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| United States Patent
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6,244,518 |
| Pogue |
June 12, 2001 |
Snake repellent system
Abstract
A snake repellent system for use in repelling snakes so as to
prevent the human user from being bitten. The snake repellent system
consists of a receptacle into which is placed a quantity of garlic
or onion, the aroma of which is believed to be effective in
repelling snakes. The receptacle is provided with a lid having a
plurality of openings for facilitating the dispersal of the garlic
or onion aroma. The receptacle may be provided with a mincing rack
used to mince a clove of garlic, thereby more fully releasing its
aroma. The receptacle may also be provided with a means to both
limit child access to the repellent substance within the receptacle
and prevent removal of the repellent substance from the lid
openings. An adjustable band is provided for attaching the
receptacle to the arm or leg of the user.
| Inventors: |
Pogue; Thelma F.
(Phoenix, AZ) |
| Appl. No.:
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09/416,582 |
| Filed: |
October 12, 1999 |
| Current U.S.
Class: |
239/36 ;
215/204; 215/209; 220/253; 239/54; 239/55; 239/57; 239/58;
239/59; 239/60 |
| Current
International Class: |
A01M
29/00 (20060101); A61L 009/04 () |
| Field of
Search: |
239/34,36,54,55,57,58,59,60,152
215/204,209,211,214,217,219,221 220/253,255,281 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent
Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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298 02 237 U |
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Jul., 1998 |
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DE |
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Primary Examiner: Scherbel; David A.
Assistant Examiner: Evans; Robin O.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Stoneman; Martin L.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A snake repellent system, for using a repelling means for
producing a snake repelling aroma, comprising, in combination:
(a) a substantially-rigid receptacle means for receiving and holding
the repelling means; and
(b) an attachment means, attachable to such receptacle means, for
attaching such receptacle means to the user;
(c) wherein such receptacle means comprises escape means for
permitting the snake repelling aroma to escape from such receptacle
means;
(d) wherein such receptacle means comprises
(i) a base portion having a chamber structured and arranged for
receiving the repelling means, and
(ii) a lid portion attachable to such base portion; and
(e) wherein such base portion and such lid portion each comprise at
least one planar portion which is substantially round; and
(f) a cap portion rotatably attached to such lid portion;
(g) wherein such cap portion comprises
(i) at least one cap aperture which, when such cap portion is
rotated into an open position, is substantially aligned with such
lid aperture, and
(ii) at least one cap aperture which, when such cap portion is
rotated into a closed position, does not overlap any such lid
aperture; and
(h) a rotation locking means for preventing unauthorized rotation of
such cap portion to such open position.
2. A snake repellent system, for using a repelling means for
producing a snake repelling aroma, comprising, in combination:
(a) a substantially-rigid receptacle means for receiving and holding
the repelling means; and
(b) an attachment means, attachable to such receptacle means, for
attaching such receptacle means to the user;
(c) wherein such receptacle means comprises escape means for
permitting the snake repelling aroma to escape from such receptacle
means;
(d) wherein such receptacle means comprises
(i) a base portion having a chamber structured and arranged for
receiving the repelling means, and
(ii) a lid portion attachable to such base portion; and
(e) wherein such base portion and such lid portion each comprise at
least one planar portion which is substantially round; and
(f) a cap portion rotatably attached to such lid portion;
(g) wherein such cap portion comprises
(i) at least one cap aperture which, when such cap portion is
rotated into an open position, is substantially aligned with such
lid aperture, and
(ii) at least one cap aperture which, when such cap portion is
rotated into a closed position, does not overlap any such lid
aperture; and
(h) a rotation locking means for preventing unauthorized rotation of
such cap portion to such open position;
(i) wherein such rotation locking means comprises:
(i) a resilient tab formed on such lid portion; and
(ii) a button attached to such tab, such button being structured and
arranged to engage an opening provided in such cap portion when such
cap portion is in such closed position.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to providing a snake repellent system. More
particularly, this invention concerns a snake repellent system which
may be worn or otherwise carried by the user and in which may be
stored substances which are believed to be effective in repelling
snakes.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Typically, many varieties of snakes respond to environmental stimuli
by sampling the odors in the air with their tongues. From this
sampling process, the snake may recognize whether the object in
question is a threat or prey; and it reacts accordingly, either
fleeing to a safe location, remaining still, or moving closer in
hopes of receiving a meal. Of those varieties of snake which taste
environmental stimuli by using the tongue, certain species such as
the rattlesnake contain venom which can seriously injure, disfigure,
or even kill an adult human if bitten. The risk of death greatly
increases if such a snake bites a small child. Considering the fact
that humans and rattlesnakes share the environment in which they
live and very often encounter each other, the chance of a fatal
encounter likewise increases as humans increasingly continue to
encroach into the environment occupied by such snakes. Species such
as rattlesnakes typically do not view humans as prey and will
attempt to flee or, if given time, warn the human by rapidly
vibrating the bony segments of its tail to produce a distinct
rattling sound. However, a sudden encounter between the snake and
the human may not afford the snake the opportunity to warn the human
prior to striking. In addition, small children and pets may not
perceive the risk posed by the snake and may approach the rattling
sound out of curiosity.
A number of methods are available to protect adults and children
from being bitten by a snake. One such method includes the use of
specially-made garments which are designed to form a protective
barrier between the fangs of a snake and the wearer's skin. These
garments may either comprise a full boot in which the sides of the
boot extend substantially to the wearer's knees, or a legging-type
garment which is attached to each of the wearer's legs and extends
from the shoe to the knee. Both garments typically are made of
leather having a sufficient toughness and thickness to prevent the
penetration of the snake's fangs into the skin. Although both
products are instrumental in preventing injury due to snakebites,
both may be toq cumbersome and expensive for many users. In
addition, covering part of the leg with thick leather may make
traversing through hot environments uncomfortable and interfere with
the tanning process for those who venture outdoors with exposed legs
in hopes of improving their tan. Furthermore, neither product is
proactive in preventing the shock and fright associated with having
a snake actually strike at one's body.
Yet further, in many areas, most particularly of the southwest
United States, construction of new homes is taking place nearby
occupied homes. Such construction tends to disturb and make more
active the snakes, most particularly rattlesnakes, which are
indigenous to that area. This puts children and pets playing
outdoors, even in their own nearby yards, at higher risk. And it is
expensive, inefficient, and difficult to make children consistently
wear cumbersome snake protection of the type above mentioned.
Thus, none of the prior art referred to herein will accomplish the
purpose of the present invention.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
A primary object of the present invention is to fulfill the
above-mentioned need by the provision of a snake repellent system. A
further primary object of the present invention is to provide such a
system which is efficient, inexpensive, easy to use, and easy to
manufacture. A still further primary object of this invention is to
provide such a system which is environmentally safe and safe for the
user. Other objects of this invention will become apparent with
reference to the following invention descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, this
invention provides a snake repellent system, for using a repelling
means for producing a snake repelling aroma, comprising, in
combination: a substantially-rigid receptacle means for receiving
and holding the repelling means; and an attachment means, attachable
to such receptacle means, for attaching such receptacle means to the
user; wherein such receptacle means comprises escape means for
permitting the snake repelling aroma to escape from such receptacle
means. And, it provides such a snake repellent system wherein such
escape means comprises at least one aperture in such receptacle
means. This invention further provides such a snake repellent system
further comprising entry-inhibiting means for inhibiting
unauthorized entry into such receptacle means; and, wherein such
escape means comprises user-closing means for stopping the snake
repelling aroma from escaping from such receptacle means.
In addition, this invention provides such a snake repellent system
wherein such receptacle means comprises: a base portion having a
chamber structured and arranged for receiving the repelling means;
and a lid portion attachable to such base portion; and, wherein such
lid portion comprises at least one lid aperture; and, further still,
wherein such lid aperture comprises a louver opening. Further, this
invention provides such a snake repellent system further comprising
a mincing means for mincing the repellent means into such chamber.
And, further still, this invention provides such a snake repellent
system wherein: such chamber is bounded by at least one chamber wall
having an upper chamber wall portion; and wherein such mincing means
comprises a plurality of elongated members overlying such chamber
adjacent such upper chamber wall portion. And, it provides such a
snake repellent system wherein such base portion and such lid
portion each comprise at least one planar portion which is
substantially round.
Additionally, it provides such a snake repellent system further
comprising entry-inhibiting means for inhibiting unauthorized entry
into such receptacle means; and, wherein such entry-inhibiting means
comprises: a substantially circular threaded member concentrically
disposed within such chamber and rotatably attached to such base
portion; a rotation-prevention means, attached to such base portion,
for substantially preventing rotation of such threaded portion when
such rotation-prevention means is engaged; and a threaded side
portion, provided on such lid portion, structured and arranged to
engage such threaded member. And, this invention provides such a
snake repellent system wherein such rotation prevention means
comprises at least one resilient tab. Further still, this invention
provides such a snake repellent system further comprising a cap
portion rotatably attached to such lid portion; and, further still,
wherein such cap portion comprises: at least one cap aperture which,
when such cap portion is rotated into an open position, is
substantially aligned with such lid aperture; and at least one cap
aperture which, when such cap portion is rotated into a closed
position, does not overlap any such lid aperture.
Even further, this invention provides such a snake repellent system
further comprising a rotation locking means for preventing
unauthorized rotation of such cap portion to such open position;
and, wherein such rotation locking means comprises: a resilient tab
formed on such lid portion; and a button attached to such tab, such
button being structured and arranged to engage an opening provided
in such cap portion when such cap portion is in such closed
position. Furthermore, this invention provides such a snake
repellent system wherein such base portion and such lid portion each
comprise at least one planar portion which is substantially square.
And, further still, it provides such a snake repellent system
wherein such attachment means comprises a strap; and, yet further
still, wherein such attachment means comprises adjustment means for
adjusting the girth of attachment. And, it provides such a snake
repellent system wherein such adjustment means comprises a
hook-and-loop fastener.
Even further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof,
this invention provides for a snake repellent system for repelling
snakes from a user, comprising, in combination: a repelling means
for producing a snake repelling aroma; a substantially-rigid
receptacle means for receiving and holding such repelling means; an
attachment means, attachable to such receptacle means, for attaching
such receptacle means to the user; wherein such receptacle means
comprises escape means for permitting such snake repelling aroma to
escape from such receptacle means. And, it provides for such a snake
repellent system wherein such repelling means is a substance
selected from the group consisting of garlic and onion.
Yet further still, in accordance with a preferred embodiment
thereof, this invention provides for a snake repellent system for
repelling snakes from a user comprising, in combination: a repellent
substance selected from the group consisting of garlic and onion; a
receptacle for containing such repellent substance, such receptacle
comprising: a base portion having a chamber structured and arranged
for receiving such repellent substance, and a lid portion attached
to such base portion; and an adjustable strap structured and
arranged to attach such receptacle to the user; wherein such lid
portion comprises at least one lid aperture structured and arranged
for permitting an aroma to escape from such receptacle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a view of the snake repellent system in use by the user in
its working environment.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of this
invention.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the preferred embodiment
of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating another preferred
embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating yet another preferred
embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating yet still another
preferred embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND THE BEST MODE OF
PRACTICE
Referring now to the drawings, shown in perspective in FIG. 1 is a
preferred embodiment of the snake repellent system 20 of the present
invention attached to the leg 21 of the user 22 (or, similarly, a
neck of a pet, not shown). As will be described in more detail as
this disclosure progresses, the snake repellent system 20 comprises
a receptacle 25 for receiving a quantity of a repellent substance 26
(as shown best in FIG. 3) that applicant believes is effective in
repelling those snakes 29 that the user 22 may encounter when
traversing through areas where snakes may be located. It is highly
preferred that the repellent substance 26 (embodying herein
repelling means for producing a snake repelling aroma) comprise a
natural substance consisting of either garlic or onion, both of
which produce a particular aroma 30 which alerts and repels the
snake 29 before the user 22 comes within the snake's 29 striking
distance.
Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the details of the preferred
embodiment of the snake repellent system 20 will now be discussed.
As shown in the FIG. 2 perspective view, the snake repellent system
20 comprises a receptacle 25 that is preferably substantially
circular (in plan view) in shape having a preferred diameter of
about 11/2 inches. All receptacle embodiments described herein
embodies herein a substantially-rigid receptacle means for receiving
and holding the repelling means. To withstand impact with outdoor
hazards like brush, rocks, or the like, it is preferred that-the
receptacle 25 comprise a substantially rigid material such as
plastic or metal. As shown in the exploded view of FIG. 3, the
receptacle 25 further comprises a removable lid 31 which, when
removed from the base portion 33, exposes a chamber 34 into which is
placed the repellent substance 26. It is preferred that in order to
maintain the lid 31 on the base portion 33 during use (even in an
effective "child-proof" way), the lid 31 be sized to provide a snug
friction fit on base portion 33. To facilitate the dispersal of the
repelling aroma 30, the lid 31 is provided with a plurality of
apertures 35 each of which are preferably sized to prevent the
accidental loss of the repellent substance 26 from the chamber 34
when the snake repellent system 20 is in use. All lid apertures
disclosed herein embody herein escape means for permitting the snake
repelling aroma to escape from such receptacle means; and, wherein
such escape means comprises at least one aperture in such receptacle
means. The illustrated round shape is particularly suited for
holding onion slices, as well as efficient manufacture and efficient
closure systems.
Referring further to FIGS. 2 and 3, the snake repellent system 20 is
further provided with a band 37 which is preferably structured and
arranged to encircle the leg 21 or arm (not shown) of the user 22.
As in these drawings, band 37 is preferably adhesively attached to
the bottom surface 38 of the base portion 33, although other methods
such as rivet-type attachments or other types of mechanical
fasteners may also be employed. The band 37 may be made of any
suitable resilient material such as leather, plastic, cloth, or the
like, and it is preferred that the band 37 be adjustable to allow
for attachment to those appendages of varying sizes and shapes or
which may be covered by clothing of various thicknesses. The band 37
embodies herein an attachment means, attachable to such receptacle
means, for attaching such receptacle means to the user. Band 37
adjustability may be accomplished by various well-known methods such
a providing an elastic unitary band, providing buckles, or,
preferably, providing the band 37 with well-known hook-and-loop type
fasteners 39, as shown. The hook-and-loop fasteners 39 embody herein
adjustment means for adjusting the girth of attachment, e.g., around
the neck of a pet or leg of a child.
Shown in perspective in FIG. 4 is one alternate preferred embodiment
of the snake repellent system of the present invention designed
hereinafter by reference numeral 41. In this alternate embodiment of
this invention, the receptacle 45 is preferably substantially square
in shape (in a plan view), having preferred dimensions approximately
equivalent size-wise to the preferred size of the
previously-described "round" embodiment, and also preferably made of
a substantially rigid material. Frictionally attached to the base
portion 46 is the lid 49. As shown, the lid 49 preferably comprises
a plurality of louver-type openings 50 designed to facilitate the
dispersal of the aroma 30 from the repellent substance 26 contained
within the receptacle chamber (not shown). Also provided is a band
37, substantially as illustrated and described previously with
respect to FIG. 2, which also may be attached to the bottom surface
51 of the base portion 46 by an adhesive attachment, mechanical
fasteners, or other like methods.
Shown in FIG. 5 is yet another alternate preferred embodiment of
this invention designated herein as snake repellent system 53. Shown
is a receptacle 54 preferably having a substantially rectangular
shape with a preferred length of about 11/2 inches and a preferred
width of about 1 inch. The receptacle 54 is also provided with a lid
55, having a plurality of apertures 58, which is frictionally held
to the base portion 59 when the lid 55 is in a closed position. To
assist in mincing a garlic clove 60 so as to fully release its aroma
30, a mincing rack 62 (comprising a plurality of interconnected
elongated members 63, as shown) is attached, preferably integrally,
adjacent the upper wall portions 64 of chamber 66. This arrangement
embodies herein an arrangement wherein such mincing means comprises
a plurality of elongated members overlying such chamber adjacent
such upper chamber wall portion. To more easily mince the clove 60
without placing undue stress on or otherwise breaking the mincing
rack 62, it is preferred that the mincing rack 62 comprise a
substantially tough and rigid material, preferably metal. In
addition, it is preferred that the top edges 67 of mincing rack 62
comprise sharp edges to more easily mince the clove 60. The mincing
rack 62 embodies herein a mincing means for mincing the repellent
means into such chamber.
In use, the lid 55 is opened by use of hinge pins 70 pivotally
connecting the lid 55 to the respective upper left and right sides
71 and 72 of base portion 59. If the user desires, a whole garlic
clove 60 is then placed on the top edges 67 of the mincing rack 62
and the lid 55 swung down with pressure sufficient to mince the
clove 60, thereby allowing the minced clove pieces to fall through
the rack openings 75 and into the chamber 66. The user may also use
the present embodiment of this invention with pre-minced garlic or
onion by simply dropping the minced pieces directly through the rack
openings 75 and into the chamber 66. To withstand the pressure
required to fully mince the clove 60, it is preferred that the hinge
pins 70 comprise a tough and durable material, such as a metal
material. Also shown is the use of a band 37, as substantially
illustrated and described previously, for use in attaching the snake
repellent system 53 to the arm or leg of the user. The band 37 may
also be attached to the bottom surface 78 of the base portion 59 by
an adhesive, preferably, or mechanical fasteners, or other like
methods.
Shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 are, respectively, a partial cut-away view in
perspective and an exploded view of yet still another alternate
preferred embodiment of the present invention designated hereinafter
by reference numeral 79. As shown, the present alternate embodiment
of the snake repellent system 79 is provided with a substantially
planar round receptacle 82 (as shown) comprising a base portion 83,
a cap portion 84, and a lid portion 85. With reference to FIG. 7, to
prevent small children from accessing the contents within the
chamber 88, the base portion 83 comprises an outer shell portion 89
and an inner substantially circular threaded member 91 which is
structured and arranged (as shown) to sit atop the chamber bottom
portion 92 and to rotate freely thereon, as will be readily
understood by those skilled in the arts of "childproofing" (and
embodying herein an entry-inhibiting means for inhibiting
unauthorized entry into such receptacle means). In further detail,
to prevent the inner threaded member 91 from becoming separated from
the chamber 88, the inner threaded member 91 is provided with a rib
(not shown) that is structured and arranged to engage a
corresponding groove (not shown) formed on the base portion 83.
Attachment of the lid portion 85 to the base portion 83 consists of
the user using his or her fingers to apply pressure to the resilient
tabs 95, which are preferably integrally formed on outer shell
portion 89, thereby frictionally preventing rotation of the inner
threaded member 91 during the attachment procedure. The tabs 95
embody herein a rotation-prevention means, attached to such base
portion, for substantially preventing rotation of such threaded
portion when such rotation-prevention means is engaged. Next, the
threaded side portion 99 of lid portion 85 is engaged, in well-known
ways, with the inner threaded member 91, thereby allowing the lid
portion 85 to be snugly attached to base portion 83. Removal of the
lid portion 85 consists of simply again applying a pressure to the
tabs 95 sufficient to prevent rotation of the inner threaded member
91, and un-screwing the lid portion 85, in well-known ways. As will
be appreciated by those skilled in such art, by requiring that
pressure be applied to tabs 95 in order to remove the lid portion
85, small children are prevented from obtaining access to the
repellent substance 26 contained within the chamber 88.
Referring further to FIGS. 6 and 7, the details of the cap portion
84 will now be discussed. As will become apparent to those skilled
in such art, the cap portion 84, when structured and arranged in the
manner described herein, may both seal in the aroma 30 of the
repellent substance 26 when the snake repellent system 79 is not in
use and also then prevents accidental removal of the repellent
substance 26 through the lid apertures 100. The cap portion 84
preferably comprises a plastic material having a circumferential lip
portion 103 structured and arranged to engage, in well-known ways, a
circumferential ridge 104 provided on lid portion 85. When the cap
portion 84 is attached to the lid portion 85 in the manner herein
described, the cap portion 84 is prevented from being separated from
the lid portion 85 while remaining free to rotate thereon. As is
further shown, the cap portion 84 is provided with a plurality of
cap apertures 107 which are structured and arranged to substantially
match the pattern of the lid apertures 100 provided on the lid
portion 85 when the cap portion 84 is in the "open position" (see
FIG. 7). As used herein, "open position" refers to substantial
alignment between apertures 100 and 107, thereby providing for
unobstructed release of the aroma 30 from the repellent substance 26
contained within chamber 88. To both substantially seal the aroma 30
within the chamber 88 and prevent accidental removal of the
repelling substance by a child, the user simply rotates the cap
portion 84 to the "closed position" (see FIG. 6) defined as that
position in which none of cap apertures 107 overlap lid apertures
100. This arrangement embodies herein an arrangement wherein such
escape means comprises user-closing means for stopping the snake
repelling aroma from escaping from such receptacle means.
To prevent child tampering or accidental opening of the cap portion
84 when the snake repellent system 79 is not in use, a means is
provided for securing the cap portion 84 in a closed position. As
shown, the lid portion 85 is provided with a resilient tab 108
having an integral button 109 formed thereon. The button 109, in
turn, is structured and arranged to engage a corresponding opening
111 provided on cap portion 84 when the cap portion 84 is rotated to
the closed position. When so engaged, the cap portion 84 is
effectively prevented from being rotated to the open position.
Releasing the cap portion 84 consists of simply applying a pressure
to the button 109 sufficient to dislodge the button 109 from opening
111, thereby allowing for rotation of cap portion 84. In addition,
if desired, to effectively lock the cap portion 84 in the open
position so as to prevent accidental closing of the cap portion 84
when the snake repellent system 79 is in use, an additional
tab/button arrangement (not shown) may be provided on the lid
portion 85 to cooperate with a corresponding second opening (not
shown) provided on cap portion 84. The tab 108 and button 109
arrangement described above embodies herein a rotation locking means
for preventing unauthorized rotation of such cap portion to such
open position. Also shown is the use of a band 37, as substantially
illustrated and described previously, for use in attaching the snake
repellent system 79 to the arm or leg of the user. The band 37 is
attached to the bottom surface 112 of the chamber bottom portion 92
by an adhesive (preferably), mechanical fasteners, or other like
methods.
Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments
of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of
this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes and
sizes and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims
as read in connection with the above specification. Further, many
other advantages of applicant's invention will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the below claims.
* * * * *
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