Insect e.g. mosquito, shielding device for bed, has supporting structure with four extendable poles which are connected by length adjustable ropes, and insect resistant net draping supporting structure

(57) The invention relates to a peeling device, in particular an insect repellent device, and a pole for use in such a device. The invention further relates to a package of parts for the manufacture of such a device. The device according to the invention is easy to set up and take down, is particularly sturdy in the set-up state and offers good protection against mosquitoes and other insects.

NL C 2000610

The contents of this patent correspond to the original filed description with claim (s) and any drawing (s).

The Netherlands Patent Center is an agency of the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

Shielding, in particular insect repellent, pole for use therein and package of parts

The invention relates to a shielding device, in particular an insect-repellent device. The invention further relates to a pole for use in such a device. The invention further relates to a package of parts for the manufacture of such a device.

Shielding devices, in particular insect repellents including mosquito nets or mosquito nets, usually comprise a flexible material layer such as a fine mesh net which is impermeable to insects such as mosquitoes and mosquitoes, but air. Such a device is typically used to create an insect-free space, which prevents a user from being stung by insects during sleep, for example. For this purpose, the net is attached to the ceiling, for example, by means of a hanging ring. Since insect nuisance is seasonal in many countries, the insect repellent device is normally designed to be detachable, so that the device can be removed and stored in the colder seasons.

A major drawback of known shielding insect repellant devices is that they are unstable, and therefore close off the intended insect-free space less well, and further cause discomfort during use.

It is an object of the invention to enable an insect repellent device with improved stability.

To this end, the invention provides a device for shielding a space, in particular for repelling insects, comprising a support structure and a flexible screen material detachably connected to the support structure, in particular an insect-repellent net, which is adapted to enclose a shielded space, characterized in that the supporting structure comprises at least one length-adjustable post, wherein the pile is provided with a first end adapted for engaging on a ceiling, and wherein a second end of the pile is adapted for engaging on a substrate, such that the pile is clampable between the ceiling and the substrate. The supporting structure is stabilized by clamping. Because the post or posts are clamping means, the device is easy to remove again, which is not possible when fixing with permanent fixing means such as screws without damaging the ceiling and / or floor. The supporting structure can for instance be a frame over which the screen material or net is draped. The screen material, such as an insect repellent net, is known per se. An insect repellent net has a mesh size small enough to repel mosquitoes and other insects, which allows for the passage of disciples into the insect-free area, and can be used to shield an insect-free area from insects such as mosquitoes and flies. The post or posts for clamping between ceiling and substrate may be provided with fasteners for fixing the screen material, such as hooks. The ceiling and the substrate are usually parallel, horizontal planes. In some cases, however, the ceiling is not parallel to the substrate, and the first end must be adapted from suitable gripping means. Various useful mechanisms are known for adjusting posts in length, which are used, for example, for tent poles.

Another application may consist of at least partially obscuring the space enclosed by the screening device, which may include, for example, a bed in a dormitory. It is advantageous here if at least a part of the flexible screen material is opaque, whereby at least a part of the enclosed space is visually shielded. For the aeration of the room, it is desirable if the flexible screen material is at least partially gas-permeable (for example via an insect-repellent net), for good ventilation of the screened room. An improved privacy is thus realized.

In a preferred embodiment, at least the first end of the pile is provided with a resilient contact element. This makes it possible to clamp the pile without damaging the ceiling and / or surface. The resilient contact element can include a mechanical spring or an air spring. Preferably, the resilient contact element is made from a resilient material such as a resilient rubber or plastic. Preferably, both the first and the second end of the post are provided with a contact element made of a resilient material.

Preferably, the post located on either side of the first end and second end is provided with a second contact part adapted for engagement with a bed. The bed serves as a surface for this. This makes it possible to place the device in a particularly compact manner, which fits closely to the bed. The engagement on the bed can for instance be a clamp which engages for instance on a frame or conversion of the bed. It is also conceivable that the bed is provided with recesses in which the post can be fitted.

In a preferred embodiment, the support structure comprises at least two posts. This provides improved stability. Preferably, the posts are spaced apart. In the case of two posts, the screen material can then, for example, be a roof-shaped screened space between the two posts, the connection between the posts forming the top of the roof. With three piles, for example, a shielded space with a substantially triangular ground surface can be clamped.

In a preferred embodiment the support structure comprises four posts, the posts spanning a substantially rectangular surface. In this way an insect-free space is easily obtained which encloses a rectangular surface of the substrate, which is particularly suitable for insect-free screening of, for example, a rectangular single or double bed.

It is advantageous if the posts are mutually connected by means of connecting elements. The connecting elements give the device an improved strength. Preferably at least part of the screen material is supported by the connecting elements. The connecting elements can have a fixed distance, but can also be adjustable. The connecting elements can for instance be pipes or rods. The connecting elements can also be designed for suspending at least a part of the screen material. The connecting elements are oriented along the sides of the rectangle, so that the screen material can be easily draped over it. Another option is diagonal connecting elements for extra strength.

In a preferred embodiment, the connecting elements comprise flexible elements. This makes the device easy to set up in a compact manner. The flexible element can for instance consist of a hinge connection in a more rigid connection such as a tube, but can also comprise a fully flexible connection element such as a cord or cable.

It is advantageous if at least the first end of a pile is spaced from the longitudinal axis of the pile. In the direction in which the first end extends from the length in the direction towards the longitudinal axis, an extra resistance is thus created against displacement of the pile in the position clamped between ceiling and substrate. Preferably, the device has several such posts, the first ends of at least two opposing posts being oriented in the opposite direction, so that a good strength is obtained. In a preferred embodiment, four posts are positioned on the corner points of a rectangle, with the first ends of the posts pointing outward in a direction substantially toward the diagonals of the rectangle. Such a construction, which is shown in the figures, has a particularly great strength.

It is advantageous if the screen material comprises at least two mutually overlapping screen parts, each screen part being connected to at least one post. A decent device makes it easy to gain access to the shielded space. By varying the degree of overlap, the enclosed shielded space can also be flexibly adjusted.

Preferably, the screen parts are connected with tensioning means, adapted for urging the screen parts in an overlapping state. Thus, the overlap closes the access to the insect-free space sufficiently. The tensioning means can for instance be a spring or an elastic cord, which forces the screen parts into the desired position under pretension, or an increase in weight of the screen material which brings the screen parts into the desired position under the influence of gravity. The tensioning means can be connected to the support structure, and can also connect two screen parts mutually.

In a preferred embodiment the support structure comprises four posts, the posts spanning a substantially rectangular surface, the screen comprising four substantially uniform screen parts, each screen part being attached to one post, and the screen part also being connected to the three by means of tensioning means other posts. Thus, a beam-shaped insect-free space can easily be formed by the screen. It is preferred if the insect repellent screen is at least partially supported by horizontal connecting elements between the posts defining the sides of the rectangle.

In a preferred embodiment, the support structure is adjustable to adjust the dimensions of the insect-free space. As a result, the device can easily be used flexibly for enclosing insect-free spaces of various sizes. If the screen material comprises overlapping screen parts, the overlap is preferably in the direction of the adjustability, such that also when adjusting to a relatively large shielded space, the screen parts overlap for a good closure.

In a preferred embodiment, the device also comprises electronic equipment which is attached to at least one pole by means of fasteners. The functionality of the device is thus increased. As a result, the device can also have a function when the screen material or mosquito net has been completely or partly removed, for instance in relatively cold seasons when an insect-repellent net is not required. The electronic equipment may include, for example, a bedside lamp, an alarm clock, a baby monitor, or audiovisual equipment. The fastening means can for instance comprise one or more clamps.

The invention also provides a pole for use in a support structure, in particular for a device for shielding a space, in particular for repelling insects according to the invention, characterized in that the pole is extendable, at least one end of the post is provided with an end extending beyond a longitudinal axis of the post, the post also being provided with fasteners. Such a pile gives a support structure a great stability in an intermediate ceiling and substrate, in particular in the direction in which the end extends. This stability is particularly evident when several such posts are used in a supporting structure. Preferably, the pole is provided with mounting means for, for example, an insect-repellent net or electronic equipment.

The invention further provides a package for manufacturing an insect repellent device according to the invention, comprising parts for manufacturing a support structure comprising at least one length-adjustable pole, the pole being provided with a first end adapted for engagement on a ceiling, and in which a second end of the pile is adapted to engage on a surface, such that the post is clampable between the ceiling and the substrate, and at least one flexible screen material such as an insect-repellent net for attachment to the supporting structure for enclosing an insect-free space. An insect repellent device with improved stability can thus easily be manufactured. In addition to the posts, the support structure may, for example, comprise connecting elements for attachment between the posts. The net can consist of several net parts.

The invention will now be elucidated by means of the following non-limitative examples.

Figures 1a-d show insect repellants according to the invention. Figures 2a-d show setting up a device according to the invention.

Figure 3a shows an extendable pole according to the invention.

Figure 1a shows a preferred embodiment of a device 1 for repelling insects, in particular mosquitoes and mosquitoes, consisting of four extendable poles 2, which are interconnected by length-adjustable cords 3. A preformed insect-repellent net 4 is draped over the cords , which consists of four overlapping parts. Different types of mechanisms for extending poles are known from tents. Due to the extendable posts 2, the support structure on which the insect-repellent net 4 hangs can be clamped between a floor and an overhead ceiling, so that a very stable construction is created. The extendable posts 2 are provided on the underside 5 and top with contact elements 5,6 made of a flexible material such as rubber, which prevents damage to the ceiling and floor. The device 1 is dimensioned to enclose a bed. At the location of the overlaps 7 of the overlapping parts of the net 4, a user can easily gain access to the insect-free space bounded by the net 4. By varying the degree of overlap between the parts of the net, the size of the insect-free space enclosed by the net can be determined. In a device 1 suitable for double beds, the insect-protected surface is, for example, between 160x200cm and 280x350cm. In general, the net 1 will only be used in the warmer seasons: in the colder seasons, the construction 1 can be easily demolished and stored compactly thanks to the extendable poles. Instead of an insect-repellent net 4, another flexible screen material such as a transparent plastic layer or a textile layer, which at least partially visually shields the enclosed space, could also be used at least in part.

Figure 1b shows a second preferred embodiment of an insect repellent device 10, which is slightly simpler than the construction 1 of Figure 1a. A corresponding numbering of the parts has been used. In this case, the net 2 consists of only two overlapping parts, so that on only two sides the overlap 7 allows easy access to the insect-free space. Also, in this case, the net is carried by horizontal tubes 11,12 instead of the adjustable cords 3 of Figure 1b, only the tubes 12 in the adjustable side also being extendable.

As a result, the size of the enclosed insect-free space can only be varied in one direction.

Figure 1c shows in a side view how an insect repellent device 15, comparable to that of figure 1a or 1b, is clamped between telescopic poles 2 between a floor 16 and a ceiling 17. The two-part 18,19 net is draped over a cross-connection 20 between the posts 2. Elastic tension wires 21,22 positioned close to the cross-connection 20 push the parts 18,19 into an overlapping state. As a result, the insect-free space enclosed by the net 18, 19 remains as closed as possible at the location of the overlap 23.

A flexible weighting 24, for example a lead cord, is also arranged on an underside of the parts 18, 19 of the net. As a result, the insect-free space is also well closed at the bottom for mosquitoes and other insects. In addition to closure, both the tension wires 21, 22 and the flexible weighting 24 tighten the net 18, 19, which provides the device 15 with an attractive aesthetic appearance.

Figure 1d shows a preferred embodiment of an insect-repellent device 30. The posts 31 of this device 30 are connected to a bed frame 32. By sliding out the posts 31, the device is clamped between the bed frame 32 and the ceiling 33. The insect repellent net 34 of the device 30 is draped over a cross connection 35 between the posts 31 and extends to the ground 36 on which the bed periphery 32 is placed. The bed is accessible via the overlap 37 between connecting parts of the net 34. The different options from these preferred embodiments in Figures 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d can be freely combined.

Figures 2a-2f show the set-up of a device for screening a room, in particular for repelling insects, comparable to the preferred devices in figures 1a and 1b.

In Figure 2a, four posts 40 are positioned and clamped between a floor and a ceiling (not shown here for clarity, see Figure 1c for an example of clamping). The posts 40 here describe a rectangular surface 43, for example around a rectangular bed. Each post 40 is provided with a portion 41 of the net. The contact elements 42 on the top of the posts 40 are spaced from the axis of the posts and point away from the vertices of the rectangle 43.

Figure 2b shows the next step. A net part 41 is connected from each post 40 to a post 40 located diagonally on rectangle 43 by means of a diagonal connecting element 44, for example a cord. Figure 2c shows how a connecting element 45 is also arranged between the posts 44 along one side of the rectangle 43, for example in the form of a cord or tube. The net parts 41 are draped over these connecting elements 45.

By making the diagonal connections for all net parts 41 with diagonally positioned poles 40 and draping over the connecting elements 45 between the poles 40, the fully set-up device 46 which encloses an insect-free space is ultimately obtained. Optionally, the overlap 47 between adjacent net parts 41 can be stabilized by using tension cords as shown in figure 1c.

Figure 3a shows two extendable posts 50 according to the invention. The pole consists of two telescopically sliding parts and a locking mechanism 51. By extending the pole 50 in vertical direction (arrow A), the pole 50 can be clamped between a floor 54 and a ceiling 55.

At the bottom, the post is provided with a foot 52 of a resilient material such as rubber to prevent the post from slipping. A base 53 of resilient material is also arranged on the top. The top of the post 50 is curved such that the base 53 is spaced from the axis 61 of the post. This makes the post 50 better able to withstand tensile forces from the base 53 towards the axis 61. These forces occur, for example, under the influence of the connecting tubes and caged between the posts 50, as shown in the previous figures.

The net parts for forming an insect-free space can be attached to the post (not shown here). In addition, other functional elements can also be attached to the posts 50. The illustration shows some examples of this: a clothes hook 56, a night light 56, an alarm clock 57, a night light 58, and a flat screen 59. The attachment can be done, for example, by pipe clamps 60 or other suitable fasteners.