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Hee, hee, I love it, but have a certificate of sanity ready when the

fire department, secretly called by one of your neighbors, arrives.

How about just burning a couple of packs of menthol cigarettes, since

they hate tobacco and menthol both?

ES

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Put sachets of menthol crystals in your cars. Use dryer

> > sheets

> > > > to put

> > > > > > the menthol crystals in, tie them up with string, and leave

> > them

> > > > in the

> > > > > > car.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > In the summer, the heat build-up in the car will cause the

> > > > menthol

> > > > > > crystals to melt and diffuse into the air. The car will

smell

> > > > > > unpleasantly strong when you get in each time, but it is

very

> > > > effective

> > > > > > in keeping any more mites from getting a foothold in your

car

> > > > and in

> > > > > > helping rid the ones that are there.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > This URL is to a site for essential oils that kill mites:

> > > > > >

> > > > > > http://www.freepatentsonline.com/20020022043.html

> > > > > > <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/20020022043.html>

> > > > > >

> > > > > > ==========================

> > > > > >

> > > > > > SEARCH:

> > > > > > GO TO ADVANCED SEARCH

> > > > <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/search.html>

> > > > > > LOGIN:

> > > > > > * Login <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/login.html>

> > > > > > * Create Free Account

> > > > > > <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/register.html>

> > > > > >

> > > > > > * HOME <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/>

> > > > > > * SEARCH PATENTS

> > > > <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/search.html>

> > > > > > * CHEMICAL SEARCH

> > > > <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/surechem/>

> > > > > > * DATA SERVICES

> > > > <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/services.html>

> > > > > > * HELP <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/helpcenter.html>

> > > > > > Title: Method for killing house dust mites in

> > > > clothing

> > > > > > and other soft materials Document Type and

> > > > Number:

> > > > > > United States Patent Application 20020022043 Kind

> > > > Code:

> > > > > > A1

> > > > > > Abstract: The present inventor has found, surprisingly, that

> > > > > > exposing woolen or other fabrics to the vapors of certain

> > > > > > pleasant-smelling plant oils, including wintergreen oil,

> > > > lavandin oil,

> > > > > > Ylang-Ylang oil, and others, kills house dust mites in those

> > > > fabrics. In

> > > > > > one aspect of the present invention, a method for killing

> > house

> > > > dust

> > > > > > mites which are living in or infesting a fabric substrate is

> > > > disclosed.

> > > > > > The method includes the step of exposing said mite-infested

> > > > substrate to

> > > > > > a vapor of at least one plant oil. The plant oil is selected

> > > > from the

> > > > > > group of Anise, Balsam, Basil, Bay, Birch, Cajeput, Camphor,

> > > > Caraway,

> > > > > > Cinnamon, Clove, Coriander, Dill, Fennell, Fir, Garlic,

> > Lavender,

> > > > > > Lavendin, Lemongrass, Marjoram, Nutmeg, Peppermint, Pine,

> > > > Rosemary, Rue,

> > > > > > Sage, Spearmint, Tea Tree, Thuja, Thyme, Wintergreen and

> > Ylang-

> > > > Ylang. In

> > > > > > a preferred method, the exposing step comprises placing the

> > > > > > mite-infested substrate in a closed drawer or other closed

> > > > container

> > > > > > along with a volume of the selected plant oil. The plant oil

> > can

> > > > be

> > > > > > applied to the substrate in a variety of manners as can be

> > > > understood

> > > > > > from the following detailed description.

> > > > > > Ads by Google

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> > > > IE6\

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> > > > 156\

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> > > > 93d\

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> > > > IE6\

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AN69QMAAAAEmAQA & num=1 & adurl=http://www.100pureessentialoils.com/site/

> > > > 156\

> > > > > > 2898/page/683562 & client=ca-pub-1586334167197709> Get Rid of

> > Dust

> > > > Mites

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > <http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/iclk?

> > > > sa=l & ai=BQytDwaMwSa3LB\

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> > > > hChgyc7vhsijkBmgA\

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XBhdGVudHNvbmxpbmUuY29tL3kyMDAyLzAwMjIwNDMuaHRtbIACAagDAegD8gHoA_IE6A

> > > > N69\

> > > > > >

> > > > > QMAAAAEmAQA & num=2 & adurl=http://www.allergybegone.com/dustmite-

> > > > exposure.h\

> > > > > >

> > > > > tml%3FGCID%3DS11639x032-AllerEd%26keyword%3Ddust%

> > > > 2520mites & client=ca-pub\

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> > > > hChgyc7vhsijkBmgA\

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dK0wf8DsgEZd3d3LmZyZWVwYXRlbnRzb25saW5lLmNvbcgBAdoBM2h0dHA6Ly93d3cuZn

> > > > JlZ\

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> > > > N69\

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> > > > > QMAAAAEmAQA & num=2 & adurl=http://www.allergybegone.com/dustmite-

> > > > exposure.h\

> > > > > >

> > > > > tml%3FGCID%3DS11639x032-AllerEd%26keyword%3Ddust%

> > > > 2520mites & client=ca-pub\

> > > > > > -1586334167197709> Anti-Dust Mite Products

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AHXvb__A7IBGXd3dy5mcmVlcGF0ZW50c29ubGluZS5jb23IAQHaATNodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm

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WVwYXRlbnRzb25saW5lLmNvbS95MjAwMi8wMDIyMDQzLmh0bWyAAgGoAwHoA_IB6APyBO

> > > > gDe\

> > > > > >

> > > > >

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> >

vUDAAAABJgEAA & num=3 & adurl=http://www.onlineallergyrelief.com/dustmite

> > > > /du\

> > > > > > stmite.html & client=ca-pub-1586334167197709> Discount Dust

> > Mite

> > > > Bedding

> > > > > > and More Visit the Allergy Relief Store Now

> > > > > > www.onlineallergyrelief.com

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5nWjQTMw6zXAoar4Qj4s7T4A8CNtwHw9RIQAxgDIIz7iAIoBDgAUJexh4oDYMnO74bIo5

> > > > AZo\

> > > > > >

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> > > > gDe\

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> >

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> > > > > > stmite.html & client=ca-pub-1586334167197709> Pure Natural

> > > > Lavender Oil

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> > > > IB6\

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> > > > op_\

> > > > > >

> > > > >

ProductDetail.cfm%3FPC%3D%26PSC%3D0%26P%3D14344%26Product_Name%

> > > > 3Dessenti\

> > > > > > al%2520oil,%2520lavender & client=ca-pub-1586334167197709>

> > > > Everyday low

> > > > > > price on essential oil conventional and organics available

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> > > > ZyZ\

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> > > > 3Dessenti\

> > > > > > al%2520oil,%2520lavender & client=ca-pub-1586334167197709>

> > > > > > Inventors: , D. (Ridgefield, CT, US)

> > > > > > Plaque It!

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/createplaque.html?

> > > > Continue=Continue & do\

> > > > > > c_number=20020022043>

> > > > > >

> > > > > <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/createplaque.html?

> > > > Continue=Continue & do\

> > > > > > c_number=20020022043>

> > > > > > Sponsored by:

> > > > > > Flash of Genius Application Number:

> > > > 09/751325

> > > > > > Publication Date: 02/21/2002 Filing

> > > > Date:

> > > > > > 12/28/2000 View Patent Images: Images

> > > > are

> > > > > > available in PDF form when logged in. To view PDFs, Login

> > > > > > <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/20020022043.pdf> or

> > > > Create

> > > > > > Account (Free!)

> > <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/register.html>

> > > > > > Referenced by: View patents that cite this patent

> > > > > >

> > > > <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/REF20020022043.html>

> > > > > > Export Citation: Click for automatic bibliography

> > > > generation

> > > > > > Primary Class: 424/725

> > > > > > <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/CCL-424-725.html>

> > > > > > Other Classes: 424/403

> > > > > > International Classes: (IPC1-7): A61K035/78; A01N025/34;

> > > > > > A01N065/00

> > > > Attorney,

> > > > > > Agent or Firm: DARBY & DARBY P.C. (805 Third

> > > > Avenue, New

> > > > > > York, NY, 10022, US)

> > > > > > Claims: What is claimed

> > > > is:

> > > > > >

> > > > > > 1. A method for killing house dust mites infesting a fabric

> > > > substrate,

> > > > > > said method comprising the step of exposing said mite-

> > infested

> > > > substrate

> > > > > > to a vapor of at least one plant oil selected from the group

> > > > consisting

> > > > > > of: Anise, Balsam, Basil, Bay, Birch, Cajeput, Camphor,

> > Caraway,

> > > > > > Cinnamon, Clove, Coriander, Dill, Fennell, Fir, Garlic,

> > Lavender,

> > > > > > Lavendin, Lemongrass, Marjoram, Nutmeg, Peppermint, Pine,

> > > > Rosemary, Rue,

> > > > > > Sage, Spearmint, Tea Tree, Thuja, Thyme, Wintergreen and

> > Ylang-

> > > > Ylang.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > 2. The method as in claim 1, wherein the exposing step

> > comprises

> > > > placing

> > > > > > the mite infested substrate in a closed container along with

> > a

> > > > volume of

> > > > > > the selected plant oil.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > 3. The method as in claim 2, wherein the plant oil is

> > saturated

> > > > into a

> > > > > > piece of cotton or a piece of a toweling.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > 4. The method as in claim 2, wherein the plant oil resides

> > in an

> > > > open

> > > > > > dish within the closed container.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > 5. The method as in claim 1, wherein the exposing step

> > comprises

> > > > > > spraying the plant oil on the substrate.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > 6. The method as in claim 1, wherein the fabric substrate is

> > one

> > > > of a

> > > > > > clothing, a bedding material, an upholstery, a carpeting,

> > and a

> > > > toy made

> > > > > > from fabric.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Description: FIELD OF THE INVENTION

> > > > > > [0001] This invention pertains to a method for killing house

> > > > dust mites

> > > > > > in soft materials such as clothing.

> > > > > > BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

> > > > > > [0002] It has been known for many years that common house

> > dust

> > > > is an

> > > > > > important cause of asthma, rhinitis and eczema in allergic

> > > > individuals.

> > > > > > The mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and related mites

are

> > > > the

> > > > > > major sources of house dust allergen in temperate climates

> > > > including the

> > > > > > United States. Dust mites are eight-legged arachnids,

> > relatives

> > > > of

> > > > > > spiders. They live in close association with humans, their

> > main

> > > > food

> > > > > > source being the shed scales from skin. A major protein

> > allergen

> > > > present

> > > > > > in the fecal particles of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus,

Der

> > > > p I,

> > > > > > can cause acute asthma symptoms when present at levels

> > greater

> > > > than

> > > > > > 10μg per gram of dust.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0003] Dust mites are photophobic, and live within soft

> > > > materials such

> > > > > > as pillows, mattresses, blankets and clothing. One study

> > > > revealed 20,000

> > > > > > live dust mites in a jacket. Another study showed mean Der p

> > > > I levels

> > > > > > of 15.9 μg/gm in all clothing and 21.0 μg/gm in

woolen

> > > > garments.

> > > > > > Hot water washing, dry cleaning, freezing and prolonged sun

> > > > exposure can

> > > > > > kill mites in fabrics. These methods are not practical for

> > all

> > > > fabrics,

> > > > > > or may not be practical to do frequently.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0004] Since mites are not insects and are not even closely

> > > > related to

> > > > > > insects, it is not surprising that many insecticides do not

> > kill

> > > > mites.

> > > > > > Chemical miticides exist which can kill some types of mites,

> > but

> > > > most of

> > > > > > these have been developed for agricultural use, to kill

> > plant-

> > > > eating

> > > > > > mites which infest growing crops or stored grain, and which

> > > > constitute

> > > > > > different mite species. Use of a chemical substance indoors,

> > and

> > > > > > particularly on clothing or carpeting in close contact with

> > the

> > > > user,

> > > > > > obviously requires that the chemical be safe and pleasant.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0005] Despite advances in treatment, morbidity, mortality

> > and

> > > > costs

> > > > > > related to asthma and other allergic diseases continue to

> > rise.

> > > > Since

> > > > > > house dust mites are a major cause of these conditions,

> > there is

> > > > a need

> > > > > > in the art for a safe and effective way of killing mites in

> > > > clothing and

> > > > > > other fabrics.

> > > > > > SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

> > > > > > [0006] The present inventor has found, surprisingly, that

> > > > exposing

> > > > > > woolen or other fabrics to the vapors of certain pleasant-

> > > > smelling plant

> > > > > > oils, including wintergreen oil, lavandin oil, Ylang-Ylang

> > oil,

> > > > and

> > > > > > others, kills house dust mites in those fabrics.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0007] In one aspect of the present invention, a method for

> > > > killing

> > > > > > house dust mites which are living in or infesting a fabric

> > > > substrate is

> > > > > > disclosed. The method includes the step of exposing said

> > mite-

> > > > infested

> > > > > > substrate to a vapor of at least one plant oil. The plant

oil

> > > > may be

> > > > > > selected from the group of Anise, Balsam, Basil, Bay, Birch,

> > > > Cajeput,

> > > > > > Camphor, Caraway, Cinnamon, Clove, Coriander, Dill, Fennell,

> > Fir,

> > > > > > Garlic, Lavender, Lavendin, Lemongrass, Marjoram, Nutmeg,

> > > > Peppermint,

> > > > > > Pine, Rosemary, Rue, Sage, Spearmint, Tea Tree, Thuja,

Thyme,

> > > > > > Wintergreen and Ylang-Ylang.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0008] In a preferred method, the exposing step comprises

> > > > placing the

> > > > > > mite-infested substrate in a closed drawer or other closed

> > > > container

> > > > > > along with a volume of the selected plant oil. The plant oil

> > can

> > > > be

> > > > > > applied to the substrate in a variety of manners as can be

> > > > understood

> > > > > > from the following detailed description.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0009] These and other features and aspects of the present

> > > > invention can

> > > > > > be better appreciated from the following description of

> > certain

> > > > > > preferred embodiments.

> > > > > > DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

> > > > > > [0010] I discovered that exposing woolen clothing or other

> > soft

> > > > fabrics

> > > > > > infested with house dust mites to the vapors of several

plant

> > > > > > oils—including the oils of Anise, Balsam, Basil, Bay,

> Birch,

> > > > > > Cajeput, Camphor, Caraway, Cinnamon, Clove, Coriander, Dill,

> > > > Fennell,

> > > > > > Fir, Garlic, Lavender, Lavendin, Lemongrass, Marjoram,

> > Nutmeg,

> > > > > > Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Rue, Sage, Spearmint, Tea Tree,

> > > > Thuja,

> > > > > > Thyme, Wintergreen and Ylang-Ylang—kills the mites in

such

> > > > clothing

> > > > > > as well as their eggs.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0011] The oils used are aromatherapy-grade oils produced by

> > > > steam

> > > > > > distillation of the specific plant, and readily available

> > > > commercially

> > > > > > from many suppliers. These oils release vapors

spontaneously,

> > > > and thus

> > > > > > can be placed in contact with the mite infested substrate in

> > > > many ways,

> > > > > > e.g. placing a few drops of the oil on an absorbent material

> > > > such as a

> > > > > > paper towel or piece of cotton, which is then placed in a

> > closed

> > > > > > container, such as a closed drawer or a sweater storage box,

> > > > containing

> > > > > > the infested fabric. Alternatively, several drops of the oil

> > may

> > > > be

> > > > > > placed in a plastic or glass dish within such a closed

> > container.

> > > > > > Application may also be effected by spraying a mist of the

> > oil

> > > > onto the

> > > > > > substrate by means of a simple atomizer, and then placing

the

> > > > treated

> > > > > > object into a sealed container that allows the accumulation

> > of

> > > > the oil

> > > > > > vapor. In the case of substrates which can not be placed

> > within

> > > > closed

> > > > > > containers for treatment, such as carpets, the vapor of the

> > oil

> > > > may be

> > > > > > contained long enough for it to have its desired effect by

> > > > placing an

> > > > > > impermeable barrier such as plastic sheeting over the carpet

> > > > which has

> > > > > > been sprayed with the oil, and leaving such barrier in place

> > for

> > > > a

> > > > > > sufficient time to kill mites, such as, for example, 24

> > hours.

> > > > > > Additional methods of dispersing the vapor of the oils

> > include

> > > > the use

> > > > > > of a packet containing a solution or gel of the plant oil

> > having

> > > > on at

> > > > > > least one surface of the packet a permeable membrane through

> > > > which the

> > > > > > vapor volatilizes either spontaneously or with the help of

> > > > electric

> > > > > > heat, as in an air freshener. All of these methods have

> > proven

> > > > to be

> > > > > > effective.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0012] The substrates encompassed by the methods of the

> > present

> > > > > > invention include without limitation clothing, carpeting,

> > bedding

> > > > > > materials, upholstery, toys made from fabrics, and other

soft

> > > > fabrics.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0013] The present invention is further described in the

> > > > following

> > > > > > working examples, which are intended to illustrate the

> > invention

> > > > without

> > > > > > limiting its scope.

> > > > > > EXAMPLE 1

> > > > > > [0014] The ability of various plant oils to kill house dust

> > > > mites was

> > > > > > assessed by placing three drops of the oil being tested into

> > a

> > > > Petri

> > > > > > dish containing D. pteronyssinus cultures. Cultures were

> > > > examined

> > > > > > microscopically 3, 8, 24 and 48 hours later. It was

> > discovered

> > > > that the

> > > > > > vapor of some oils killed all mites by 8 hours, while others

> > had

> > > > no

> > > > > > effect even after 24 hours of exposure. The following table

> > > > lists those

> > > > > > oils found to be capable of killing all of the dust mites

> > (+),

> > > > those

> > > > > > which killed some but not all (+/-), and those which did not

> > kill

> > > > > > them (-).

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0015] Anise +

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0016] Atlas Cedarwood +/-

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0017] Balsam +

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0018] Basil +

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0019] Bay 1+

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0020] Bergamot +/-

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0021] Birch +

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0022] Cajeput +

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0023] Camphor +

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0024] Caraway +

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0025] Cardomom +/-

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0026] Cedar -

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0027] Cilantro -

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0028] Cinnamon +

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0029] Clove +

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0030] Coriander +

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0031] Cypress -

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0032] Dill +

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0033] Elemi +/-

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0034] Erigeron +/-

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0035] Eucalyptus +/-

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0036] Fennell +

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0037] Fir +

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0038] Garlic +

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0039] Juniperberry +/-

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0040] Lavender +

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0041] Lavendin +

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0042] Lemon +/-

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0043] Lemongrass +

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0044] Marjoram +

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0045] Nutmeg +

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0046] Orange +/-

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0047] Oregano +/-

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0048] Palmarosa -

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0049] Peppermint +

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0050] Pine +

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0051] Rosemary +

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0052] Rue +

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0053] Sage +

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0054] Spearmint +

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0055] Tea tree +

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0056] Thuja +

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0057] Thyme +

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0058] Wintergreen +

> > > > > >

> > > > > > [0059] Ylang-Ylang +

> > > > > > EXAMPLE 2

> > > > > > [0060] A wool sweater was cut into sections, which were

> > > > inoculated with

> > > > > > dense cultures of D. pteronyssinus mites. These sections,

> > > > and open

> > > > > > Petri dishes containing the mite cultures, were placed in

> > two 15-

> > > > liter

> > > > > > plastic sweater storage boxes. Into one box was placed a

> > 0.11 oz

> > > > packet

> > > > > > of 11.49% lavandin oil. The second was left as an untreated

> > > > control.

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Previous Patent: Topical moisture regulating compositions

> > > > > > <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/y2002/0022042.html>

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Next Patent: Non-toxic coating composition, methods of use

> > > > thereof and

> > > > > > articles protected from attachment of biof...

> > > > > > <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/y2002/0022044.html>

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Copyright 2004-2008 FreePatentsOnline.com. All rights

> > reserved.

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> > > > > > Policy & Terms of Use

> > > > <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/privacy.html> .

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YES, ES, u are right! I live in the country so I forget not everyone can do these types of things in their yard..lol. Hmmm, need a secluded spot and a couple of fire extinguishers, oh yeah, dont forget the popcorn!> > > > > > >> > > > > > >> > > > > > >> > > > > > > Put sachets of menthol crystals in your cars. Use dryer> > > sheets> > > > > to put> > > > > > > the menthol crystals in, tie them up with string, and leave> > > them> > > > > in the> > > > > > > car.> > > > > > >> > > > > > > In the summer, the heat build-up in the car will cause the> > > > > menthol> > > > > > > crystals to melt and diffuse into the air. The car will> smell> > > > > > > unpleasantly strong when you get in each time, but it is> very> > > > > effective> > > > > > > in keeping any more mites from getting a foothold in your> car> > > > > and in> > > > > > > helping rid the ones that are there.> > > > > > >> > > > > > > This URL is to a site for essential oils that kill mites:> > > > > > >> > > > > > > http://www.freepatentsonline.com/20020022043.html> > > > > > > <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/20020022043.html>> > > > > > >> > > > > > > ==========================> > > > > > >> > > > > > > SEARCH:> > > > > > > GO TO ADVANCED SEARCH> > > > > <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/search.html>> > > > > > > LOGIN:> > > > > > > * Login <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/login.html>> > > > > > > * Create Free Account> > > > > > > <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/register.html>> > > > > > >> > > > > > > * HOME <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/>> > > > > > > * SEARCH PATENTS> > > > > <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/search.html>> > > > > > > * CHEMICAL SEARCH> > > > > <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/surechem/>> > > > > > > * DATA SERVICES> > > > > <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/services.html>> > > > > > > * HELP <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/helpcenter.html>> > > > > > > Title: Method for killing house dust mites in> > > > > clothing> > > > > > > and other soft materials Document Type and> > > > > Number:> > > > > > > United States Patent Application 20020022043 Kind> > > > > Code:> > > > > > > A1> > > > > > > Abstract: The present inventor has found, surprisingly, that> > > > > > > exposing woolen or other fabrics to the vapors of certain> > > > > > > pleasant-smelling plant oils, including wintergreen oil,> > > > > lavandin oil,> > > > > > > Ylang-Ylang oil, and others, kills house dust mites in those> > > > > fabrics. In> > > > > > > one aspect of the present invention, a method for killing> > > house> > > > > dust> > > > > > > mites which are living in or infesting a fabric substrate is> > > > > disclosed.> > > > > > > The method includes the step of exposing said mite-infested> > > > > substrate to> > > > > > > a vapor of at least one plant oil. The plant oil is selected> > > > > from the> > > > > > > group of Anise, Balsam, Basil, Bay, Birch, Cajeput, Camphor,> > > > > Caraway,> > > > > > > Cinnamon, Clove, Coriander, Dill, Fennell, Fir, Garlic,> > > Lavender,> > > > > > > Lavendin, Lemongrass, Marjoram, Nutmeg, Peppermint, Pine,> > > > > Rosemary, Rue,> > > > > > > Sage, Spearmint, Tea Tree, Thuja, Thyme, Wintergreen and> > > Ylang-> > > > > Ylang. In> > > > > > > a preferred method, the exposing step comprises placing the> > > > > > > mite-infested substrate in a closed drawer or other closed> > > > > container> > > > > > > along with a volume of the selected plant oil. The plant oil> > > can> > > > > be> > > > > > > applied to the substrate in a variety of manners as can be> > > > > understood> > > > > > > from the following detailed description.> > > > > > > Ads by Google> > > > > > >> > > > > > <http://services.google.com/feedback/abg?> > > > > url=http://www.freepatentsonlin\> > > > > > >> > > > > > e.com/y2002/0022043.html & hl=en & client=ca-pub-> > > > > 1586334167197709 & adU=www.10\> > > > > > >> > > > > >> > > > >> > >> 0PureEssentialOils.com & adT=Natural+Essential+Oils & adU=www.AllergyBeGo> > > > > ne.\> > > > > > >> > > > > >> > > > >> > >> com & adT=Get+Rid+of+Dust+Mites & adU=www.onlineallergyrelief.com & adT=Ant> > > > > i-D\> > > > > > >> > > > > >> > > > >> > >> ust+Mite+Products & adU=www.GloryBeeFoods.com & adT=Pure+Natural+Lavender> > > > > +Oi\> > > > > > > l & done=1> Natural Essential Oils> > > > > > >> > > > > > >> > > > > > <http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/iclk?> > > > > sa=l & ai=BtuMzwaMwSa3LB\> > > > > > >> > 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>> > > > >> > >> WVwYXRlbnRzb25saW5lLmNvbS95MjAwMi8wMDIyMDQzLmh0bWyAAgHIAsW59gOoAwHoA_> > > > > IB6\> > > > > > >> > > > > >> > > > >> > >> APyBOgDevUDAAAABJgEAA & num=4 & adurl=http://www.glorybeefoods.com/gbf/Sh> > > > > op_\> > > > > > >> > > > > >> ProductDetail.cfm%3FPC%3D%26PSC%3D0%26P%3D14344%26Product_Name%> > > > > 3Dessenti\> > > > > > > al%2520oil,%2520lavender & client=ca-pub-1586334167197709>> > > > > Everyday low> > > > > > > price on essential oil conventional and organics available> > > > > > > www.GloryBeeFoods.com> > > > > > >> > > > > > <http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/iclk?> > > > > sa=l & ai=Bb6gmwaMwSa3LB\> > > > > > >> > > > > >> > > > >> > >> 5nWjQTMw6zXArfTs3PVk8eeAsCNtwHw5hcQBBgEIIz7iAIoBDgAUICDqIAHYMnO74bIo5> > > > > AZo\> > > > > > >> > > > > >> > > > >> > >> AHa87v_A7IBGXd3dy5mcmVlcGF0ZW50c29ubGluZS5jb23IAQHaATNodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm> > > > > ZyZ\> > > > > > >> > > > > >> > > > >> > >> WVwYXRlbnRzb25saW5lLmNvbS95MjAwMi8wMDIyMDQzLmh0bWyAAgHIAsW59gOoAwHoA_> > > > > IB6\> > > > > > >> > > > > >> > > > >> > >> APyBOgDevUDAAAABJgEAA & num=4 & adurl=http://www.glorybeefoods.com/gbf/Sh> > > > > op_\> > > > > > >> > > > > >> ProductDetail.cfm%3FPC%3D%26PSC%3D0%26P%3D14344%26Product_Name%> > > > > 3Dessenti\> > > > > > > al%2520oil,%2520lavender & client=ca-pub-1586334167197709>> > > > > > > Inventors: , D. (Ridgefield, CT, US)> > > > > > > Plaque It!> > > > > > >> > > > > > >> > > > > > <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/createplaque.html?> > > > > Continue=Continue & do\> > > > > > > c_number=20020022043>> > > > > > >> > > > > > <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/createplaque.html?> > > > > Continue=Continue & do\> > > > > > > c_number=20020022043>> > > > > > > Sponsored by:> > > > > > > Flash of Genius Application Number:> > > > > 09/751325> > > > > > > Publication Date: 02/21/2002 Filing> > > > > Date:> > > > > > > 12/28/2000 View Patent Images: Images> > > > > are> > > > > > > available in PDF form when logged in. To view PDFs, Login> > > > > > > <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/20020022043.pdf> or> > > > > Create> > > > > > > Account (Free!)> > > <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/register.html>> > > > > > > Referenced by: View patents that cite this patent> > > > > > >> > > > > <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/REF20020022043.html>> > > > > > > Export Citation: Click for automatic bibliography> > > > > generation> > > > > > > Primary Class: 424/725> > > > > > > <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/CCL-424-725.html>> > > > > > > Other Classes: 424/403> > > > > > > International Classes: (IPC1-7): A61K035/78; A01N025/34;> > > > > > > A01N065/00> > > > > Attorney,> > > > > > > Agent or Firm: DARBY & DARBY P.C. (805 Third> > > > > Avenue, New> > > > > > > York, NY, 10022, US)> > > > > > > Claims: What is claimed> > > > > is:> > > > > > >> > > > > > > 1. A method for killing house dust mites infesting a fabric> > > > > substrate,> > > > > > > said method comprising the step of exposing said mite-> > > infested> > > > > substrate> > > > > > > to a vapor of at least one plant oil selected from the group> > > > > consisting> > > > > > > of: Anise, Balsam, Basil, Bay, Birch, Cajeput, Camphor,> > > Caraway,> > > > > > > Cinnamon, Clove, Coriander, Dill, Fennell, Fir, Garlic,> > > Lavender,> > > > > > > Lavendin, Lemongrass, Marjoram, Nutmeg, Peppermint, Pine,> > > > > Rosemary, Rue,> > > > > > > Sage, Spearmint, Tea Tree, Thuja, Thyme, Wintergreen and> > > Ylang-> > > > > Ylang.> > > > > > >> > > > > > > 2. The method as in claim 1, wherein the exposing step> > > comprises> > > > > placing> > > > > > > the mite infested substrate in a closed container along with> > > a> > > > > volume of> > > > > > > the selected plant oil.> > > > > > >> > > > > > > 3. The method as in claim 2, wherein the plant oil is> > > saturated> > > > > into a> > > > > > > piece of cotton or a piece of a toweling.> > > > > > >> > > > > > > 4. The method as in claim 2, wherein the plant oil resides> > > in an> > > > > open> > > > > > > dish within the closed container.> > > > > > >> > > > > > > 5. The method as in claim 1, wherein the exposing step> > > comprises> > > > > > > spraying the plant oil on the substrate.> > > > > > >> > > > > > > 6. The method as in claim 1, wherein the fabric substrate is> > > one> > > > > of a> > > > > > > clothing, a bedding material, an upholstery, a carpeting,> > > and a> > > > > toy made> > > > > > > from fabric.> > > > > > >> > > > > > > Description: FIELD OF THE INVENTION> > > > > > > [0001] This invention pertains to a method for killing house> > > > > dust mites> > > > > > > in soft materials such as clothing.> > > > > > > BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION> > > > > > > [0002] It has been known for many years that common house> > > dust> > > > > is an> > > > > > > important cause of asthma, rhinitis and eczema in allergic> > > > > individuals.> > > > > > > The mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and related mites> are> > > > > the> > > > > > > major sources of house dust allergen in temperate climates> > > > > including the> > > > > > > United States. Dust mites are eight-legged arachnids,> > > relatives> > > > > of> > > > > > > spiders. They live in close association with humans, their> > > main> > > > > food> > > > > > > source being the shed scales from skin. A major protein> > > allergen> > > > > present> > > > > > > in the fecal particles of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus,> Der> > > > > p I,> > > > > > > can cause acute asthma symptoms when present at levels> > > greater> > > > > than> > > > > > > 10μg per gram of dust.> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0003] Dust mites are photophobic, and live within soft> > > > > materials such> > > > > > > as pillows, mattresses, blankets and clothing. One study> > > > > revealed 20,000> > > > > > > live dust mites in a jacket. Another study showed mean Der p> > > > > I levels> > > > > > > of 15.9 μg/gm in all clothing and 21.0 μg/gm in> woolen> > > > > garments.> > > > > > > Hot water washing, dry cleaning, freezing and prolonged sun> > > > > exposure can> > > > > > > kill mites in fabrics. These methods are not practical for> > > all> > > > > fabrics,> > > > > > > or may not be practical to do frequently.> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0004] Since mites are not insects and are not even closely> > > > > related to> > > > > > > insects, it is not surprising that many insecticides do not> > > kill> > > > > mites.> > > > > > > Chemical miticides exist which can kill some types of mites,> > > but> > > > > most of> > > > > > > these have been developed for agricultural use, to kill> > > plant-> > > > > eating> > > > > > > mites which infest growing crops or stored grain, and which> > > > > constitute> > > > > > > different mite species. Use of a chemical substance indoors,> > > and> > > > > > > particularly on clothing or carpeting in close contact with> > > the> > > > > user,> > > > > > > obviously requires that the chemical be safe and pleasant.> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0005] Despite advances in treatment, morbidity, mortality> > > and> > > > > costs> > > > > > > related to asthma and other allergic diseases continue to> > > rise.> > > > > Since> > > > > > > house dust mites are a major cause of these conditions,> > > there is> > > > > a need> > > > > > > in the art for a safe and effective way of killing mites in> > > > > clothing and> > > > > > > other fabrics.> > > > > > > SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION> > > > > > > [0006] The present inventor has found, surprisingly, that> > > > > exposing> > > > > > > woolen or other fabrics to the vapors of certain pleasant-> > > > > smelling plant> > > > > > > oils, including wintergreen oil, lavandin oil, Ylang-Ylang> > > oil,> > > > > and> > > > > > > others, kills house dust mites in those fabrics.> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0007] In one aspect of the present invention, a method for> > > > > killing> > > > > > > house dust mites which are living in or infesting a fabric> > > > > substrate is> > > > > > > disclosed. The method includes the step of exposing said> > > mite-> > > > > infested> > > > > > > substrate to a vapor of at least one plant oil. The plant> oil> > > > > may be> > > > > > > selected from the group of Anise, Balsam, Basil, Bay, Birch,> > > > > Cajeput,> > > > > > > Camphor, Caraway, Cinnamon, Clove, Coriander, Dill, Fennell,> > > Fir,> > > > > > > Garlic, Lavender, Lavendin, Lemongrass, Marjoram, Nutmeg,> > > > > Peppermint,> > > > > > > Pine, Rosemary, Rue, Sage, Spearmint, Tea Tree, Thuja,> Thyme,> > > > > > > Wintergreen and Ylang-Ylang.> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0008] In a preferred method, the exposing step comprises> > > > > placing the> > > > > > > mite-infested substrate in a closed drawer or other closed> > > > > container> > > > > > > along with a volume of the selected plant oil. The plant oil> > > can> > > > > be> > > > > > > applied to the substrate in a variety of manners as can be> > > > > understood> > > > > > > from the following detailed description.> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0009] These and other features and aspects of the present> > > > > invention can> > > > > > > be better appreciated from the following description of> > > certain> > > > > > > preferred embodiments.> > > > > > > DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS> > > > > > > [0010] I discovered that exposing woolen clothing or other> > > soft> > > > > fabrics> > > > > > > infested with house dust mites to the vapors of several> plant> > > > > > > oils—including the oils of Anise, Balsam, Basil, Bay,> > Birch,> > > > > > > Cajeput, Camphor, Caraway, Cinnamon, Clove, Coriander, Dill,> > > > > Fennell,> > > > > > > Fir, Garlic, Lavender, Lavendin, Lemongrass, Marjoram,> > > Nutmeg,> > > > > > > Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Rue, Sage, Spearmint, Tea Tree,> > > > > Thuja,> > > > > > > Thyme, Wintergreen and Ylang-Ylang—kills the mites in> such> > > > > clothing> > > > > > > as well as their eggs.> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0011] The oils used are aromatherapy-grade oils produced by> > > > > steam> > > > > > > distillation of the specific plant, and readily available> > > > > commercially> > > > > > > from many suppliers. These oils release vapors> spontaneously,> > > > > and thus> > > > > > > can be placed in contact with the mite infested substrate in> > > > > many ways,> > > > > > > e.g. placing a few drops of the oil on an absorbent material> > > > > such as a> > > > > > > paper towel or piece of cotton, which is then placed in a> > > closed> > > > > > > container, such as a closed drawer or a sweater storage box,> > > > > containing> > > > > > > the infested fabric. Alternatively, several drops of the oil> > > may> > > > > be> > > > > > > placed in a plastic or glass dish within such a closed> > > container.> > > > > > > Application may also be effected by spraying a mist of the> > > oil> > > > > onto the> > > > > > > substrate by means of a simple atomizer, and then placing> the> > > > > treated> > > > > > > object into a sealed container that allows the accumulation> > > of> > > > > the oil> > > > > > > vapor. In the case of substrates which can not be placed> > > within> > > > > closed> > > > > > > containers for treatment, such as carpets, the vapor of the> > > oil> > > > > may be> > > > > > > contained long enough for it to have its desired effect by> > > > > placing an> > > > > > > impermeable barrier such as plastic sheeting over the carpet> > > > > which has> > > > > > > been sprayed with the oil, and leaving such barrier in place> > > for> > > > > a> > > > > > > sufficient time to kill mites, such as, for example, 24> > > hours.> > > > > > > Additional methods of dispersing the vapor of the oils> > > include> > > > > the use> > > > > > > of a packet containing a solution or gel of the plant oil> > > having> > > > > on at> > > > > > > least one surface of the packet a permeable membrane through> > > > > which the> > > > > > > vapor volatilizes either spontaneously or with the help of> > > > > electric> > > > > > > heat, as in an air freshener. All of these methods have> > > proven> > > > > to be> > > > > > > effective.> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0012] The substrates encompassed by the methods of the> > > present> > > > > > > invention include without limitation clothing, carpeting,> > > bedding> > > > > > > materials, upholstery, toys made from fabrics, and other> soft> > > > > fabrics.> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0013] The present invention is further described in the> > > > > following> > > > > > > working examples, which are intended to illustrate the> > > invention> > > > > without> > > > > > > limiting its scope.> > > > > > > EXAMPLE 1> > > > > > > [0014] The ability of various plant oils to kill house dust> > > > > mites was> > > > > > > assessed by placing three drops of the oil being tested into> > > a> > > > > Petri> > > > > > > dish containing D. pteronyssinus cultures. Cultures were> > > > > examined> > > > > > > microscopically 3, 8, 24 and 48 hours later. It was> > > discovered> > > > > that the> > > > > > > vapor of some oils killed all mites by 8 hours, while others> > > had> > > > > no> > > > > > > effect even after 24 hours of exposure. The following table> > > > > lists those> > > > > > > oils found to be capable of killing all of the dust mites> > > (+),> > > > > those> > > > > > > which killed some but not all (+/-), and those which did not> > > kill> > > > > > > them (-).> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0015] Anise +> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0016] Atlas Cedarwood +/-> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0017] Balsam +> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0018] Basil +> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0019] Bay 1+> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0020] Bergamot +/-> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0021] Birch +> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0022] Cajeput +> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0023] Camphor +> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0024] Caraway +> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0025] Cardomom +/-> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0026] Cedar -> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0027] Cilantro -> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0028] Cinnamon +> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0029] Clove +> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0030] Coriander +> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0031] Cypress -> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0032] Dill +> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0033] Elemi +/-> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0034] Erigeron +/-> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0035] Eucalyptus +/-> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0036] Fennell +> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0037] Fir +> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0038] Garlic +> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0039] Juniperberry +/-> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0040] Lavender +> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0041] Lavendin +> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0042] Lemon +/-> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0043] Lemongrass +> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0044] Marjoram +> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0045] Nutmeg +> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0046] Orange +/-> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0047] Oregano +/-> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0048] Palmarosa -> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0049] Peppermint +> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0050] Pine +> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0051] Rosemary +> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0052] Rue +> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0053] Sage +> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0054] Spearmint +> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0055] Tea tree +> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0056] Thuja +> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0057] Thyme +> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0058] Wintergreen +> > > > > > >> > > > > > > [0059] Ylang-Ylang +> > > > > > > EXAMPLE 2> > > > > > > [0060] A wool sweater was cut into sections, which were> > > > > inoculated with> > > > > > > dense cultures of D. pteronyssinus mites. These sections,> > > > > and open> > > > > > > Petri dishes containing the mite cultures, were placed in> > > two 15-> > > > > liter> > > > > > > plastic sweater storage boxes. Into one box was placed a> > > 0.11 oz> > > > > packet> > > > > > > of 11.49% lavandin oil. The second was left as an untreated> > > > > control.> > > > > > >> > > > > > >> > > > > > >> > > > > > >> > > > > > > Previous Patent: Topical moisture regulating compositions> > > > > > > <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/y2002/0022042.html>> > > > > > >> > > > > > > Next Patent: Non-toxic coating composition, methods of use> > > > > thereof and> > > > > > > articles protected from attachment of biof...> > > > > > > <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/y2002/0022044.html>> > > > > > >> > > > > > >> > > > > > >> > > > > > >> > > > > > > Copyright 2004-2008 FreePatentsOnline.com. All rights> > > reserved.> > > > > Privacy> > > > > > > Policy & Terms of Use> > > > > <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/privacy.html> .> > > > > > > * Home <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/>> > > > > > > * Search Patents> > > > > <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/search.html>> > > > > > > * Data Services> > > > > <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/services.html>> > > > > > > * Help <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/helpcenter.html>> > > > > > > * Contact us <http://www.freepatentsonline.com/contact.html>> > > > > > >> > > > > >> > > > >> > > >> > >> >>

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