Arthropod trapping device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates generally to an arthropod trapping device, and more particularly to a compact and portable trapping device comprising a housing and an insert.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an arthropod trap, and more particularly to a compact and portable trap including a housing and an insert. Background Art

[0002] Historically, various arthropod control devices have been used to trap arthropods, particularly insects. Such devices typically employ an attracting mechanism to attract arthropods to the device. Examples of attracting mechanisms include baits such as food, light, heat, pheromones, or other odorous substances found to be attractive to arthropods. Some arthropod control devices have historically included a securing mechanism to prevent arthropods from leaving the device. One type of securing mechanism employed is a substrate, such as a board, paper, or other medium, coated with an adhesive. Arthropods that are attracted to the device or that accidentally come into contact with the adhesive are trapped by adhesion.

[0003] Arthropod trapping devices that combine an adhesive for trapping insects with light are known. Arthropod traps with a large fluorescent tube that emits light, such as ultraviolet light, visible light, or both, and a glue sheet that traps insects are known. Such traps can effectively trap arthropods, but the light emitted by such traps may be too bright for some users. Such traps may also be too large to be installed in smaller spaces, are too conspicuous for some spaces within a family, such as a kitchen or bathroom, and are too expensive for providing a trap in each room in a house. In addition, it may be difficult to remove and replace the glue sheet in these traps without contacting the trapped insects and the adhesive. Smaller disposable arthropod traps are also known, which include LED lights and adhesives, have minimal footprint, and have an attractive design. However, such traps may not be as effective as, for example, larger traps with fluorescent tubes in trapping arthropods.

[0004] There is a need for an arthropod trap that effectively traps arthropods, is not overly bright, and has a compact, aesthetically pleasing design. There is also a need for a trap that can be maintained and handled without contacting the trapped insects or insect remains. The present disclosure addresses these needs by providing a device that includes a housing including a base and a shield coupled to the base, wherein the base includes a light source (e.g., an LED), and wherein the shield is configured to receive an insert including an at least partially reflective concave surface facing the light source, with an adhesive disposed on the surface. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure relates to an arthropod trapping device, which includes: a housing, the housing including a base and a mask connected to the base, the base and the mask defining an opening in the housing: a. the base is configured to communicate with a power source and receive power from the power source, wherein at least one LED is mounted on the base; b. the mask is configured to receive more than one insert, wherein the mask includes a front wall, a rear wall, and a first side wall and a second side wall located between the front wall and the rear wall, wherein at least one of the side walls, preferably both side walls, includes an opening, preferably a vertical opening. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a front right isometric view of an example arthropod trapping device according to the present disclosure without a cord and plug; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Top view of an arthropod trap; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Bottom view of the arthropod trap; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Front view of an arthropod trap; Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Right side view of the arthropod trap; Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Rear view of an arthropod trap; Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Left side view of an arthropod trap; Figure 8 is a rear left isometric view of an example insert for an arthropod trap according to the present disclosure; Figure 9 yes Figure 8 a front right isometric view of the insert shown in ; Figure 10 yes Figure 8 a right side view of the insert shown in; Figure 11 yes Figure 8 a left side view of the insert shown in; Figure 12 yes Figure 8 a rear view of the insert shown in ; Figure 13 yes Figure 8 A top view of the insert shown in ; Figure 14 yes Figure 8 a bottom view of the insert shown in ; Figure 15 is a front left isometric view of an example housing for an arthropod trapping device according to the present disclosure; Figure 16 Shown Figure 8 Two of the inserts shown in the figure are inserted into Figure 15 in the housing shown in .

[0007] Figure 17 Shown Figure 16 Left side view of an arthropod trap with the insert inserted into the housing.

[0008] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 A cross-sectional view along plane 18-18.

[0009] Figure 19a and Figure 19b is a bottom right isometric view of an example arthropod trap with a cord and plug according to the present disclosure. Figure 19b middle, Figure 19a The bottom panel of the device is shown removed to show the storage of the wires.

[0010] Figure 20 yes Figure 1 A front right side isometric view of the housing of the arthropod trap shown in , wherein the housing is bisected by a plane extending through vertical centerline 1-1 and vertical centerline 2-2 and a plane extending through vertical centerline 3-3 and vertical centerline 4-4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] In order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the devices and methods described herein, certain exemplary embodiments will now be described. For purposes of clarity and illustration, these devices and methods will be described with respect to arthropod trapping devices for indoor residential or commercial purposes.

[0012] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the devices and methods described herein can be adapted and modified as appropriate. The terms "arthropod trap," "device," "trapping device," and "trap" are used interchangeably. Arthropods include insects such as flies, mosquitoes, ants, dragonflies, and bees; arachnids such as spiders; and myriapods such as centipedes and millipedes.

[0013] The present disclosure provides arthropod trapping devices, methods of making arthropod trapping devices, and methods of using arthropod trapping devices. Various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles of function, design, and use of the arthropod trapping devices disclosed herein. One or more examples of these non-limiting embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. One or more persons skilled in the art will understand that the methods described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting examples, and the scope of the various non-limiting examples of the present disclosure is defined entirely by the claims. Features shown or described in conjunction with one non-limiting example may be combined with features of other non-limiting examples. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0014] Now see Figures 1 to 7 , shows an example arthropod trapping device 100 according to a non-limiting embodiment. Arthropod trapping device 100 may have a housing 123 including a base 102 and a shroud 122 coupled to base 102. Shroud 122 may be constructed from separate pieces, such as two pieces (122a, 122b). Alternatively, shroud 122 may have a unitary construction. Shroud 122 and base 102 may be separate pieces coupled together to form housing 123, or shroud 122 and base 102 may integrally form housing 123, and housing 123 may have a unitary construction. Housing 123 may be configured to receive an insert 150. The housing may be configured to receive more than one insert 150, preferably two or more inserts 150. Figure 16 Two inserts 150 are shown inserted into the housing 123. When the inserts 150 are seated within the housing 123, the inserts 150 can be mechanically engaged with the housing 123, such as, for example, by an interlocking feature or a friction fit. More specifically, the shroud can include at least one rail 300, preferably at least one pair of rails 300, and more preferably at least two pairs of rails 300, such as Figure 15 shown.

[0015] The guide rail 300 can help align and secure one or more inserts 150, such as Figure 16As shown. The guide rail 300 can help the user engage the insert 150 with the housing 123 and allow insertion in various orientations or angles. In other words, the user does not need to precisely align the insert with the trap housing in order to correctly and / or securely place the insert into the housing. The guide rail can have an expanded opening (not shown) at one end, wherein the expanded opening is wider and / or deeper than the rest of the guide rail. The expanded opening can facilitate placement or positioning of the insert into the guide rail. The length of the expanded opening can be about 1% to about 25% or about 5% to about 20% of the entire guide rail length. The length of the guide rail can be about 40 mm to about 150 mm, or about 50 mm to about 125 mm, or about 60 mm to about 100 mm. The length of the guide rail can be about 80 mm. The width and / or depth of the guide rail may further vary along the length of the guide rail, for example, the guide rail may have a reduced width and / or depth at one end (such as the end opposite the expanded opening (if present)) to facilitate a friction fit between the insert and the housing.

[0016] The shroud 122 may include a front wall 308, a rear wall 310, and opposing side walls 312, 314. Each side wall may be positioned between the front wall and the rear wall, such as Figures 3 to 7 As shown. The front wall 308, the rear wall 310, and the opposing side walls 312, 314 can be continuous. The front wall 308, the rear wall 310, and the opposing side walls 312, 314 can be discontinuous or segmented, for example, wherein one or more of the front wall 308, the rear wall 310, and the opposing side walls 312, 314, or a portion of one or more of the front wall 308, the rear wall 310, and the opposing side walls 312, 314 form separate pieces that are connected to each other. The shroud 122 can be substantially cylindrical in shape and include continuous or discontinuous walls. The shroud can be substantially cylindrical in shape and include the front wall 308, the rear wall 310, and the opposing side walls 312, 314, each of which is substantially curvilinear, such as Figures 1 to 7 As shown. The mask may include curvilinear walls that are substantially free of angles, sharp, non-rounded or non-rounded edges and are continuous. The mask 122 may be substantially cylindrical in shape and include discontinuous walls and one or more angles or non-rounded edges, for example, the mask may have a polygonal (e.g., hexagonal, octagonal) prism shape (not shown). The mask 122 may be substantially cylindrical in shape and have an elliptical cross-section - an elliptical or oval cylinder. In summary, it will be understood that the mask may be provided in a variety of shapes and sizes without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the mask 122 may be provided with one or more walls that are substantially cylindrical in shape compared to the Figures 1 to 7 As shown in , the one or more walls are more or less curvilinear in shape.

[0017] like Figure 1 and Figure 15As shown, the mask may have an outwardly facing surface 126 and an insert-facing surface 124. Figure 2 and Figure 15 As shown, the mask may include a front wall 308, a rear wall 310, and opposing side walls 312, 314, wherein the insert-facing surface 124a of the front wall 308 and the insert-facing surface 124b of the rear wall 308 are concave, while the outward-facing surface 126a of the front wall 308 and the outward-facing surface 126b of the rear wall 310 are convex. At least one of the opposing side walls 312, 314, preferably both side walls 312, 314, may include an opening 313, preferably a vertical opening 313, extending from about 30% to about 100% of the length of the side walls 312, 314. The vertical opening 313 may be symmetrical across the vertical centerline 1-1 and / or the vertical centerline 2-2, as shown. Figure 20 As shown in .

[0018] The insert 150 may include a grippable tab 168 located at the second end 138 of the insert 150. The insert 150 may include a mounting bracket 120 spaced from the light source-facing surface 130 of the insert 150 and located at the first end 136 of the insert 150, such that the light source-facing surface 130 of the insert 150 and the bracket 120 together define an opening 134 in the insert 150 (see FIG. Figure 14 ). The first end 136 of the insert 150 is the end proximal to the base 102 (when the insert 150 is inserted into the housing 123, as it is during use). The opposite side of the opening 134 can be tapered, grooved, or otherwise configured to facilitate proper alignment of the insert 150 as it is slid into the housing 123 by a user. Preferably, the surfaces of the mask 122 and the insert 150 do not have openings large enough to allow arthropods to enter the trap through the openings.

[0019] The base 102 and the cover 122 may define an opening 135 in the housing 123 (e.g., Figure 2 ). Arthropods can enter the device 100 through the opening 135 in the housing 123. Light can escape through the opening 135 in the housing 123 and attract the arthropods to the trap. 4. The arthropod trapping device may also include a bridge 315 that extends over the opening 135 in the housing and connects the first sidewall 312 to the second sidewall 314, preferably connecting the inner surfaces 124c, 124d of the first and second sidewalls 312, 314. The base 102 may include an electrical cord 112 having two ends—a first end that connects to the arthropod trapping device 100 and a second end that can be plugged into a suitable power source, such as a wall outlet. The second end that can be plugged into a suitable power source may include a plug 113 that includes one or more conductive prongs, such as a 3-prong electrical plug or a USB plug. Figure 19a and Figure 19b An example arthropod trap according to the present disclosure is shown having a cord and a plug. Figure 19b middle, Figure 19a The bottom plate 115 of the device is shown removed to show the storage of the wires 112. In other configurations, such as Figure 16 to Figure 1 9, the arthropod trapping device 100 can draw power from an onboard battery 117. The arthropod trapping device can also draw power from other types of power sources, such as solar energy. The arthropod trapping device can optionally have a power button 119, such as Figure 16 to Figure 1 9).

[0020] The arthropod trap device 100 can utilize a variety of attractants to attract insects to the device, such as heat, light, chemical attractants, and the like, some of which may require a power source to operate. Thus, a power source can be used to energize various onboard components, such as an electric heating element (not shown), a light source 114 such as an LED, and / or other components that can be used to attract insects to the arthropod trap device 100. Examples of suitable chemical attractants include water, water vapor, sugar, sugar solution, molasses, honey, yeast, insect attractant fragrances, pheromones, and combinations thereof. Additional examples of chemical attractants include sorbitol; coleopteran attractants including beetle sex pheromone, dominicalure, southern pine beetle attractant, cotton weevil sex attractant, cypermethrinol, cypermethrinol, japonilure, trimethyldioxytricyclononane, megatomoic acid, multistriatin, oryctalure, cypermethrinol, and trunc-call; dipteran attractants including ceralure, cypermethrin, latilure, mog The insect traps may also contain insect attractants such as uchun, enteleph, and Mediterranean fruit fly attractant; homopteran attractants, including red scale attractant; lepidopteran attractants, such as female gypsy moth attractant; linear lepidopteran pheromones, including codlelure, pink bollworm attractant, linalool, litlure, cabbage looper attractant, pear borer pheromone, and ostramone; organic acids, including lactic acid and malic acid; and other insect attractants, such as eugenol, methyl eugenol, and Mediterranean fruit fly attractant, or other substances that provide an odor that further enhances the insect-attracting effect of the insect trap. The chemical attractant may be fruit or fruit pieces, such as bananas. Alternatively, a combination of live yeast, sugar, and water, which produces carbon dioxide that attracts mosquitoes, may be used.

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG, the mask 122 may have an outwardly facing surface 126 and an insert-facing surface 124, and the mask may be configured to receive an insert 150, such as Figure 8As shown, the insert includes a mask-facing surface 128 and a light source-facing surface 130, wherein an adhesive 152 for immobilizing the arthropod is disposed on the light source-facing surface 130 of the insert 150. The mask 122 may include one or more pairs of opposing rails 300 extending at least partially along the insert-facing surfaces 124a, 124b of the mask 122, as shown. Figure 15 As shown. The guide rails can be integral to the mask. The guide rails can be formed (at least partially) around the perimeter of a vertical opening on the insert-facing surfaces 124a, 124b or the inner surface of the mask. For example, when the insert 150 is slid into the mask 122, the guide rails 300 can maintain the relative placement of the insert 150 via a friction fit. Other techniques can be used to mechanically engage the insert 150 with the mask 122.

[0022] The mask 122 and / or the insert may be opaque. The mask 122 and / or the insert may have opaque areas. The opacity of the mask and the insert may be measured according to ASTM D1746-15. The mask may have a regular transmittance (RT) of less than about 10%, or less than about 5%, or less than about 2%, or less than about 1%, or less than about 0.5%. T r The insert may have a regular transmittance of less than about 90%, or less than about 75%, or less than about 50%, or less than about 30%, or less than about 20%, or less than about 10%, or less than about 5%, or less than about 2%, or less than about 1%, or less than about 0.5%. T r ). A mask or insert may have a greater regular transmittance in one area than in another area ( T r The mask or insert may be colored. The mask and / or insert may conceal trapped arthropods and debris. The opacity of the mask and / or insert may also reduce the brightness of the trap compared to the rest of the room in which the trap is used during use.

[0023] Figures 8 to 14An insert 150 is shown. As described in more detail below, an adhesive 152 for securing the arthropod in contact may be provided on the surface of the insert 150. The insert 150 may include a frame 166 and a substrate 151 attached to the frame 166 or otherwise formed therewith. The adhesive 152 for securing the arthropod may be provided on the surface of the substrate 151, preferably on the surface 130 of the insert facing the light source. The adhesive 152 secures the arthropod that falls on the surface 130 of the insert facing the light source and contacts the adhesive 152. The adhesive 152 may be coated on the substrate 151 or otherwise applied to the substrate or incorporated into or on the substrate. The adhesive 152 may be provided on both the surface 128 of the insert 150 facing the mask and the surface 130 facing the light source. In such a configuration, there is preferably space between the mask-facing surface 128 of the insert 150 and the insert-facing surface 124 of the mask 122, and arthropods can land on the mask-facing surface 128 of the insert 150, the light source-facing surface 130 of the insert 150, or both. The insert may include at least one flange 304 configured to slide into at least one guide rail 300 of the mask 122. The at least one flange may be wider at one end 306, wherein the wider end of the flange 306 may align with the expanded opening of the guide rail (if present) when the insert is inserted into the mask.

[0024] Adhesive 152 may be selected from the group consisting of acrylic polymer adhesives, butyl rubber adhesives, natural rubber adhesives, nitrile adhesives, silicone adhesives, styrene block copolymer adhesives, styrene-ethylene / propylene adhesives, styrene-isoprene-styrene adhesives, vinyl ether adhesives, and mixtures thereof. The adhesive may optionally be a pressure-sensitive adhesive. Substrate 151 may be provided in a variety of forms, such as films, woven or non-woven materials (including paper). Substrate 151 may be in the form of a film comprising one or more polymers such as polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or polypropylene. Substrate 151 may include one or more layers. Typically, the thickness of substrate 151 (with or without adhesive 152 disposed thereon) may range from about 0.01 mm to about 5 mm. The thickness of substrate 151 (with or without adhesive 152 disposed thereon) may range from about 0.05 mm to about 1.0 mm. The adhesive surface area (the area of the surface of the device or insert on which the adhesive 152 is disposed, see, for example, FIG. 30 ) may be approximately 25 cm 2 to about 200cm 2 , or about 50cm 2 to about 175cm 2 , or about 75cm 2 to about 150cm2 or about 100cm 2 to about 145cm 2 .

[0025] Adhesive 152 may be opaque, transparent, or translucent. Substrate 151 may be opaque, transparent, or translucent. Substrate 151 (with or without adhesive disposed thereon) may have a regular transmittance (RT) of less than about 90%, or less than about 75%, or less than about 50%, or less than about 30%, or less than about 20%, or less than about 10%, or less than about 5%, or less than about 2%, or less than about 1%, or less than about 0.5%. T r Preferably, both the adhesive 152 and the substrate 151 are transparent or translucent. The substrate 151 on which the adhesive 152 is disposed may have a regular transmittance ( T r ). More specifically, substrate 151 may transmit greater than approximately 50%, greater than approximately 60%, greater than approximately 70%, or greater than approximately 80% of ultraviolet light. Substrate 151 may transmit greater than approximately 50%, greater than approximately 70%, or greater than approximately 90% of blue light. Adhesive 152 may transmit less than approximately 60%, less than approximately 50%, or less than approximately 40% of ultraviolet light. Adhesive 152 may transmit greater than approximately 50%, greater than approximately 70%, or greater than approximately 90% of blue light. Substrate 151 with adhesive 152 disposed thereon may transmit less than approximately 50%, less than approximately 40%, or less than approximately 30% of ultraviolet light. Substrate 151 with adhesive 152 disposed thereon may transmit greater than approximately 50%, greater than approximately 70%, or greater than approximately 90% of blue light.

[0026] The transparent or translucent substrate 151 having the transparent or translucent adhesive 152 disposed thereon allows for observation of trapped arthropods through the substrate without completely removing the insert 150 from the housing 123 and / or without directly inspecting the adhesive surface of the insert. Thus, the user does not need to completely remove the insert from the housing and rotate it in order to observe the trapped arthropods and / or determine whether the insert should be disposed of and replaced with a new one. A removable liner (not shown) may be applied to the adhesive 152 to cover and protect it prior to use. The user can peel off the removable liner to expose the adhesive 152 immediately before inserting the insert 150 into the mask 122.

[0027] Although the insert 150 is shown as including a frame 166 around the entire perimeter of the insert 150, the present disclosure is not limited in this regard. For example, the frame 166 may extend only partially around the perimeter of the insert 150. For example, the frame 166 may extend along a portion other than the first end 136 of the insert 150. In other configurations, the insert 150 may be frameless, wherein the adhesive portion 152 is applied to at least a central portion of the substrate 151, wherein the substrate 151 provides sufficient structural rigidity. In addition, the insert 150 and / or the substrate 151 may be concave-convex (wherein one surface of the substrate is concave and the opposing surface of the substrate is convex) or have other suitable configurations, such as, for example, planar or corrugated. The opposing edges of the frame 166 may be connected, for example, as Figures 8 to 14 As shown, to provide additional structural support and rigidity to the insert 150.

[0028] In addition, Figures 8 to 14 As shown, the insert 150 can include a downwardly depending tab 164. The downwardly depending tab 164 can be positioned on the first end 136 of the insert 150. The downwardly depending tab 164 can extend downwardly from the mounting bracket 120. As described above, the mounting bracket 120 can be spaced apart from the light source-facing surface 130 of the insert 150 such that the light source-facing surface 130 of the insert 150 and the bracket 120 together define the opening 134 in the insert 150. The maximum distance between the light source-facing surface 130 of the insert 150 and the bracket 120, measured at the vertical centerline 5-5 of the insert 150, can be from about 5 mm to about 50 mm, or from about 10 mm to about 40 mm, or from about 10 mm to about 35 mm.

[0029] The downwardly depending tab 164 may be positioned such that the vertical centerline 7-7 of the downwardly depending tab 164 is horizontally offset from the vertical centerline 5-5 of the insert 150, as shown. Figure 8As shown. Horizontally offsetting the downwardly depending tab 164 can be used to help properly align the insert 150 with the base 102 of the device. As shown, because the tab 164 is horizontally offset, the vertical centerline 5-5 of the insert does not overlap with any portion of the tab 164. In this regard, the first side edge 163 and the second side edge 165 of the tab 164 are each horizontally offset from the vertical centerline 5-5 of the insert 150. The second side edge 165 can be horizontally offset further away from the vertical centerline 5-5 than the first side edge 163. Furthermore, because the first side edge 163 and the second side edge 165 are offset in the same horizontal direction, both the first side edge 163 and the second side edge 165 of the tab 164 can be positioned on the same horizontal side of the insert 150. The vertical centerline 7-7 of the downwardly depending tab 164 may be horizontally offset from the vertical centerline 5-5 of the insert 150 by about 5 mm to about 25 mm, or about 8 mm to about 20 mm, or about 10 mm to about 15 mm.

[0030] When each insert 150 is inserted into housing 123, the base 102 of the device can receive each insert's downwardly depending tab 164. The base can include a switch (not shown) that can be used to operate one or more of the insect attractants (e.g., light source 114, etc.), such that such insect attractants are energized only when one or more of the inserts 150 are engaged with base 102. Thus, when one or more inserts 150 are removed from base 102, the switch is deactivated and no longer energizes the insect attractants. More specifically, inserts 150 can only be fully seated into base 102 when they are facing the proper orientation, allowing downwardly depending tab 164 to be received in slot 101 in base 102. Furthermore, downwardly depending tab 164 can help ensure that insert 150 is properly inserted into base 102. The downwardly depending tab 164 may also serve as a convenient gripping point for the user during insertion or removal of the insert 150. The downwardly depending tab 164 may have any suitable configuration or shape.

[0031] The downwardly depending tab 164 may have a maximum width (W T ), which is less than 75% of the width of the mounting bracket 120 of the insert 150, or less than 50% of the width of the mounting bracket 120 of the insert 150, or less than 25% of the width of the mounting bracket 120 of the insert 150, or less than 10% of the width of the mounting bracket 120 of the insert 150. The maximum width (W T ) can be from about 5 mm to about 20 mm, or from about 8 mm to about 15 mm, or from about 10 mm to about 13 mm. The length (L) of the downwardly depending tab 164 T) can be from about 5 mm to about 40 mm, or from about 10 mm to about 30 mm, or from about 15 mm to about 25 mm. The downwardly depending tab 164 can be substantially planar. The tab 164 can have a first side edge 163 on one side and a second side edge 165 on the other side. Depending on the configuration of the tab 164, the first side edge 163 and the second side edge 165 can converge at a closest point 170 of the tab 164. It should be understood that a variety of tab configurations can be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the size, position, and structure of the tab can vary.

[0032] The insert 150 may include a grippable tab 168. Figure 11 As shown, a grip tab 168 may be positioned on the second end 138 of the insert 150. The grip tab 168 may extend away from the frame 166. The grip tab 168 may be integral with the frame. The grip tab 168 may serve as a convenient gripping point for the user during insertion or removal of the insert 150. The grip tab 168 may be substantially free of adhesive to allow the user to grip the insert 150 without contacting the adhesive 152. The grip tab 168 may be positioned equidistant from the side edges of the frame 166 along the vertical centerline 5-5 of the insert 150. Alternatively, the grip tab 168 may not be positioned along the vertical centerline 5-5 of the insert 150 and may not be equidistant from the side edges of the frame 166. The grip tab 168 may help ensure that the insert 150 is properly inserted into the housing 123. The mask 122 may have one or more recessed portions 125 to accommodate the gripping tabs 168. The recessed portions 125 may allow the gripping tabs 168 to be visible when a user is viewing the outwardly facing surface 126 of the mask 122. The mask 122 may be designed to hide or obscure the insert 150 from view, while the recessed portions 125 allow the gripping tabs 168 to be visible. Thus, the gripping tabs 168 may indicate to the user where and how to grip the insert 150. The gripping tabs 168 may have any suitable configuration or shape. The size of the gripping tabs 168 may be selected to optimize the grip of the insert 150, thereby making it easier for the user to grip the insert 150 by the gripping tabs 168. The gripping tabs 168 may have a gripping area of approximately 50 mm. 2 to about 500mm 2 , or about 100mm 2 to about 400mm 2 , or about 110mm 2 to about 300mm 2 , or about 120mm 2 to about 200mm 2 , or about 130mm 2 to about 150mm 2 surface area.

[0033] Insert 150 may include a reservoir (not shown) for storing an insect attractant composition. The insect attractant composition can be provided in a variety of forms, including gas, liquid, solid, and combinations thereof. Solid compositions also include semi-solid compositions, such as gels, which include one or more liquids and one or more gelling agents. The reservoir may also be used to capture fallen insects, such as insects that were initially secured by adhesive 152 but are no longer adequately retained by adhesive 152 after drying and becoming brittle. The reservoir may have a volume between about 1 cm and about 10 cm. 3 with 60cm 3 The volume between the reservoir and the frame. The reservoir can be made in one piece and then attached to the frame. Alternatively, the reservoir can be formed integrally with the frame from the same material, such as by injection molding or thermoforming. The reservoir can be positioned so as not to reduce the surface area of the adhesive 152. Alternatively, the insert 150 may not include a reservoir.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, at least one LED 114, which serves as an arthropod attractant, may be mounted on the base 102 of the device. The type of light source and the peak wavelength of light emitted from the light source can be selected to attract specific arthropods, as different arthropods are attracted to different types of light sources and / or light with different peak wavelengths. The light source 114 is preferably a light emitting diode (LED), which is a form of solid-state lighting, as shown. The arthropod trapping device may include at least one light source 114, preferably at least one LED, or from about two to about twenty light sources 114, preferably LEDs, or from about two to about ten light sources 114, preferably LEDs.

[0035] The LEDs may be mounted using any suitable attachment technology, such as through-hole technology. One or more of the LEDs may utilize surface mount technology (SMT), such that the LEDs are surface mount devices (SMDs). The LEDs may be of any shape, preferably, the LEDs are tapered. Each of the LEDs may have a diameter between about 0.5 mm and about 10 mm. Additionally, each of the LEDs may have a diameter of 0.5 mm. 2 and about 100mm 2 Some examples of LEDs include semiconductor light emitting diodes, polymer light emitting diodes, and organic light emitting diodes. The trapping device may include two or more LEDs, wherein at least one LED is configured to emit light directly or indirectly toward a light source-facing surface 130 of an insert inserted into the housing, and at least one LED is configured to emit light through a vertical opening 313 in one of the opposing side walls 312, 314.

[0036] Other light sources that may be used include, but are not limited to, incandescent or filament lamps, fluorescent lamps, halogen lamps, xenon lamps, or other light sources known in the art. The light may or may not have a filter to adjust the peak wavelength of its output. Furthermore, as used herein, light source 114 is a light-generating component or element of a lighting technology used as an insect attractant. In this regard, light source 114 may be any of a diode, a filament, an energized gas, and the like. Light source 114 does not include wiring, connectors, a base, lenses, or other components that may be associated with a light-generating component or element.

[0037] The arthropod trapping device may include at least one LED 114 having a peak wavelength of about 350 nm to about 500 nm, or about 400 nm to about 500 nm, or about 350 nm to about 400 nm. The arthropod trapping device may include at least one LED 114 having a peak wavelength of about 350 nm to about 400 nm and at least one LED 114 having a peak wavelength of about 400 nm to about 500 nm. The LED having a peak wavelength of about 400 nm to about 500 nm may, for example, emit light toward the insert-facing side 124 of the mask 122 and / or the light-source-facing side 130 of the insert 150 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the insert-facing side 124 of the mask 122 and / or the light-source-facing side 130 of the insert 150. Figure 1 As shown, an LED 114 a having a peak wavelength of about 350 nm to about 400 nm may be positioned to emit light through a vertical opening 313 in one of the opposing side walls 312 , 314 of the mask 122 .

[0038] Ultraviolet light (peak wavelengths ranging from about 100 nm to about 400 nm) and visible light (peak wavelengths ranging from about 400 nm to about 700 nm), particularly blue light, are effective in attracting arthropods. High-intensity blue light may be optimal for attracting arthropods, but such light may be too bright for use in a user's home. High-intensity ultraviolet light can also attract arthropods, but the intensity of the ultraviolet light is preferably adjusted for home use.

[0039] Without being bound by theory, the arthropod traps of the present disclosure are designed to effectively balance both blue light intensity and ultraviolet light intensity to increase trapping performance while providing a trap suitable for use in a user's home. It is also believed that emitting light of a selected peak wavelength in a selected direction relative to the mask can optimize trapping performance. For example, Figure 1As shown, LEDs 114b having a peak wavelength of about 400 nm to about 500 nm can be positioned (on base 102) to emit light in a direction substantially perpendicular to mask 122 or insert 150, toward insert-facing side 124 of mask 122 and / or light source-facing side 130 of insert 150, wherein some of the light can be reflected by the mask and / or insert. Thus, when arthropods approach the trap, light 114b having a peak wavelength of about 400 nm to about 500 nm is emitted toward LED-facing surface 130 of insert 150 and attracts the arthropods to adhesive 152 disposed on LED-facing surface 130 of insert 150. Additionally, in use, when the arthropod trap device is connected to a power source and when two or more inserts are inserted into the device's housing, each insert can also reflect light onto an opposing insert, which is believed to further attract flying arthropods toward adhesive surface 152 of insert 150. It should be understood that Figure 1 The LED arrangement shown in FIG is an example, and the number, type, and position of the LEDs may be modified. In addition, reflectors and / or lenses may be used to shape the light pattern. In addition, the intensity of the light may be adjusted by adjusting the directionality of the light and / or by adjusting the reflectivity of the mask and / or insert (thereby adjusting the level of direct versus indirect lighting).

[0040] The base 102 may include one or more slots 101. The slots 101 may be narrow slit openings. The slots 101 are sized to allow downwardly depending tabs 164 on the insert 150 to pass therethrough during insertion of the insert 150 into the base 102. To provide proper alignment with the tabs 164, the slots 101 are horizontally offset from a vertical centerline (not shown) of the base 102. The position of the slots 101 ensures that when the insert 150 is properly aligned in the slots 101, the first end 136 of the insert 150 can be fully inserted into the base 102. Figure 20 As shown, plane 400 can divide or bisect the front wall 308 and / or the back wall 310 of the mask into two horizontal sides. For a symmetrical mask, plane 400 can divide or bisect the front wall 308 and / or the back wall 310 of the mask into two symmetrical horizontal halves.

[0041] The arthropod trapping device may include a mask, a base, and no insert, wherein the adhesive is disposed directly on the mask. Thus, the mask can be removably attached to the base, and after use, the entire mask can be removed and disposed of by the user. A new mask can then be secured to the base, and operation of the arthropod trapping device can be resumed. The mask can otherwise be similar to a mask configured to receive an insert, as described above.

[0042] Arthropod trapping devices according to the present disclosure utilize electricity for operation. As described above, exemplary arthropod trapping devices can be plugged into a wall outlet, allowing various onboard attractants, such as a light source and / or other forms of energizable attractants, to be energized. Such arthropod trapping devices may also include various liquids, gels, or other components for attracting insects to the arthropod trapping device. Because users will periodically interact with the device, such as replacing used inserts, it is extremely important to provide an insect trap that is safe and easy to operate. For example, with respect to the various onboard electrical components, when a user interacts with the device, such as when a user removes a used insert, it is desirable that such electrical components be de-energized so that they can be replaced with a new insert. It is also desirable that such electrical components be energized only when the insert is correctly inserted into the base. For example, providing power to a light source only when the insert is correctly inserted provides useful operational feedback to the user. Furthermore, it is desirable to automatically de-energize the onboard electrical components upon removal of the insert, providing ease of use and safe operation. While providing the safety benefits discussed above, it may also be advantageous to provide structural features on the insert and base to ensure that the user inserts the insert into the base in the correct orientation.

[0043] According to various arthropod trapping devices described herein, a circuit board is positioned within a base (not shown). Typically, the circuit board receives power from a power source (e.g., a wall outlet) and distributes the power to the onboard components. The circuit board can be mounted vertically within the base. Vertical positioning of the circuit board facilitates a compact base. Various electrical components can be coupled to and extend away from the circuit board. The circuit board, or a collection of circuit boards, can include various component parts, such as, but not limited to, voltage control circuits, capacitors, integrated circuits, resistors, and the like. The circuit board can also include a switch that controls the supply of power to onboard attractants, such as heating elements and light sources. For example, when the switch is in a first (open) position, some or all of the onboard electrical attractants are de-energized. When the switch is in a second (closed) position, all of the onboard attractants are energized. Due to the vertical arrangement of the circuit board, the switch can also be oriented vertically. The placement options for large components on the circuit board can be determined, at least in part, by the size constraints of the base's internal cavity, balanced with the desire to provide a compact base. Thus, large components can be centrally located on the circuit board, while other, smaller-profile components, such as the switch, are horizontally spaced away from the center of the circuit board. In this way, large components can be positioned so as not to interfere with the mounting posts, the curvature of the base, etc., yet the overall form factor of the base can remain generally compact.

[0044] The base may include an opening to provide access to a switch mounted within the base. To accommodate access to the switch, the opening may be a slot positioned vertically above the switch. The slot may be sized to allow a slender, substantially planar, downwardly depending tab of the insert to pass through the slot and into the cavity of the base, where the tab engages and closes a switch that may be coupled to a circuit board. The switch may be oriented vertically so that the slender tab slidably engages a lever or other type of actuator of the switch to close the switch. Closing the switch energizes various components of the base, such as a light source. The base may also include one or more vertical guides (not shown) positioned proximate to the switch so that when the tab passes through the slot, the guides bias the tab toward the switch. The guides in the base may be configured to bias the tab against the switch, as the tab would otherwise flex outward due to its thin and slender configuration. When the tab is fully inserted, it may be positioned between the switch and the guides. The guide rails may be positioned and configured to ensure that the tabs adequately engage the switch despite their relatively thin profile and flexibility.

[0045] However, the narrow dimensions of the slot advantageously limit the ability of other foreign objects to pass through the slot. As provided above, the switch can be horizontally spaced from the center of the circuit board. Therefore, the slot can also be horizontally offset from the vertical centerline of the base. The substantially planar tab can be horizontally offset from the vertical centerline of the insert so that when the user inserts the insert into the base, the tab aligns with the slot and the switch.

[0046] Methods of using arthropod traps

[0047] The arthropod trapping device described herein can be used to trap or capture arthropods, preferably insects, more preferably flies. The present disclosure relates to a method for trapping arthropods in an arthropod trapping device, the method comprising the steps of: inserting one or more, preferably two or more, inserts having an adhesive disposed thereon into a housing of the arthropod trapping device, wherein the housing comprises a base having at least one LED mounted thereon and a shield coupled to the base; and connecting the arthropod trapping device to a power source, wherein the arthropod trapping device may comprise an electrical cord and a plug comprising one or more conductive prongs that can be inserted into an electrical outlet to connect the device to the power source. Alternatively, the device may be powered by a non-rechargeable or rechargeable battery. Alternatively, the device may be turned on by pressing a button on the device. The method may further comprise the steps of: removing one or more of the inserts from the housing and disposing of the inserts, preferably without contacting the adhesive or arthropod debris adhered thereto, whereby removing the one or more inserts from the housing deactivates a switch in the base to de-energize the LED.

[0048] These steps can be performed in any order. The arthropod trap can be used in any room in the home, including the kitchen, garage, screened-in hallway, or bathroom. The arthropod trap can also be used in other buildings, including commercial buildings and businesses, such as detached garages, barns, and the like.

[0049] In an alternative configuration of the arthropod trapping device, one or more inserts may be planar and the mask may be substantially cylindrical, with at least one concave insert-facing surface configured to receive the insert. The planar insert is preferably flexible. In use, the user may flex, bend or deflect the planar insert when inserting it into the mask. As described above, the mask may include relative guides extending at least partially along the insert-facing surface of the mask. The planar insert may be held in place by the guides. Optionally, the insert may at least partially conform to the shape of the mask, for example, the insert may at least partially conform to the concave insert-facing surface of the mask.

[0050] In this regard, the present disclosure also relates to a method for trapping arthropods in an arthropod trapping device, the method comprising the steps of: inserting a planar insert having an adhesive disposed thereon into a housing of the arthropod trapping device, wherein the housing comprises a base having at least one LED mounted thereon and a substantially cylindrical shield coupled to the base; and engaging the base with a power source, wherein the device may comprise an electrical cord and a plug comprising one or more conductive prongs that can be inserted into an electrical outlet to connect the device to the power source. Alternatively, the device may be powered by a non-rechargeable or rechargeable battery. Alternatively, the device may be activated by depressing a button on the device. Inserting the planar insert may comprise flexing, bending, or deflecting the planar insert. The planar insert may optionally include a downwardly depending tab integrally formed with the insert. Alternatively, the planar insert and the tab, i.e., an activation tab, may be provided as two separate pieces, and the method may further comprise inserting the activation tab into a slot in the base to activate a switch in the base and energize the LED. The method may further comprise the steps of removing the insert from the housing and disposing of the insert, preferably without contacting the adhesive or arthropod debris adhered thereto, and removing the activation tab from the base to deactivate the switch in the base and de-energize the LED.

[0051] The present disclosure also relates to a feeding system or feeding kit for an arthropod trapping device, the feeding system comprising a planar insert having an adhesive disposed thereon and an activation tab, wherein the planar insert is configured for insertion into a housing of the arthropod trapping device, wherein the housing comprises a base having at least one LED mounted thereon and a shield coupled to the base, and the activation tab is configured for insertion into a slot in the base, wherein inserting the activation tab into the base activates a switch in the base to energize the LED. The device may comprise a cord and a plug comprising one or more conductive prongs that can be inserted into an electrical outlet. Alternatively, the base may be powered by a non-rechargeable or rechargeable battery.

[0052] The dimensions and values disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range encompassing that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "approximately 40 mm."

[0053] Unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited, each document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patent or patent application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or the benefit of, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art to any of the present inventions disclosed or claimed herein, or an admission that it, by itself or in combination with any one or more references, proposes, suggests, or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

[0054] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended that all such changes and modifications within the scope of the invention be encompassed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An arthropod trapping device, comprising: a. A housing comprising a base and a shroud coupled to the base, the base and the shroud defining an opening in the housing; i. The base is configured to communicate with a power source and receive power from the power source, wherein at least one LED is mounted on the base; ii. The mask is configured to receive more than one insert, wherein the mask includes a front wall, a back wall, and first and second side walls located between the front and back walls, wherein at least one of the side walls includes an opening.

2. The arthropod trapping device of claim 1, wherein the front wall of the mask is configured to receive an insert.

3. The arthropod trapping device of claim 1 , wherein the rear wall of the mask is configured to receive an insert.

4. The arthropod trapping device of claim 1 , wherein the device further comprises a bridge member extending above the opening of the housing and connecting the inner surfaces of the first side wall and the second side wall, wherein the opening in the side wall is a vertical opening and is aligned with the bridge member.

5. The arthropod trapping device according to claim 1, wherein the front wall, the rear wall, the first side wall and the second side wall are continuous and form a substantially cylindrical shape or a polygonal prism shape.

6. The arthropod trapping device of claim 1, wherein the cover is substantially symmetrical about a plane vertically bisecting the first side wall and the second side wall.

7. The arthropod trapping device of claim 1, wherein the cover is substantially symmetrical about a plane vertically bisecting the front wall and the rear wall.

8. The arthropod trapping device of claim 1 , wherein the cover comprises one or more rails.

9. The arthropod trapping device of claim 8, wherein the cover comprises two pairs of guide rails, a first pair of guide rails being disposed on the inner surface of the front wall, and a second pair of guide rails being disposed on the inner surface of the rear wall.

10. The arthropod trapping device of claim 1 , wherein the device further comprises one or more inserts, each insert comprising a surface facing the mask and a surface facing the LED, wherein an adhesive for trapping the arthropod is disposed on the surface facing the LED, and wherein the at least one LED is configured to emit light toward the surface facing the LED of the insert.

11. The arthropod trapping device of claim 10, wherein each insert comprises one or more flanges configured to slide into the one or more guide rails of the mask.

12. The arthropod trapping device of claim 10, wherein each insert comprises a substrate and a frame for supporting the substrate, wherein the surface of the substrate facing the LED has the adhesive disposed thereon.

13. The arthropod trapping device of claim 10, wherein each insert comprises a downwardly depending tab extending from a first end of the frame, wherein the base of the device comprises one or more slots configured to receive the downwardly depending tab.

14. An arthropod trapping device according to claim 13, wherein each insert includes a mounting bracket spaced apart from the LED-facing surface of the insert and located at the first end of the frame, wherein the LED-facing surface of the insert and the bracket define an opening in the insert.

15. The arthropod trap of claim 1, wherein at least one LED has a peak wavelength of 400 nm to 600 nm.

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