accept the at least one key structure 610 (i.e. the at least one
key structure 610 can be passed into the attachment cap 630 passing
below at least one top surface 643). In some embodiments, by
rotating the attachment cap 630 with respect to the evaporator
support 600, the at least one key structure 610 can rotate within
the attachment cap 630, and pass under the at least one top surface
643 towards at least one stop feature 644 thereby locking the
attachment cap 630 to the evaporator support 600.
[0159] In some embodiments, the evaporator assembly 388 of system
300 can be configured to be coupled to refillable reservoirs. For
example, FIG. 38 depicts an evaporator support 700 that can be used
in the evaporator assembly 388 shown coupled to a reservoir 192 in
accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention. Further,
FIGS. 41 and 44 depict assembly perspective views of the evaporator
support 700 and reservoir 192 of FIG. 38 in accordance with at
least one embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, in some
embodiments the evaporator support 700 can comprise at least one
support member 705 (for coupling with a support assembly 382), and
a coupled attachment cap 730 for coupling to the thread 193 of the
reservoir 192. As shown in FIG. 38, once the reservoir 192 is
coupled to the evaporator support 700, the wick 196 is positioned
through the evaporator support 700 to enable it to be positioned
within an evaporator assembly (such as the evaporator assembly 388
of system 300). During use, a user can at any time, decouple the
reservoir 192 from the evaporator support 700. In some embodiments,
a user can couple a fluid-filled reservoir 192 to the evaporator
support 700, and later decouple an empty or partially full
reservoir 192 from the evaporator support 700. In some embodiments,
a user can refill the reservoir 192, and attach the reservoir 192
to the evaporator support 700.
[0160] Some embodiments of the evaporator assembly 388 of system
300 can include lockable, non-refillable reservoirs. For example,
FIG. 39 depicts a lockable evaporator support 750 and attachment
cap 780 that can be used in the evaporator assembly 388 shown
coupled to a reservoir 192 in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the invention. Further, FIGS. 42 and 45 depict
assembly perspective views of the lockable evaporator support 750
and attachment cap 780 with reservoir of FIG. 39 in accordance with
at least one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 40 depicts a
lockable evaporator support 800 and attachment cap 830 that can be
used in the evaporator assembly 388 shown coupled to a reservoir
192 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
Further, FIGS. 43 and 46 depict assembly perspective views of the
lockable evaporator support 800 and attachment cap 830 with
reservoir 192 of FIG. 40 in accordance with at least one embodiment
of the invention. In some embodiments the evaporator support 750
can comprise at least one support member 755 (for coupling with a
support assembly 382), and a coupled attachment cap 780 for
coupling to the thread 193 of the reservoir 192. Further, in some
embodiments, the evaporator support 800 can comprise at least one
support member 805 (for coupling with a support assembly 382), and
a coupled attachment cap 840 for coupling to the thread 193 of the
reservoir 192.
[0161] Referring to FIGS. 42 and 45, in some embodiments, the
evaporator support 750 can include at least one key structure 760
capable of locking to at least one lock feature 790 within the
attachment cap 780. Similarly, in some embodiments, the evaporator
support 800 can include at least one key structure 810 capable of
locking to at least one lock feature 840 within the attachment cap
830 (shown in FIGS. 43 and 46).
[0162] In some embodiments, a reservoir 192 coupled to the
attachment cap 780 can be locked to the evaporator support 750
using the at least one key structure 760 coupled with the at least
one lock feature 790. As shown in FIGS. 42 and 45, in some
embodiments, the at least one key structure 760 can comprise a tab
extending from the evaporator support 750, and the at least one
lock 790 can comprise at least one aperture 792 configured to
accept the at least one key structure 760 (i.e. the at least one
key structure 760 can be passed into the attachment cap 780 passing
below at least one top surface 793). In some embodiments, by
rotating the attachment cap 780, the at least one key structure 760
can rotate within the attachment cap 780, and pass under the at
least one top surface 793 towards at least one stop feature 794
thereby locking the attachment cap 780 to the evaporator support
750.
[0163] In some embodiments, a reservoir 192 coupled to the
attachment cap 830 can be locked to the evaporator support 800
using the at least one key structure 810 coupled with the at least
one lock feature 840. As shown in FIGS. 43 and 46, in some
embodiments, the at least one key structure 810 can comprise a tab
extending from the evaporator support 800, and the at least one
lock 840 can comprise at least one aperture 842 configured to
accept the at least one key structure 810 (i.e. the at least one
key structure 810 can be passed into the attachment cap 830 passing
below at least one top surface 843). In some embodiments, by
rotating the attachment cap 830, the at least one key structure 810
can rotate within the attachment cap 830, and pass under the at
least one top surface 843 towards at least one stop feature 844
thereby locking the attachment cap 830 to the evaporator support
800.
[0164] In some embodiments, the reservoir 192 can be coupled to
other lockable evaporator support structures. For example, FIG. 47
illustrates a perspective view of a lockable evaporator support 900
coupled to a locking cap 1000 in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the invention. Further, FIG. 48 illustrates a top
view of a lockable evaporator support 900 coupled to a locking cap
1000, and FIG. 49 illustrates an exploded assembly perspective view
of a lockable evaporator support 900 a locking cap 1000 in
accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention. Further,
FIGS. 50-53 illustrate various views of the locking cap 1000, and
FIGS. 54-57 illustrate various views of the lockable evaporator
support 900.
[0165] As shown at least in FIGS. 47, 49, and 54, some embodiments
of the invention can comprise a lockable evaporator support 900
comprising a support base 916 coupled to an outer frame 913. In
some embodiments, a plurality of cap supports 910 can be coupled to
the support base 916. In some embodiments, the plurality of cap
supports 910 can extend out from the support base 916, and can be
positioned substantially perpendicular from the support base 916.
In some embodiments, the plurality of cap supports 910 can comprise
a first cap support 920, a second cap support 930, and a third cap
support 940. Each of the cap supports 920, 930, 940 can be coupled
to the support base 916, and can extend outwardly from the support
base 916, and being substantially perpendicular to the support base
916. In some embodiments, the cap supports 920, 930, 940 can
comprise sides 923, 933, 943 respectively. In some embodiments, the
sides 923, 933, 943 can be generally curved. In some embodiments,
the sides 923, 933, 943 can comprise a radius of curvature that is
substantially complementary to a radius of curvature of the locking
cap 1000. In this instance, a generally tubular locking cap 1000
can be positioned generally central to the sides 923, 933, 943 so
that the distance between the sides 923, 933, 943 and the outer
surface 1005 of the tubular locking cap 1000 is substantially the
same distance.
[0166] In some embodiments, each of the sides 923, 933, 943 can
support at least one flange suitable for engaging at least a
portion of the locking cap 1000. For example, in some embodiments,
the first cap support 920 can comprise a cap engagement side 925.
Further, the second cap support 930 can comprise a cap engagement
side 935, and the third cap support 940 can comprise a cap
engagement side 945. In some embodiments, any one of the cap
engagement sides 925, 935, 945 can be generally curved. For
example, in some embodiments, any one of the cap engagement sides
925, 935, 945 can comprise a radius of curvature that is
substantially complementary to a radius of curvature of the locking
cap 1000.
[0167] FIG. 50 illustrates a front perspective view of a locking
cap 1000 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the
invention. FIG. 51 illustrates a rear perspective view of a locking
cap 1000, FIG. 52 illustrates a top view of a locking cap 1000, and
FIG. 53 illustrates a side view of a locking cap 1000 in accordance
with at least one embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, in
some embodiments, the locking cap 1000 can comprise a tubular main
body 1010 including a first end 1013, a second end 1016, a
generally curved outer surface 1005, and a generally curved inner
surface 1060. In some embodiments, the locking cap 1000 can
comprise a plurality of support engagement flanges 1020 coupled to
and extending away from the outer surface 1005 of the tubular main
body 1010 at the second end 1016. For example, in some embodiments,
the plurality of support engagement flanges 1020 can comprise a
first support engagement flange 1030, a second support engagement
flange 1040, and a third support engagement flange 1050. Being
coupled to the generally curved outer surface 1005, the support
engagement flanges 1030, 1040, 1050 can be generally curved.
Moreover, the support engagement flanges 1030, 1040, 1050 can
comprise a radius of curvature substantially complementary to the
radius of curvature of the outer surface 1005, and can
circumferentially extend around at least a portion of the main body
1010. Further, in some embodiments, one or more of the support
engagement flanges 1030, 1040, 1050 can be coupled to an engagement
stop. For example, in some embodiments, an engagement stop 1035 can
be coupled to the outer surface 1005 and to an end of the support
engagement flange 1030. In some further embodiments, an engagement
stop 1045 can be coupled to the outer surface 1005 and an end of
the support engagement flanges 1040. In some other embodiments, an
engagement stop 1055 can be coupled to the outer surface 1005 and
an end of the support engagement flanges 1050.
[0168] In some embodiments, the lockable evaporator support 900 can
provide support for the locking cap 1000 and a coupled a coupled
reservoir (e.g., reservoir 192) to be secured into a repellent
and/or illumination device (e.g., such as illumination system 100
and/or repellent system 300). For example, FIG. 55 illustrates a
front perspective view of a lockable evaporator support 900, and
FIG. 56 illustrates a top view of a lockable evaporator support
900, and FIG. 57 illustrates a side perspective view of a lockable
evaporator support 900 in accordance with at least one embodiment
of the invention. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 57-59, the
outer frame 913 of the lockable evaporator support 900 provides a
sidewall arrangement that can at least partially define a
receptacle or cradle 914, into which at least a portion of an
evaporator assembly 188 can be mounted. An aperture 912 is disposed
in the cradle 914 and passes completely through a portion of the
cradle 914. A first rib 924 and a second rib 934 are also disposed
on the cradle 914, and the first rib 924 and the second rib 934 are
disposed on substantially opposite sides of the aperture 912. For
example, in some embodiments, evaporator assembly 388 and/or
evaporator assembly 188 can be inserted into the cradle 914 and
coupled to the lockable evaporator support 900. Moreover, in some
embodiments, latches 915 extending from the support base 916 can be
used to couple the lockable evaporator support 900 to portions of
the systems 100, 300, enclosing evaporator assembly 188 and/or
evaporator assembly 388 respectively. For example, referring to
FIG. 28, in some embodiments, coupling mounts 917 can be used to
couple to couplers 316a and/or 316b within the repellent system
300.
[0169] In some embodiments, the locking cap 1000 can be mounted to
the lockable evaporator support 900. Accordingly, in some
embodiments, the cap 1000 can provide support for the lockable
evaporator support 900, and further can support a coupled fluid
source (such as reservoir 192). FIG. 54 illustrates a rear
perspective view of a lockable evaporator support 900, and FIG. 49
illustrates an exploded assembly perspective view of a lockable
evaporator support 900 a locking cap 1000 in accordance with at
least one embodiment of the invention. In some embodiments, the
locking cap 1000 can be coupled to the lockable evaporator support
900. For example, FIGS. 58 and 59 illustrate an exploded assembly
perspective view of a lockable evaporator support 900 and
attachment cap 1000 in accordance with at least one embodiment of
the invention. In some embodiments, a fluid reservoir (e.g., such
as reservoir 192) can be coupled to the locking cap 1000, and
coupled to the lockable evaporator support 900 to provide a source
of fluid to the evaporator assembly 388, and/or evaporator assembly
188. Referring back to FIGS. 50-53, and FIGS. 58 and 59, in some
embodiments, the locking cap 1000 can comprise a plurality of
reservoir engagement flanges for coupling to a fluid source such as
reservoir 192. For example, in some embodiments, the inner surface
1060 can comprise a plurality of reservoir engagement flanges
including one or more upper flanges 1075 (adjacent to the second
end 1016), and one or more lower flanges 1080 coupled to the inner
surface 1060. In some embodiments, one or more upper flanges 1075,
and/or one or more lower flanges 1080 can couple to a fluid source
such as reservoir 192, thereby coupling the lockable evaporator
support 900 to a fluid source. In some embodiments, either one or
more upper flanges 1075, and/or one or more lower flanges 1080 can
couple to the reservoir 192 by coupling to at least a portion of
the thread 193, thereby coupling the lockable evaporator support
900 to a fluid source. In some further embodiments, the locking cap
1000 can be integral to the reservoir 192, and the reservoir 192
can couple to the lockable evaporator support 900 by coupling as
described earlier for coupling the locking cap 1000 with the
lockable evaporator support 900. In some other embodiments, the
lockable evaporator support 900 can couple to the reservoir 192
using other conventional coupling mechanisms.
[0170] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
while the invention has been described above in connection with
particular embodiments and examples, the invention is not
necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments,
examples, uses, modifications and departures from the embodiments,
examples and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims
attached hereto. The entire disclosure of each patent and
publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as if each
such patent or publication were individually incorporated by
reference herein. Various features and advantages of the invention
are set forth in the following claims.
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