DOUBLE-SIDED GLUE TRAP FLY SWATTER

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fly swatter device that uses a replaceable double-sided glue trap to catch flies and insects. The fly swatter device features a handle and an integrally-attached swatting head frame. The swatting head frame includes a plurality of strings for accommodating a double-sided glue trap that is used for swatting and/or adhering the flies and insects thereto. The double-sided glue trap can be inserted into the frame through a slot on the frame or by removing the plurality of strings. The device can be waved in the air at a swarm of insects to effectively capture them on the glue trap and the glue trap can be replaced when a multitude of insects and flies are caught on the trap. The fly swatter device includes the combined advantages of a conventional swatter, along with a glue trap to catch the flies and insects.

Claims

1. A glue trap fly swatter comprising: an elongated handle having a proximal end and a distal end; an ergonomic grip positioned at said proximal end for gripping said glue trap fly swatter; an oval head integrally attached to said distal end of said elongated handle, wherein said oval head comprises a peripheral frame boundary defining an opening, and further wherein said peripheral frame boundary comprises a first set of strings and a second set of strings having a space therebetween; and a double-sided glue trap mountable in said space, wherein said double-sided glue trap comprises a non-drying glue coating, and further wherein said double-sided glue trap is replaceable.

2. The glue trap fly swatter of claim 1 further comprising a mesh configuration formed by said first set of strings and said second set of strings.

3. The glue trap fly swatter of claim 2, wherein said first set of strings is removably attached to said oval head.

4. The glue trap fly swatter of claim 1, wherein said peripheral frame boundary comprises a slot for inserting said double-sided glue trap therethrough.

5. The glue trap fly swatter of claim 2, wherein said peripheral frame boundary comprises a first section selectively attached a second section for inserting said double-sided glue trap therein.

6. The glue trap fly swatter of claim 1, wherein said double-sided glue trap is perforated.

7. A glue trap fly swatter comprising: an elongated handle having a proximal end and a distal end; an ergonomic grip positioned at said proximal end for gripping said glue trap fly swatter; an oval head integrally attached to said distal end of said elongated handle, wherein said oval head comprises a peripheral frame boundary defining an opening; a first set of strings; a second set of strings, wherein a space exists between the first set of strings and the second set of strings; and a double-sided glue trap mountable in said space, wherein said double-sided glue trap is replaceable.

8. The glue trap fly swatter of claim 7 further comprising a mesh configuration formed by said first set of strings and said second set of strings.

9. The glue trap fly swatter of claim 8, wherein said first set of strings is removably attached to said oval head.

10. The glue trap fly swatter of claim 9, wherein said double-sided glue trap is perforated.

11. The glue trap fly swatter of claim 10, wherein said double-sided glue trap comprises a non-drying glue coating.

12. The glue trap fly swatter of claim 8, wherein said peripheral frame boundary comprises a slot for inserting said double-sided glue trap therethrough.

13. The glue trap fly swatter of claim 8, wherein each of said first set of strings and said second set of strings are comprised of a metal.

14. A glue trap fly swatter comprising: an elongated handle for gripping said glue trap fly swatter; a swatting head integrally attached to said elongated handle; a first glue trap mounted to a first side of said swatting head; and a second glue trap mounted to a second side of said swatting head, wherein each of said first glue trap and said second glue trap are replaceable.

15. The glue trap fly swatter of claim 14, wherein said swatting head is perforated.

16. The glue trap fly swatter of claim 15, wherein each of said first glue trap and said second glue trap is perforated.

17. The glue trap fly swatter of claim 14, wherein each of said first glue trap and said second glue trap are double-sided.

18. The glue trap fly swatter of claim 17, wherein each of the first glue trap and the second glue trap are yellow in color.

19. The glue trap fly swatter of claim 17, wherein each of the first glue trap and the second glue trap comprise a non-drying glue coating.

20. The glue trap fly swatter of claim 14, wherein said swatting head comprises a plurality of fasteners thereon for selectively mounting said first glue trap and said second glue trap.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a glue trap fly swatter of the present invention built in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the one potential embodiment of the glue trap fly swatter of the present invention with integrated glue trap in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of another potential embodiment of the glue trap fly swatter of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of yet another potential embodiment of the glue trap fly swatter of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0024] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0025] As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for a fly swatter apparatus that allows individuals to catch flies and insects mid-air. There is also a long felt need in the art for a fly swatter apparatus that is safe for pets and children. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a fly swatter apparatus that is aesthetically pleasing. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a fly swatter apparatus that does not provide an electric shock upon touching the swatting head. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a fly swatter apparatus that does not use any chemicals or zappers. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a fly swatter apparatus wherein the flies and insects adhere thereto after killing them, does not create a mess, and is easy to maintain.

[0026] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, includes a novel fly swatter with an integrated double-sided glue trap. The fly swatter includes a handle having an ergonomic grip at a first (proximal) end and an integrally-attached oval head at a second (distal) end. The oval head includes a frame having a plurality of flexible strings disposed on each of the opposing sides of the oval head. On one of the frame sides a plurality of flexible strings is configured to be detached from the oval head for enabling insertion and removal of the integrated double-sided glue trap, wherein the frame side can be removed manually or can be removed by pressing a push button disposed on the handle.

[0027] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a glue trap fly swatter 100 of the present invention built in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The glue trap fly swatter 100 is designed to be used as a handheld capturing tool for catching mosquitoes, gnats, insects, and airborne pests from mid-air and/or from any surface. More specifically, the fly swatter 100 includes an elongated handle 102 that includes a proximal end 104 and a distal end 106. An ergonomic grip 108 is positioned at the proximal end 104 for comfortable gripping of the fly swatter 100 during use. An oval head 110 is integrally attached to the distal end 106 of the handle 102 and includes a peripheral boundary 112. The oval head 110 includes an oval opening 114 that is enclosed by the peripheral boundary 112 and the oval head 110 includes strings 116, 118. The first plurality of strings can be in a mesh form 116 and the second plurality of strings can be in a mesh form 118, disposed on opposing sides of the oval head 110.

[0028] The strings 116, 118 are removably-attached or hingedly-attached to the oval head 110 and are used for accommodating and mounting a double-sided glue trap 120 therebetween. The double-sided trap 120 is preferably yellow in color, which is used to attract small flying insects and includes a non-drying glue coating. The trap 120 is adapted to adhere a bug or insect thereto for trapping the insect in the flyswatter 100. Further, the glue trap 120 is non-poisonous and weatherproof. The double-sided glue trap 120 can be sized as per the dimensions of the oval opening 114 and can be slid through a slot 122 in the oval head 110 wherein a user slides a glue trap 120 through the slot 122. The glue trap 120 can then be sandwiched between the strings 116, 118. Alternatively, the oval head 110 can be selectively separated into two sections 111, 113 to enable the glue trap 120 to be placed therebetween. For replacing after use, the user can slide off the trap 120 from the opening 114 through the slot 122, or from the separated sections 111, 113. Alternatively, the strings 116, 118 are removably-attached to the oval head 110 and can be removed to replace the glue trap 120. The gnat trap flyswatter 100 can be used for fruit flies, fungus gnats, thrips, midges, locust, flies, whiteflies, aphids, moths and many more flying and non-flying insects.

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the one potential embodiment of a glue trap fly swatter 100 of the present invention with integrated glue trap 120 in accordance with the disclosed architecture. To use the fly swatter 100 to kill various types of flies and insects, the double-sided glue trap 120 is integrated in the head opening 114 and is supported by the strings 116, 118 on opposing sides of the glue trap 120. In the present embodiment, the glue trap 120 can be slid into the opening either through the slot 122 or by opening the sections 111, 113 and separating of the strings 116, 118 from the frame. The strings 116, 118 can be of a lightweight metal and can be in the form of a mesh with gaps or openings such that flies and insects can adhere to the glue trap 120 easily. The strings 116, 118 are designed to provide adequate support to the integrated glue trap 120 while providing space and exposure for the flies and insects shown as exemplary fly 202 to adhere to the glue sheet 120. When the glue trap sheet 120 is covered with insects and flies shown as exemplary fly 202, then, the trap sheet 120 can be replaced by a new trap sheet. It is to be appreciated that the trap sheet 120 can be perforated (refer to FIG. 1) for ease of movement of the fly swatter 100 through the air.

[0030] It should be appreciated that the flyswatter 100 of the present invention neither uses any electrical components nor requires a user to swat a fly or insect, for example squash a fly between a flyswatter and another rigid surface, as used in conventional flyswatters. A user can simply wave the flyswatter 100 in the air at one or more flies or insects to effectively capture them on the integrated glue trap 120.

[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of another potential embodiment of the glue trap fly swatter 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In the present embodiment, the flyswatter 300 includes a tubular handle 302 having a proximal end 304 and a distal end 306. An ergonomic grip 308 is positioned on the proximal end 304 for gripping the flyswatter 100 by a user. An oval frame 310 is integrally-attached to the handle 302 at the distal end 306 and includes a first side 3100 and a second side 3102. A first frame of flexible strings 312 is removably-positioned on the first side 3100 and similarly a symmetrical opposing second frame of flexible strings (not shown) is removably positioned on the second side 3102 of the oval frame 310. The oval frame 310 includes an integrated double-sided glue trap 314 between the first frame 312 and the symmetrical opposing frame such that the insects and flies can adhere to the glue trap 314 when the flyswatter 100 is waved in the air, mounted upright, or is placed on a surface. The spaces between the individual strings expose the glue trap 314 to the insects and flies, thereby allowing them to adhere to the trap 314.

[0032] For replacing the glue trap 314 when the trap 314 is covered by the insects and flies, a push button 316 is pressed that releases the first frame of strings 312 from the first side 3100. The user can then replace the glue trap 314 with a new trap and then can manually press the strings onto the first side 3100 to attach the strings to the first side 3100 for supporting the new glue trap. A mounting hole 318 can be used for mounting the flyswatter 300 on a wall hook.

[0033] It should be appreciated that the first frame 312 can be removed manually by the user without using the push button 316. Also, the symmetrical frame positioned on the second side 3102 of the oval frame 310 can be manually removed by the user.

[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of yet another potential embodiment of the glue trap fly swatter 400 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, the flyswatter 400 is a one-piece structure having a flexible handle 402 and an oval-shaped swatting head 404. The swatting head 404 can be a mesh pattern or perforated configuration to enable air to pass therethrough. On both sides of the swatting head 404, a double-sided glue trap 408 can be attached using fasteners 406a, 406b, 406c, 406d. The double-sided glue trap 408 is removably attached and can be removed by removing the fasteners 406a, 406b, 406c, 406d. The glue trap 408 can be a mesh pattern or perforated configuration with openings 409. The openings 409 enable the fly swatter 400 to be moved through the air with less resistance as air can pass through the openings 409. The glue trap 408 is used for adhering one or more insects and flies thereto, as shown as an exemplary fly 410.

[0035] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “glue trap fly swatter”, “fly swatter”, “flyswatter” and “gnat trap flyswatter”, are interchangeable and refer to the glue trap fly swatter 100, 300, 400 of the present invention.

[0036] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the glue trap fly swatter 100, 300, 400 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the glue trap fly swatter 100, 300, 400 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the glue trap fly swatter 100, 300, 400 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the glue trap fly swatter 100, 300, 400 are important design parameters for user convenience, the glue trap fly swatter 100, 300, 400 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0037] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0038] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.