IP Library Granted Patent US 9,497,958
Granted Patent B2
US 9,497,958 · App. 14/848,052 · Granted Nov 22, 2016

Post mounted dispensing device

Inventors: Stephen J. Shapiro (Bedford, MA); Wender Wang (Arlington, MA)
Assignee: Thermacell Repellents, Inc.
A01M29/12F21V33/006
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,497,958
App. No.
14/848,052
Granted
Nov 22, 2016
Kind
B2
Abstract

A unit for dispensing repellant having a heating element powered by hydrocarbon combustion. A tank connection assembly within the unit attaches a fuel cartridge and a valve activator controls fuel flowing from the cartridge. A lever that is communication with the fuel activator is independently controllable by a user to initiate and terminate flow of fuel and also is controllable by the unit's cover to terminate fuel flow.

Claims (18)

1. A dispensing apparatus, comprising:

a housing having a cover,

said cover having a sloped inside surface,

a combustion nozzle for sustaining hydrocarbon combustion located within said housing,

a tank connection assembly for securing a fuel cartridge located below said combustion nozzle,

a tube for carrying fuel from a fuel cartridge to said combustion nozzle,

a valve activator system for controlling release of fuel from a fuel cartridge, and

a lever in communication with said valve activator,

said lever being independently movable by a user and by said cover, said lever being movable by the user from a first position to a second position and from a second position to a first position, whereby movement of said lever by the user to said second position causes the flow of fuel to said combustion nozzle and movement of said lever by the user into a said first position terminates flow of fuel to said combustion nozzle, and said sloped inside surface moving said lever from said second position to said first position if said lever is in said second position when said cover is lowered.

2. The dispensing apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a heating plate disposed on top of said combustion nozzle.

3. The dispensing apparatus of claim 1 , whereby said valve activator system comprises a plunger, said plunger having a pointed end to depress a valve on a fuel cartridge.

4. The dispensing apparatus of claim 3 , whereby said lever is in communication with said plunger.

5. The dispensing apparatus of claim 4 , whereby moving said lever to said first position forces said plunger away from a fuel cartridge and moving said lever to said second position moves said plunger to engage with a fuel cartridge.

6. The dispensing apparatus of claim 1 , whereby said cover is hingedly mounted to said housing.

7. The dispensing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said sloped inside surface comprises a pocket, said pocket sized and shaped to engage with said lever.

8. The dispensing device of claim 2 , whereby said heating plate is adapted to support a mat impregnated with a volatilizable substance.

9. The dispensing device of claim 8 , whereby said volatilizable substance is insect repellant.

10. The dispensing device of claim 1 , whereby said housing is mounted on a fence post.

Assignments (4)
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Dec 16, 2020
From: U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
To: THERMACELL REPELLENTS, INC.
Reel/Frame 054674/0236 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Dec 16, 2020
From: THERMACELL REPELLENTS, INC.
To: U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 054663/0388 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Oct 25, 2019
From: THERMACELL REPELLENTS, INC.
To: U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
Reel/Frame 050823/0906 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Sep 18, 2015
From: SHAPIRO, STEPHEN J.; WANG, WENDER
To: THERMACELL REPELLENTS, INC.
Reel/Frame 036601/0071 →
Continuity (3)
Continuation 14016526 · Sep 3, 2013
Provisional Application 61695803 · Aug 31, 2012
Related Publication 20150373966A1 · Dec 31, 2015