Systems, methods, and apparatus for installing and servicing insect capture devices

Abstract

An insect capture device is used to monitor, capture, and / or kill insects. The device has a raised portion to create a gap between a surface and the device to entice insects to pass through. At the raised portion, a rubber sheet includes an adhesive facing the surface. When the insect passes under the raised portion, the insect may unknowingly attach to the adhesive portion and become adhered thereto. To facilitate installation of the rubber sheet, one or more sections of the rubber sheet may be free of adhesive to connect or fit to a portion of the device to hold the rubber sheet in place while also allowing the rubber sheet to be easily removed and replaced with a new one without captured insects.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 706,671, filed on September 2, 2020. The provisional patent application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including but not limited to the specification, claims, and abstract, and any figures, tables, appendices, or drawings thereof. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to an insect pest monitoring device and / or a product transfer station. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a device comprising a glue sheet, wherein the glue sheet comprises various sections of glue and non-glue to allow for convenient and accurate installation of the glue sheet with an insect trapping device. Background Art

[0004] The background description provided herein provides context for the present disclosure. No admission is made, either explicitly or implicitly, as prior art to the work of the presently mentioned inventors and aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing.

[0005] Crawling pests such as the German cockroach (Blattella germanica) are well known for carrying diseases and are generally considered unwelcome insects. The German cockroach is a smaller member of the cockroach family and is often a pest in food processing and preparation areas, including hotels, nursing homes, and other institutions. It is a widespread pest that can survive in many different regions of the world. It is an insect with positive thigmotaxis, which means that it generally responds to physical stimuli and therefore prefers small spaces. This insect often hides in cracks and crevices that people tend to overlook, thus avoiding detection.

[0006] Other insects, including flying insects such as the Indian meal moth and other types of moths, may also be attracted to small spaces.

[0007] Many designs of pest stations are commercially available, some using large containment areas, while others use broad, flat surfaces with various forms of attractants and capture mechanisms (such as glue boards). There are problems with such devices. For example, cockroaches have been observed to touch the edges of the glue boards and escape. It is well known that when such glue boards are rolled into a cylinder, cockroaches will fill the bottom surface of the roll. Similarly, a flat glue board can be placed with its glue or sticky side facing down and another flat glue board placed with the sticky side facing up. It has been found that the entire surface of the board with the glue side facing down is filled, while only the edges of the board with the sticky side facing up are filled. It would therefore be desirable to provide an insect monitor that is targeted at insects that want to be in small, confined or covered spaces.

[0008] There are insect devices in which the adhesive is positioned relative to the device so that insects typically move under the adhesive and are "caught" by the adhesive overhead. For example, U.S. Patent Nos. 10,123,522 and 10,412,952 (both commonly owned and incorporated by reference in their entireties) disclose stations with cutouts through which the adhesive is positioned and generally faces downward to capture insects.

[0009] However, to improve upon the existing, there is a need in the art for a capture device and adhesive combination wherein the adhesive is conveniently and accurately positioned relative to the capture device to ensure optimal capture of the insects. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The following objectives, features, advantages, aspects, and / or embodiments are not exhaustive and do not limit the entire disclosure. No single embodiment is required to provide each and every objective, feature, or advantage. Any objective, feature, advantage, aspect, and / or embodiment disclosed herein may be integrated with each other in whole or in part, even if not explicitly disclosed.

[0011] The primary object, features and / or advantages of the present invention are to improve or overcome the deficiencies in the art.

[0012] It is a further object, feature and / or advantage to provide a device and glue sheet combination to capture passing insects.

[0013] Still another object, feature and / or advantage is to provide a glue sheet that can be easily and accurately installed in an insect trapping device.

[0014] Another object, feature and / or advantage is to have a glue sheet and capture device combination wherein the glue sheet is positioned over an area where insects will pass through.

[0015] Yet another object, feature, and / or advantage is to provide a method of installing a glue sheet into a capture device that allows for quick, easy, and complete exposure of the adhesive portion of the glue sheet.

[0016] Yet another object, feature, and / or advantage is to provide a blister sheet having an adhesive area, one or more non-adhesive areas, and a cover stock to allow for mounting of the blister sheet.

[0017] The various aspects disclosed herein, including the adhesive sheets disclosed herein, can be used in a variety of applications. For example, it will be appreciated that they can be used as standalone devices. Furthermore, they can be used in conjunction with a variety of housings or devices for mounting and capturing insects, including housings or devices not specifically disclosed herein.

[0018] It is preferred that the device be safe, economical and durable.

[0019] At least one embodiment disclosed herein includes a unique aesthetic appearance. The decorative aspects included in this embodiment can help attract consumers' attention and / or identify the source of the product being sold. The decorative aspects do not interfere with the functionality of the invention.

[0020] Methods that facilitate the use, manufacture, assembly, maintenance, and repair of insect devices can be practiced to achieve some or all of the above objectives.

[0021] The devices, combinations or parts thereof can be combined into a system or kit that achieves some or all of the above objects.

[0022] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, [first independent claim 1].

[0023] According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, [dependent claims].

[0024] According to some other aspects of the present disclosure, [the following independent claims].

[0025] These and / or other objects, features, advantages, aspects and / or embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the following brief and detailed description of the drawings. In addition, the present disclosure encompasses aspects and / or embodiments that are not explicitly disclosed but can be understood by reading the present disclosure, including at least: (a) combinations of disclosed aspects and / or embodiments and / or (b) reasonable modifications not shown or described. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Several embodiments in which the invention may be practiced are illustrated and described in detail, wherein like reference numerals represent like components throughout the several views. The drawings are for reference only and are not to scale unless otherwise indicated.

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an insect capture device or station according to aspects and embodiments disclosed herein.

[0028] Figure 2 is a side elevation view of an insect trapping device.

[0029] Figure 3 It is a top plan view of an insect capturing device.

[0030] Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of an insect trapping device.

[0031] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of an insect trap.

[0032] Figure 6 is an exploded bottom view of the insect trapping device.

[0033] Figure 7 is an exploded view showing additional aspects of the housing and removal key in exploded form.

[0034] Figure 8 It is a bottom plan view of the housing and removal key.

[0035] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a housing of an insect capturing device according to embodiments and / or aspects disclosed herein.

[0036] Figure 10 It is a side elevation view of the shell.

[0037] Figure 11 It is a bottom plan view of the shell.

[0038] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a base member of an insect capturing device according to embodiments and / or aspects disclosed herein.

[0039] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a glue sheet for use with an insect capture device according to embodiments and / or aspects disclosed herein.

[0040] Figure 14 It is a side elevation view of the rubber plate.

[0041] Figure 15 It is an enlarged side elevation view of the shell and rubber plate.

[0042] Figures 16A-16D A depiction of installing an exemplary insect capture device and removing the protective cover from a glue board is shown.

[0043] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of a production slab for use with the disclosed embodiments and / or aspects.

[0044] One of ordinary skill need not view the nearly unlimited number of different feature arrangements described in the following detailed description in isolated figures to facilitate an understanding of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The present disclosure is not limited to what is described herein. Mechanical, electrical, chemical, procedural and / or other modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Unless otherwise indicated, any feature shown or described is not essential to enable the basic operation of the present invention.

[0046] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used above have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which embodiments of the present invention belong.

[0047] The terms "a," "an," and "the" include both singular and plural referents.

[0048] The term "or" is synonymous with "and / or" and means any one member or combination of members of a particular list.

[0049] The term "invention" or "present invention" is not intended to refer to any single embodiment of a particular invention, but rather encompasses all possible embodiments as described in the specification and claims.

[0050] As used herein, the term "about" refers to small variations in the value of any quantifiable variable, such as those that may occur due to unintended errors, for example, by using typical measuring techniques or equipment, or due to differences in the manufacture, origin, or purity of components.

[0051] The term "substantially" refers to a large or significant degree. Thus, given the appropriate context, "substantially" can refer to a plurality, a majority, and / or an overwhelming majority of the quantifiable variables being described.

[0052] The term "substantially" encompasses both "about" and "substantially."

[0053] The term "configuration" describes a structure that is capable of performing a task or adopting a specific configuration. The term "configuration" can be used interchangeably with other similar phrases such as construct, arrange, adapt, manufacture, etc.

[0054] Terms describing order, position and / or orientation are not limiting and are merely referenced in accordance with the views presented.

[0055] The "scope" of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The scope of the present invention is further defined to include any possible modifications of any aspect and / or embodiment disclosed herein that will result in other embodiments, combinations, sub-combinations, or the like that are obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0056] Figure 1-6 Exemplary features and aspects of the present invention are described for detecting, attracting, and killing insects (such as cockroaches, beetles, Indian meal moths, etc.) in a short period of time. Figure 1-6 As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 , an insect capture device 10, which may also be referred to as an insect station, system, capture station, monitoring station, trap, etc., generally includes a housing 12, a base 40, and an adhesive member 50. It should be noted at the outset that not all elements are required in all embodiments. For example, as will be appreciated, while the base 40 may be used to help position the device 10 and / or temporarily attach it to a surface, the base is not required. Conversely, in the case where the base 40 is not used, as in the example of FIG. Figure 12Alternatively, the housing shown in a slightly modified manner may be positioned, fixed or otherwise used with a surface, such as using adhesives, mechanical fasteners or other means. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to the precise embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0057] Returning to the figures, the insect capture device 10 includes a housing 12 that includes a raised portion 22 to create a gap 24 between the raised portion 22 and the surface for use with the device 10. It is contemplated that the device 10 can be used with any number of surfaces, including floors, walls, crawl spaces, interiors, exteriors, and the like. As will be appreciated, the raised portion 22 of the housing 12 creating the gap 24 will provide an enticing area for insects to enter. As will be appreciated, the combination of the raised portion 22 and the adhesive member 50 (e.g., a glue sheet) will facilitate trapping the insects with the device 10. Furthermore, an insecticide or other killing agent may be used to kill the captured insects. According to some embodiments, the insecticide may be used to kill any insects not caught or trapped by the adhesive, and captured insects may be killed by the insecticide or otherwise. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the insecticide and / or bait may be used without the adhesive glue sheet. The device 10 provides an area for insects to hide, which are then exposed to the insecticide / bait, after which they may return to their colony to expose more insects.

[0058] As disclosed herein and in commonly owned U.S. Patent Nos. 10,123,522 and 10,412,952 (both incorporated by reference in their entireties), insect devices having raised portions to create gaps are attractive to insects. Additionally, the use of adhesive members above the gaps to trap insects, whether with or without wings, has been shown to be more effective and efficient in monitoring and capturing insects. Insects are able to enter the gaps and attach to them without realizing the location of the adhesive member, at which point it is too late for them to continue their journey. Further, it should be understood that an insecticide may also be used in conjunction with the adhesive member, such as on or adjacent to the adhesive member, such as on the surface or surrounding area, to further aid in capturing and killing insects with the insect device 10.

[0059] Now refer to Figure 9-11, an exemplary housing 12 for use with the insect trapping device 10 is shown. The housing 12 includes a member having an upper or outer side 14 and an opposing or inner bottom side 16. The terms outer and inner generally refer to the use of the device and its use in conjunction with insects. For example, the inner side 16 of the housing 12 will generally face the surface on which the device 10 is placed, while the outer or upper side 14 is opposed to the surface and positioned away from the surface for use. Located at or in conjunction with the inner side 16 are first and second feet or support members / surfaces 18, 20. These components of the housing 12 are used as part of the housing 12 to be positioned on a supporting surface. For example, when the surface is a floor, the housing 12 will be positioned and supported on the surface by the feet 18, 20. In addition, as previously mentioned, the housing 12 includes a raised portion 22 located at the inner side 16 of the housing 12. The term raised refers to the fact that there is a gap 24 generally positioned between at least one of the feet 18, 20 or surface 62 and the inner wall 16 of the housing. This is in Figure 10 , where gap 24 is shown by the width between surface 62 and raised portion 22 .

[0060] like Figure 10 As shown, the raised portion and generally the inner section 16 are arched or curved in shape, generally spanning from a first leg 18 to a second leg 20. The arched, curved, or domed shape is very attractive to insects and helps to attract insects to pass underneath. However, it should be understood that a domed, curved, or arched shape is not required in all embodiments. For example, the housing 14 may generally include right angles with the raised section 22 having a rectangular, square, or other geometric shape when viewed from the side, such as Figure 10 Furthermore, the height of the gap 24 from the surface 62 to the raised portion 22 can vary depending on the type of insects being attracted and captured by the device 10. Thus, while curved and domed shapes are shown, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to such shapes, and generally any housing having a raised portion where a gap 24 exists between a lower portion of the housing (such as a support or foot) and the raised portion 22 for attracting, and having a mounting surface for an adhesive member should be considered to be included as part of this disclosure.

[0061] Also shown in the figure are support ribs 26 for the housing 12. The support ribs 26 provide support for the adhesive member and also provide support for the housing, enabling it to support itself and maintain structural integrity for the use and life of the device. The exact number and type of support ribs 26 are not limited by the present invention.

[0062] Figure 10, a first recess or ledge 28 and a second recess or ledge 30 are best shown. The first recess 28 is generally positioned at or near the first support member 18 and is located on the interior section 16 of the housing 12. It should also be noted that the first recess 28 is generally positioned at the beginning of the raised portion 22, such as at the rear of the housing 12. The second recess or ledge 30 is positioned opposite the first recess or ledge 28 and is generally positioned at or near the second support member 20 of the housing 12. It should be noted that the recesses 28, 30 are positioned at substantially opposite ends of the raised interior section and substantially span the length of the raised interior section 22. As will be understood, the recesses or ledges 28, 30 are used to mount and support an adhesive member, such as an adhesive sheet 50, as will be explained herein. While these components are referred to as recesses or ledges, it should be understood that this is not intended to be limiting. For example, the recess or ledge 28 is used to retain an adhesive member, such as an adhesive sheet, as has been disclosed. Thus, the width of the recess, as well as the exact configuration, shape, and / or type of the ledge, may vary, such as depending on the type of adhesive or glue sheet (including the shape, thickness, and / or type of glue or adhesive to be used with the housing 12 of the device 10). Furthermore, while both a first recess or ledge 28 and a second recess or ledge 30 are shown, it should be understood that neither may be required in either case. For example, it is contemplated that only one recess or ledge may be used to support the glue sheet or adhesive with the device 10. Further, as Figure 11 As shown, the notch or ledge does not span the entire width of the housing 12, but may be varied to span the full length or generally any portion of the housing width.

[0063] However, having both the first ledge 28 and the second ledge 30 will help to make the adhesive (such as the adhesive sheet 50) generally conform to the shape of the raised portion 22 of the housing 12. For example, when a curved shape is used for the raised portion, as shown, the first ledge 28 and the second ledge 30 will help to make the adhesive sheet conform to the curved shape, which will enhance use by ensuring that the adhesive sheet is substantially adjacent to the inner surface 16 along the raised portion (which is designed to entrap and catch insects of different sizes). Further, it should be understood that the ledge or recess 28 is shown as a generally flange-like member protruding from the inner portion 16 or housing 12. However, it should also be understood that the recesses 28, 30 can be formed, such as grooves or other holes, that extend into a portion of the inner wall 16 and do not need to protrude outwardly therefrom. In any regard, the recesses or ledges 28, 30 will serve to facilitate and retain the adhesive, insecticide, or other sheet-like member for use with the housing 12.

[0064] Additional components of the housing 12 include protrusions 32 in the form of snap-fit ​​components. The protrusions 32 can be used when the housing 12 is to be used with a base component 40. The snap-fit ​​protrusions 32 can extend to a portion of the base to temporarily maintain the connection between the housing 12 and the base component 40. This will allow the housing 12 to be placed relative to the base, but will also provide a removal feature and ease of removal of the housing relative to the base 40, such as for replacing components or even monitoring the station 10. The housing 12 includes a face portion 34, which will generally mate with the base portion 40, such as at its base 42, to connect the pieces together.

[0065] Furthermore, if Figure 12 As shown, the base 40 has an aperture 44 that will allow the snap member 32 of the housing 12 to be inserted therein to at least temporarily connect the housing 12 to the base portion 40. Figure 12 As shown, base 40 includes mounting surface 46. A mounting surface is an area that can be mounted to a surface, such as surface 62. Base 40 can be attached or positioned on surface 62 in a variety of ways, including mechanical attachment means, adhesives, simply placed stationary or otherwise, or generally affixed in any number of ways, either permanently or non-permanently.

[0066] refer to Figure 9 , additional components of the housing 12 are shown relative to the outer side or upper side 14. For example, the upper side or outer side may include a protrusion 38 in the form of a lifting fin or other fin-like member. The protrusion 38 can be used to help lift the housing in a certain position. Further, the outer portion may include a section for a label 39. The label can be in the form of a sticker, paint, stencil, etc. For example, the label section 39 can be used to provide some information for use with the device 10. Figure 9 As shown, the label 39 includes the words "Toxic" and "Do Not Touch" in both English and a foreign language. It is contemplated that the label may include the exact type of poison or other chemical used with the device to provide information to the user of the device. Furthermore, it should be understood that not all units are required in all embodiments.

[0067] As disclosed, the device 10 using the housing 12 can be used with an adhesive device to capture insects, such as a glue sheet 50. In addition to those already disclosed, the glue sheet can be positioned relative to portions of the interior 16 of the housing 12 (such as the recesses 28, 30) so that the shape of the glue sheet 50 conforms to match or substantially match the raised portion of the housing 12. This is shown in FIG. Figure 1 and 2 In. Figure 1 and 2As shown, the rubber plate 50 is positioned at the bottom surface or interior portion 16 of the housing 12. In addition, the rubber plate has a base portion 52 that can be generally positioned within the recesses or ledges 28, 30, which help to maintain the rubber plate in place relative to the housing 12. Further, because the recesses are located on opposite sides of the raised portion 22 of the housing 12, the recesses 10 cause the rubber plate 50 to generally take the shape of the raised portion 22. For example, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, the raised portion 22 is curved or arched. Therefore, the rubber sheet is also urged to assume the same or similar arched or curved shape as the raised portion 22. The notches and / or ledges 28, 30 help to hold the rubber sheet in place at the interior portion 16 of the housing 12.

[0068] However, when the raised portion takes an additional or alternative shape, including a planar shape that is generally parallel to the ground, or has a more square section, the recess or ledge can still hold the glue sheet 50 in place relative to the housing to assist in capturing insects. For example, it is contemplated that the raised portion 22 will be generally parallel to the surface of the use position, so that the raised portion 22 will be substantially parallel and possibly also planar. It may have a singular height, spanning from one ledge 28 to the other 30. In this case, the glue sheet can conform to a generally planar shape and be generally parallel to the use surface, so that the height of the glue sheet from one end to the other is substantially the same. Further, as will be understood, the glue sheet includes an adhesive portion. The adhesive portion is positioned on the base 52 and is positioned away from the housing 12 and exposed toward the surface 62. Thus, when the glue sheet resembles Figure 2 In the illustrated position, the portion of the adhesive sheet 50 adjacent to the inner wall 16 of the housing 12 may or may not have adhesive, while the other side of the adhesive, facing the surface 62 and generally positioned away from the housing 12, may have an adhesive side. This adhesive can be used to capture or entrap insects that pass through it, such as by their wings, upper body, or even feet. However, it should also be understood that the adhesive sheet 50 may include adhesive on both sides. This allows the adhesive sheet to be at least temporarily attached to the inner wall 16 of the housing 12. Having adhesive on both sides can help conform the shape of the adhesive sheet to the shape of the raised portion 22 of the housing 12, while still leaving adhesive exposed in the gap below the inner wall 16 of the housing 12 to capture and trap insects that pass through the gap. In this case, it should be understood that the adhesive need not be identical. For example, the adhesive on the base portion attached to the housing wall 16 may have a lower adhesive mass than the adhesive on the insect side. This allows for easy installation and removal of the adhesive sheet 50 relative to the housing 12, while maintaining a strong adhesive to capture and trap any insects that pass through it.

[0069] Figure 5 and Figure 6FIG is an exploded view of the housing 12, base 40, and adhesive plate 50 of the insect trapping device 10. The exploded view can help to show how the components are connected to each other. Figure 5 As shown, the housing and base can be moved in the direction of arrow 78 along arrow 78 to insert the clip 32 into the hole of the base 44 to at least temporarily affix the housing 12 to the base 40. In addition, although not installed in this manner, for exemplary purposes, the housing 12 can be attached to the base 40 by Figure 5 and 6 Arrow 80 in FIG. 1 moves the glue plate 50, which will show the placement of the glue plate 50 at the inner wall 16 of the housing 12 and generally nesting in the recess or ledge 30 thereof. Figure 5 and 6 It should not be considered limiting, but rather should be used to illustrate how the components may be positioned relative to each other for use as an insect trapping device 10 .

[0070] Additional features of the insect device 10 include Figure 7 and 8 As shown. Figure 7 and 8 FIG. 1 shows a housing 12. An aperture 36 and a partition wall 37 are shown on the connecting face 34 of the housing 12. It should be noted that the aperture 36 through the front face 34 of the housing 12 is positioned so that it intersects the curved inner wall 16 of the housing 12. Also shown is a removal key 70. The removal key 70 comprises a key arm 72 and an inlet 76 connected to a base 74. The arm 72 and inlet 76 are configured to mate with, or at least be used with, the aperture 36 and wall 37 of the housing 12. As previously mentioned, both sides of the adhesive sheet can contain adhesive. When this configuration is used, it may increase the difficulty of removing the adhesive sheet from the inner wall 16 of the housing 12. In this case, the removal key 70 can be used with the housing 12 to assist and facilitate its removal. For example, the key arm 72 is lined with the inlet 76 in the wall 37 and the aperture 76 of the housing 12. Inserting the arm 72 into the aperture 36 brings the arm into contact with the inner portion of the adhesive sheet adjacent to the wall 16. This will cause the glue sheet to break away from the wall 16, which will aid in removing the glue sheet by creating an initial separation of the glue sheet, at which point the user can continue its separation, such as by continuing to peel the glue sheet from the inner wall 16 of the housing 12. Furthermore, even if the glue sheet has no adhesive on its wall side, the key 70 can still be used to assist in removing the glue sheet 50 from the housing 12, such as by releasing or separating the glue sheet from the ledge or notch 30, which will make it easier to remove the glue sheet from the inside of the housing 12.

[0071] As described herein, the adhesive sheet 50 has been described as being used with the housing 12. The adhesive sheet 50 is used to provide an adhesive portion to capture or trap insects. The adhesive sheet and / or the device 10 may also contain an insecticide or other killing agent to both capture and kill insects that pass through them. While it should be understood that generally any type of adhesive sheet capable of capturing and / or killing insects may be used, Figure 13-15 17 and 18 provide exemplary embodiments of a rubber sheet for use with a housing and in accordance with various aspects and / or embodiments of the present invention. Figure 17 As shown, the rubber plate 50 is provided in schematic form. It should be noted that Figure 17 In fact, two glue plates are shown, and in addition to the numbers, they will be designated by A and B identifiers. For example, if Figure 17 As shown, perforation lines 66 are provided which allow two panels 50A and 50B to be made simultaneously. While not necessary in all cases, this can be helpful in making the panels. However, as will be understood, a single panel can also be made and used. The exemplary adhesive panel 50 is used with the housing 12 to Figure 17 For example, it should be understood that Figure 17 The left side of the device 10 is referred to as glue plate 50A. It should be understood that 50B will be substantially identical and opposite in mirror image. Glue plate 50A includes a base portion 52A. The base portion can be made of cardboard, paper, polymer, wood, steel, or any other material commonly used to hold components of plate 50. Base portion 52A includes a first section 54A containing glue or other adhesive positioned on base 52A. Adjacent to first section 54A is a second section 56A. Second section 56A is a glue-free area, at least on one side. It should be understood that second section 56A, which is free of glue or adhesive, is typically located at or near periphery 58A and is smaller in size than first section 54A, which contains glue or adhesive. As will be understood, with respect to installation and maintenance of device 10, having first section 54A with glue or adhesive and adjacent section 56A located at periphery 58A, while generally being free of glue or adhesive, allows for convenient installation and removal of glue plate 50A relative to housing 12. Likewise, the same features are found in glue sheet 50B, including a base 52B, a first section 54B having adhesive, and a second section 56B that is substantially free of adhesive at and about its periphery 58B.

[0072] In addition to the rubber sheet itself, a protective cover 60 may also be provided, such as Figure 1760A and 60B are shown. A protective cover comprising paper, such as wax paper, or other material that can be briefly adhered and removed without causing substantial tearing or ripping, which may also be referred to as a pull tab, may cover the first section 54A of the adhesive until the adhesive sheet 50A has been mounted relative to the housing 12 to protect the adhesive portion until the adhesive sheet is positioned and used in the field, such as when the adhesive sheet is positioned on a surface. However, it should also be understood that the pull tab or cover 60A may not be required in all embodiments or aspects thereof.

[0073] The glue-free second section 56A acts as a glue stopper, which may be necessary or otherwise useful for producing rollers to pull the rubber sheet off the production line. This also functions as an installation feature, as will be understood, and can be used to quickly and easily install the rubber sheet 50, with the pull tab or protective cover 60A remaining free of plastic undercuts.

[0074] After production and separation of the rubber sheets by the perforation lines 66, Figure 13 and 14 Therefore, Figure 13 、 14 As shown, only a portion of a double-sided adhesive sheet is included. As previously described, the adhesive sheet 50 includes a base 52. Furthermore, the adhesive sheet will include a first section 54 having glue or other adhesive thereon and a second section 56 that is substantially free of glue or adhesive. This is further illustrated by the fact that the protective cover 60 is adhered to the first section 54 while being generally separate from the second section 56. This may be due in part to the absence of glue or other adhesive on the second section 56, which would prevent or preclude the cover 60 from being attached thereto. Furthermore, it should be understood that the second section 56 is generally located at or near the perforation 58 of the base 52. As will be appreciated, this facilitates installation and maintenance of the adhesive sheet for use with the housing 12 of the insect trapping device 10.

[0075] like Figures 16A-16D 5. The installation procedure for the glue sheet 50 will be described with reference to the drawings. While the installation shown in the drawings is provided, it should be understood that it is not limiting and that other installations are contemplated and encompassed. However, the drawings and description are included for purposes of disclosure and to illustrate the advantages of a section of glued glue sheet and an adjacent section of non-glue glue sheet for use with the housing 12 of the insect device 10.

[0076] Therefore, if Figure 16AAs shown, the adhesive sheet 50 with the protective cover 60 is inserted into the second recess or ledge 30 of the housing 12 located on the inner side 16 thereof. This is generally indicated by arrow 61. It should be noted that the portion inserted into the ledge 30 generally includes the section 54 of the adhesive sheet 50 having the adhesive and at least partially covered by the protective cover 60. Next, the opposite edge 58 of the adhesive sheet 50, i.e., the second section 56 where there is substantially no glue or adhesive, is positioned to and connected to the first ledge or recess 28 on the inner side 16 of the housing 12. See, for example, Figure 16B , arrow 63 shows the positioning of the plate into the recess. Figure 16B As shown, the sides of the rubber sheet are generally positioned at the notches 28, 30. However, in Figure 16B It is also noted that the rubber sheet does not necessarily conform to the shape of the raised portion 22 of the housing 12.

[0077] This can be easily corrected, e.g. Figure 16C As shown, the rubber sheet 50 is initially shaped in a convex manner, such as Figure 16C As shown by the dashed line 50' in FIG. 1 . Pressure may be applied, such as in the direction of arrow 65, which moves the rubber sheet 50 so that it generally conforms to the shape of the housing 12, the shape being determined by Figure 16C In addition, as disclosed, the glue sheet may include adhesive in whole or in part on the housing side to help conform to the shape and maintain the position of the glue sheet relative to the housing, but not all disclosed embodiments or aspects require or include a glue sheet.

[0078] Then, if Figure 16D As best shown in FIG, once the adhesive sheet 50 has been positioned between the recesses 28, 30 and has been manipulated to generally conform to the shape of the raised portion of the housing before the device can be used, it is necessary to expose the adhesive of the first section 54 of the adhesive sheet 50. Thus, the protective cover can be peeled off from the adhesive first section 54 of the adhesive sheet 50. This is typically done by Figure 16D The direction of arrow 64 is shown in FIG. Due to the composition of the protective cover and the adhesive sheet, the paper will typically be simply pulled off the adhesive sheet and pulled in a single motion. This will allow the adhesive first section 54, which is positioned away from the housing 12 and toward the surface 62, to be fully exposed, so that the full adhesive 54 of the adhesive sheet 50 can be used to attract and capture any insects that pass through or under it. The completed installation is shown in FIG. Figure 15 As shown, the rubber plate 50 has been positioned between the recesses 28, 30. It should be noted that Figure 15 It does include a protective cover or paper 60 that is bonded to and connected to the glue sheet 50. However, once the housing 12 is placed in its final position, the cover 60 can be simply peeled off the glue sheet 50, as shown. Figure 16DArrow 64 is shown to remove the adhesive and expose it away from the housing for catching and capturing insects that pass over it.

[0079] Thus, a combination of an insect capture device comprising a housing and an adhesive sheet has been shown and described. It is noted that the combination may include many variations and need not include every aspect and / or feature disclosed herein. Further, it should be understood that while some variations have been shown and described, any variations of any embodiment may be combined to create new embodiments or aspects, including embodiments or aspects not expressly shown or described herein. Further, it should be noted that a combination of segmented adhesive and non-adhesive adhesive sheets adjacent to each other (for use with a housing having raised portions to allow insects to pass through and exposed to the adhesive segments) will provide an improved insect device for monitoring, capturing, trapping and / or killing insects that pass through it.

[0080] From the foregoing it can be seen that the present invention achieves at least all of the stated objectives.

Claims

1. An insect trapping device and adhesive member combination, comprising: the insect capture device comprising a housing having a raised portion to create a gap between the raised portion and a surface, the housing including at least one notch located on a bottom surface of the raised portion and substantially spanning a width of the housing; as well as the adhesive member comprising a first section comprising adhesive and a second section adjacent to the first section and substantially free of any adhesive; wherein the adhesive member is positioned on a bottom surface of the raised portion of the housing of the insect capturing device and at least partially within the at least one recess, the first section of the adhesive member being positioned generally away from the housing; The shell includes a first supporting portion and a second supporting portion, and the shell is positioned and supported on the surface by the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion, and the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion are located at opposite ends of the raised portion.

2. The combination of claim 1, wherein the raised portion of the housing comprises a curved shape.

3. The combination of claim 2, wherein the housing of the insect capture device includes first and second recesses opposing each other to receive opposing edges of the adhesive member.

4. The combination of claim 3, wherein the first notch and the second notch are located at opposite ends of the curved shape of the raised portion. 5 . The combination of claim 4 , wherein the second section of the adhesive member is configured to be positioned in one of the first recess or the second recess.

6. The combination of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the adhesive member comprises a glue sheet and the adhesive comprises glue.

7. The combination of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the adhesive member further comprises a protective cover substantially covering the first section and the second section of the adhesive member.

8. The combination of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the insect capturing device further comprises a base connected to the housing.

9. The combination of claim 8, wherein the base includes at least one hole and the housing includes at least one protruding member, and the at least one protruding member is temporarily secured to the at least one hole to connect the base to the housing.

10. The combination of claim 9, wherein the at least one protruding member comprises a snap.

11. An insect station comprising: a housing comprising an inner portion and an outer portion, the inner portion comprising a support portion and a raised portion, the support portion comprising a first support portion and a second support portion, the raised portion creating a gap between the raised portion and the support portion; a first ledge and a second ledge located on a bottom surface of the raised portion of the housing, the first ledge and the second ledge extending from a portion of the raised portion of the housing to create a gap between the ledge and the housing, wherein the first ledge and the second ledge extend substantially the width of the housing; and a glue sheet positioned at the interior portion of the housing and at least partially within the first ledge and the second ledge, the glue sheet comprising a first section comprising adhesive and a second section adjacent to the first section and substantially free of any adhesive; wherein the glue sheet is positioned to expose the adhesive of the first section generally away from the interior portion of the housing, The housing is positioned and supported on a surface by the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion, and the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion are located at opposite ends of the raised portion.

12. The insect station of claim 11, wherein the raised portion comprises a curved shape.

13. The insect station of claim 12, wherein the second substantially adhesive-free section of the glue sheet is positioned in the first ledge or the second ledge.

14. The insect station of claim 11, wherein the glue sheet further comprises a protective cover releasably attached to the adhesive of the first section and covering both the first section and the second section of the glue sheet.

15. The insect station of claim 11, further comprising a base operatively attached to the housing, the base configured to affix to a surface.

16. A system for capturing insects, comprising: a housing having a gap between the housing and a mounting surface, the housing including at least one notch located on a floor of the gap and substantially spanning a width of the housing; as well as a glue sheet releasably attached to the housing, the glue sheet comprising a first section containing an adhesive for capturing insects and a second section along at least a periphery of the glue sheet to interact with the housing and to be located at least partially within the at least one recess to hold the glue sheet in place, the adhesive of the first section being positioned toward the gap; Wherein, the shell includes a first supporting portion and a second supporting portion, and the shell is positioned and supported on the mounting surface by the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion, and the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion are located at opposite ends of the raised portion of the shell.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the second section of the glue sheet is along one or more edges of the glue sheet, and the glue sheet further comprises a protective cover releasably attached to the first section and substantially covering both the first section and the second section.

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