Patent Application
20130183392
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an insect repellent composition and a system for use thereof.
2. Description of the Related Art
DEET (N,N,diethyl-meta-toluamide) is the active ingredient of many commercial insect repellants. It can be dispersed into the air, typically being mixed with a carrier solvent and evaporated to provide the repellant effect. It can also be applied topically. In various concentrations, it provide its insect repellant effects for several hours. Research indicates that DEET and other repellants are thought to block the olfactory receptors or that insects dislike the smell of DEET. However, DEET suffers from several key disadvantages. It does not occur naturally and requires an involved synthesis. Second, it has known health concerns such as skin irritation, disorientation, and, in extreme cases, seizures or death. Moreover, it is not recommended for application to children. Third, it has an unpleasant odor. Fourth, it acts as a plasticizer and solvent, damaging plastics, synthetic fabrics, and other common materials of its users.
In response, the field has sought to develop and use alternative insect repellants. Additionally, over time, regulatory agencies have developed lists of components which impose minimal health risks in use and are demonstrably safe for the intended use. Various non-DEET insect repellant compositions have been developed using naturally occurring compositions and compositions from various regulatory lists. However, those compositions have been deficient, suffering from weaknesses such as efficacy, duration of efficacy, consistent efficacy during application and use, complicated and involved syntheses, difficulty in dispersion, and limited shelf life. For the above reasons, it would be advantageous to develop an effectual, non-DEET based insect repellant.
The present invention is directed to an insect repellant composition selected from the following: geraniol, thyme oil, vanillin, soybean oil, lemon oil, cinnamon oil, rosemary oil, clove oil, cedar oil, a castor oil based emulsifier, a diluent, and a carrier solvent. The insect repellant composition is preferably atomized and mechanically dispersed over a region such that it evaporates during dispersement and from the resting surface. In an alternate embodiment, the insect repellant is applied topically.
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, and accompanying drawings.
Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.
The present invention is directed to a composition, method, and system for repelling insects, specifically, mosquitoes, fruit flies, house flies, no-see-urns, and other insects. The composition includes geraniol, thyme oil, and vanillin. The composition may include soybean oil, lemon oil, cinnamon oil, rosemary oil, clove oil, cedar oil, a castor oil based emulsifier, a diluent, a carrier solvent, a diluent, an emulsifier, a carrier solvent, and a preservative.
Geraniol, as used in this specification, refers to a compound which can be extracted from the geranium plant, among other sources. It's chemical formula is C10H18O or 2,6-Dimethyl-trans-2,6-octadien-8-ol. The geraniol 60 employed in this embodiment is available from Hogan Flavors & Fragrances, Springwell Intl, Intarome, or Eco Smart. It should be appreciated that different geraniol bases can be employed within this invention. Thus geraniol, geraniol 80, or other geraniol formulations can be substituted. In one aspect of this embodiment, the geraniol 60 is present in this formulation at about 2.7% to 16.0%. In another aspect of this embodiment, the geraniol 60 is present in this formulation at about 2.7% to 8.0%. In yet another aspect of this embodiment, the geraniol 60 is present in this formulation at about 2.7% to 3.3%. In yet another aspect of this embodiment, the geraniol 60 is present in this formulation at about 3.0%.
Thyme oil, as used in this specification, refers to the extracts of at least some of the components contained in the herbaceous plant Thymus vulgaris, often referred to as common thyme. The thyme oil can be extracted from the plant by water, steam distillation or other means within the art. The thyme oil can include include one or more of the following chemical components in active proportions: thymol (C10H14O, 2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol), a-thujone (C10H16O, 4-methyl-1-propan-2-ylbicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-3-one), a-pinene (C10H16, (1S,5S)-2,6,6-Trimethyl bicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-ene ((-)-a-Pinene)), camphene (C10H16, 2,2-dimethyl-3-methylene-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane), b-pinene (C10H16, 6,6-dimethyl-2-methylenebicyclo [3.1.1] heptane), p-cymene (C10H14, 1-Methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)benzene), a-terpinene (C10H16, 4-methyl-1-(1-methylethyl)-1,3-cyclohexadiene), linalool (C10H18O, 3,7-dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-ol), borneol (C10H18O, endo-1,7,7-Trimethyl- bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-ol), b-caryophyllene (C15H24, 4,11,11-trimethyl-8-methylene-bicyclo[7.2.0]undec-4-ene), and carvacrol (C10H14O, 5-isopropyl-2-methylphenol). Thyme oil which does not contain all of the the above-referenced chemical components or where the proportions of those chemical components vary is within the spirit of this embodiment. The thyme oil of this embodiment is available from Hogan Flavors & Fragrances, Springwell Intl, Intarome, or EcoSmart. . In one aspect of this embodiment, the thyme oil is present in this formulation at about 2.59% to 16.0%. In another aspect of this embodiment, the thyme oil is present in this formulation at about 2.59% to 8.0%. In yet another aspect of this embodiment, the thyme oil is present in this formulation at about 2.59% to 3.17%. In another aspect of this embodiment, the thyme oil is present in this formulation at about 3.0%.
Vanillin, as used in this specification, refers to the primary component of the extract of the vanilla bean. The vanillin can be extracted from the bean by dissolving into water, blanching, or other means within the art. The vanilla bean extraction may yield compounds in addition to the primary active component vanillin. The chemical formula for vanillin is C8H8O3 and it is also known as 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde. The vanillin of this embodiment is available from Hogan Flavors & Fragrances, Polarome, or Ungerer & Co. In one aspect of this embodiment, the vanillin is present in this formulation at about 0.10% to 7.0%. In a second aspect of this embodiment, the vanillin is present in this formulation at about 0.1% to 3.5%. In one aspect of this embodiment, the vanillin is present in this formulation at about 0.108% to 0.132%. In another aspect of this embodiment, the vanillin is present in this formulation at about 0.12%.
Lemon grass oil, as used in this specification, refers to extracts of the species of grasses of the cymbopogon genus. The lemon grass oil of this embodiment is available from Hogan Flavors & Fragrances, Springwell Intl, Intarome, or EcoSmart. In one aspect of this embodiment, the lemon grass oil is present in this formulation from about 0.25% to 3.0%. In another aspect of this embodiment, the lemon grass oil is present in this formulation from about 0.8% to 1.5%. In yet another aspect of this embodiment, the lemon grass oil is present in this formulation at about 1.00%.
Cinnamon oil is a concentrated extract taken from the inner bark of several trees from the genus Cinnamomum. The cinnamon oil of this embodiment is available from Hogan Flavors & Fragrances, Springwell Intl, Intarome, or EcoSmart. In one aspect of this embodiment, the cinnamon oil is present in this formulation from about 0.25% to 3.0%. In another aspect of this embodiment, the cinnamon oil is present in this formulation from about 0.8% to 1.5%. In yet another aspect of this embodiment, the cinnamon oil is present in this formulation at about 1.00%.
Rosemary oil, as used in this specification, refers to the extract of the rosemary plant. The rosemary oil of this embodiment is available from Hogan Flavors & Fragrances, Springwell Intl, Intarome, or EcoSmart. In one aspect of this embodiment, the rosemary oil is present in this formulation from about 0.1% to 3.0%. In another aspect of this embodiment, the rosemary oil is present in this formulation from about 0.8% to 1.5%. In yet another aspect of this embodiment, the rosemary oil is present in this formulation at about 1.00%.
Clove oil, as used in this specification, refers to the extract leaves of the clove tree. The clove oil of this embodiment is available from Hogan Flavors & Fragrances. In one aspect of this embodiment, the clove oil is present in this formulation from about 0.25% to 3.0%. In another aspect of this embodiment, the clove oil is present in this formulation from about 0.8% to 1.5%. In yet another aspect of this embodiment, the clove oil is present in this formulation at about 1.00%.
Cedar oil, as used in this specification, is derived from the foliage, wood, or roots of various types of conifers, most in the pine or cypress botanical families. The rosemary oil of this embodiment is available from Hogan Flavors & Fragrances, Springwell Intl, Intarome, or EcoSmart. In one aspect of this embodiment, the cedar oil is present in this formulation at about 0.10% to 0.60%. In another aspect of this embodiment, the cedar oil is present in this formulation at about 0.450% to 0.550%. In yet another aspect of this embodiment, the cedar oil is present in this formulation at about 0.50%.
Soybean oil, as used in this specification, is produced from the extract obtained from seeds of the soybean. In one aspect of this embodiment, the soybean oil is present in this formulation from about 15.0% to 25.0%. In one aspect of this embodiment, the soybean oil is present in this formulation at about 20.00%.
A diluent is included in the composition, primarily in order to reduce the viscosity of the insect repellant. The preferred diluent of this embodiment is water. Alternate diluents which are inactive with respect to the other components and have a suitable viscosity for mechanical dispersement may be used as a diluent. Isopropyl alcohol is one such suitable alternative.
A carrier solvent is included in the composition, whereby the other components of the insect repellant may be included, enabling the insect repellant to be delivered via a mechanical disperser. The preferred carrier solvent of this embodiment is water. Other suitable carrier solvents include those which are inactive with respect to the other components and have a suitable viscosity for mechanical dispersement. Isopropyl alcohol is one such suitable alternative. It is within the spirit of this invention for a single component to act as both a diluent and carrier solvent.
Geraniol and thyme oil have low miscibility with the preferred diluent and carrier solvent water. An emulsifier is included in the insect repellant in order to support the stability of the composition. Suitable emulsifiers are castor oil based derivatives, polyethylene glycol castor oil derivatives and or polyoxyethylene castor oil derivatives. Preferred castor oil based derivatives include refined castor oil, PEG-40 castor oil and PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, POE-36 castor oil, or a composite thereof. The PEG-40 Castor Oil of this embodiment is available from Lambent Technologies Corporation, Rita Corporation, or Ethox under the trade name Lumulse CO-40. The castor oil based derivative is preferably present at greater than 5% concentration. In one aspect, the castor oil based derivative is present from about 5% to 25%. In another aspect, the castor oil based derivative is present from about 10% to 18%.
A preservative is optionally included in the insect repellant of the current embodiment in order to inhibit decomposition of the insect repellant. The preferred preservative of the current embodiment is potassium sorbate (C6H7KO2, potassium (2E,4E)-hexa-2,4-dienoate), although other preservatives, such as benzoates, nitrites, sulphites, and other sorbates may be incorporated. Specifically, representative alternate preservatives include sodium benzoate, benzoic acid, sodium nitrite, sulphur dioxide, or sodium sorbate. In one aspect, the preservative is present from about 0.1% to 1.0%.
The insect repellant is preferably atomized and dispersed into the air over the desired area with a mechanical disperser to provide the desired repellancy over a region. A portion of the insect repellant evaporates during dispersement and the remainder evaporates from the resting surface. Suitable mechanical dispersers include hand trigger sprayers, portable misting systems, or higher volume misting systems for residential or commercial sized areas. Depending on the employed mechanical dispenser, the dispersement rate, and the insect repellant formulation, the insect repellant can be effective over areas of about 200 square feet to 10,000 square feet. As shown in
The geraniol, thyme oil, vanillin, supplemental active ingredients, castor oil based emulsifier, solvent, and carrier are mixed in proportion to yield, among other characteristics, an optimal insect repellancy, evaporation rate, and stability of the emulsion. For example, the proportions of the repellant components are selected such that the insect repellancy is within a desired, substantially constant range for a selected duration. Whereas the compound geraniol and cedar oil tend to have repellancy that rapidly decreases over time when used in isolation and the rosemary oil, thyme oil, and vanillin tend to have delayed repellancy when used in isolation, the proportion of each component is adjusted correspondingly. The proportions should be adjusting for synergistic effects between the components. Whereas a stable emulsion is necessary for storage and dispersement of the composition, the proportion of the miscible layers and emulsifier is adjusted accordingly.
This example describes the preparation of an embodiment of an insect repellant of the current invention. The insect repellant was obtained by mixing the following components:
At room temperature and under normal atmospheric pressure, the liquid geraniol and thyme oils were added to the reaction vessel and mixed together. Vanillin was added and mixed until it was dissolved. Next, the castor oil derivative was added with mixing. In a second reaction vessel, potassium sorbate was added to water with mixing. The contents of the second reaction vessel were added to the contents of the first reaction vessel with mixing. The resulting composition was a milky white, low viscosity liquid.
The resulting composition from the reaction vessel was introduced to a manual trigger sprayer, an AllClear Mister, and an AllClear Mister Pro mechanical dispersers and mosquitoes were introduced into a controlled environment. Landing rates were measured over time to determine the percent repellancy.
This example describes the preparation of an embodiment of an insect repellant of the current invention. The insect repellant was obtained by mixing the following components:
At room temperature and under normal atmospheric pressure, the liquid geraniol, thyme oils, and vanillin were added to the reaction vessel and mixed together until the vanillin was dissolved and the solution was clear. Then, the castor oil derivative was added with mixing. In a second reaction vessel, potassium sorbate was added to water with mixing. The contents of the second reaction vessel were added to the contents of the first reaction vessel with mixing. The resulting composition was a milky white, low viscosity liquid.
This example describes the preparation of an embodiment of an insect repellant of the current invention. The insect repellant was obtained by mixing the following components:
This example describes the preparation of an embodiment of an insect repellant of the current invention. The insect repellant was obtained by mixing the following components:
This formulation was diluted with water at a 1 to 1.5 formulation to water ratio prior to use.
This example describes the preparation of an embodiment of an insect repellant of the current invention. The insect repellant was obtained by mixing the following components:
This example describes the preparation of an embodiment of an insect repellant of the current invention. The insect repellant is obtained by mixing the following components:
This formulation is diluted with water at a 1 to 1.5 formulation to water ratio prior to use.
This example describes the preparation of an alternate embodiment of an insect repellant of the current invention for topical application. The insect repellant is obtained by mixing the following components:
At room temperature and under normal atmospheric pressure, the liquid geraniol and thyme oils are added to a reaction vessel and mixed together. Vanillin is added and mixed until it is dissolved. In a second reaction vessel, potassium sorbate is added to water with mixing. The contents of the second reaction vessel are added to the contents of the first reaction vessel with mixing. The resulting composition should be a milky white, low viscosity liquid. The resulting composition from the reaction vessel is applied topically.
This example describes the preparation of an alternate embodiment of an insect repellant of the current invention for topical application. The insect repellant is obtained by mixing the following components:
This example describes the preparation of an alternate embodiment of an insect repellant of the current invention for topical application. The insect repellant is obtained by mixing the following components:
Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawings disclose any additional subject matter, the inventions are not dedicated to the public and the right to file one or more applications to claim such additional inventions is reserved.
The present invention claims priority to provisional application 61/508,520, which has a filing date of Jul. 15, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61508520 | Jul 2011 | US |
