Live trap

Abstract

Live trap (100), with a housing (110) with an inlet opening (111), and a catch structure (101) with a trapdoor unit (160) for closing the inlet opening (111) and a trigger mechanism (120) for the trapdoor unit (160), wherein the trigger mechanism (120) cooperates with a bait plate (130), wherein the trapdoor unit (160) comprises a trapdoor (162) and a trapdoor holder (161) coupled to the trapdoor (160), wherein the trigger mechanism (120) cooperates with the trapdoor holder (161) of the trapdoor unit (160) and holds the trapdoor (162) in a first operating position in which the inlet opening (111) remains free, wherein upon triggering of the bait plate (130), the bait plate (130) performs a tilting or rotating movement and the triggering mechanism (120) releases the trapdoor holder (161) and the trapdoor (162) moves into a second operating position in which the trapdoor (162) closes the inlet opening (111), wherein the inlet opening (111) and the trigger mechanism (120) in the housing (110) are provided at a different height in the housing (110).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a live capture trap for medium-sized wild animals, such as martens or raccoons.

[0002] Live traps (also called live capture traps) are designed to capture animals unharmed so they can then either be relocated or subjected to further treatment in accordance with animal welfare standards. The most common designs are box traps or tube traps. These are usually made of sturdy metal mesh or galvanized sheet steel and have one or two trapdoors that are activated by a trigger mechanism when the animal enters the capture area. The trapdoors and trigger mechanism are located on the same level. The animals are lured into the trap by an attractant or bait (e.g., eggs, fruit, fish). The trigger mechanism can be mechanically controlled (pressure plate, footplate, wire trigger) or electronically. The trapdoors close quickly as soon as the animal triggers the mechanism, preventing escape.

[0003] Modern traps can also be equipped with monitoring systems such as GSM modules, which send a message to the operator when triggered, ensuring rapid monitoring. This is particularly advantageous from an animal welfare perspective, as captured animals are not allowed to remain in the trap for extended periods.

[0004] In Germany, the use of traps for hunting or capturing wild animals is strictly regulated. The essential legal basis is derived from the Federal Hunting Act (BJagdG), the respective state hunting laws, and the Animal Welfare Act (TierSchG). Accordingly, only approved trapping devices that comply with animal welfare regulations may be used. Lethal traps for medium-sized wild animals are prohibited in many federal states or are only permitted under very restrictive conditions. Live traps must be checked regularly.

[0005] Furthermore, trapping is only permitted by persons with a valid hunting license or with official permission. In certain cases, such as in residential areas, the consent of the property owner and approval from the local hunting or nature conservation authority may also be required.

[0006] The live trap should also make it possible to effectively prevent the unintentional bycatch of smaller non-target species such as house rats, mice or domestic cats.

[0007] Especially in an urban area, i.e. areas populated by humans, raccoons and / or stone martens can live because the raccoons and stone martens find sufficient food in residential areas.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a live capture trap for medium-sized wild animals such as martens or raccoons, which enables a humane, effective and controlled capture for the animal.

[0009] The aim of the invention is to create a live trap that is as inconspicuous as possible, which does not attract much attention from people, especially in urban areas, and which is also inexpensive to manufacture, preferably consisting of a housing that already had another use.

[0010] This object is achieved by a live trap according to claim 1.

[0011] The live trap comprises a housing with an entry opening and a trap structure with a trapdoor unit for closing the entry opening and a trigger mechanism for the trapdoor unit. The trigger mechanism comprises a trigger rod, a bait plate rotatably connected to the trigger rod, and a trigger rotatably connected to the trigger rod. The trigger interacts with a trapdoor holder of the trapdoor unit and holds the trapdoor in a first operating position in which the entry opening remains clear. When the bait plate is triggered, the bait plate performs a tilting movement and the trigger rod and trigger rotate, releasing the trapdoor holder and causing the trapdoor to fall downwards into a second operating position in which the trapdoor closes the entry opening.

[0012] According to one example, the entrance opening and the trigger mechanism are located at different heights within the enclosure. This is advantageous because it can reduce unwanted bycatch. Not all animals succeed in triggering the trigger mechanism.

[0013] Optionally, the trapdoor unit has a pivoting latch for locking the trapdoor in the second operating position.

[0014] According to one example, the trigger rod has a first and a second rod end. The first rod end is rotatably mounted on or within the housing. The second rod end is rotatably mounted in or on the trapdoor unit.

[0015] According to one example, the trigger includes a plate having a first and a second end. The first end of the plate is non-rotatably attached to the trigger rod, and a pin is attached to the second end of the plate.

[0016] According to one example, the trapdoor unit further comprises a first and a second trapdoor panel. The trapdoor is arranged between the first and second trapdoor panels. The first trapdoor panel has a slot for the trapdoor holder.

[0017] According to one example, the housing is designed as a garbage can or a garbage container.

[0018] The invention also relates to a trap construction for a live-catch trap, comprising a trapdoor unit for closing an entry opening of the live-catch trap and a trigger mechanism for the trapdoor unit. The trapdoor unit comprises a trapdoor and a trapdoor holder coupled to the trapdoor. The trigger mechanism comprises a trigger rod, a bait plate connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the trigger rod, and a trigger connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the trigger rod. The trigger interacts with the trapdoor holder of the trapdoor unit and holds the trapdoor in a first operating position in which the entry opening remains clear. When the bait plate is triggered, the bait plate performs a tilting movement, and the trigger rod and trigger rotate, releasing the trapdoor holder and causing the trapdoor to fall downward into a second operating position in which the trapdoor closes the entry opening.

[0019] The housing may have a lockable lid.

[0020] The opening of the enclosure, which is closed by the lid, can be covered by a mesh. This is advantageous because it prevents a trapped animal from escaping when the lid is opened.

[0021] The enclosure can have at least two wheels, which makes transport much easier. This means that the trapped animal does not have to be removed on site. Instead, the animal can be transported away along with the enclosure. The animal can then be released.

[0022] Optionally, the enclosure can have circulation holes to ensure that the trapped animal gets sufficient air.

[0023] Optionally, the bottom of the housing can be reinforced, for example, with a plate.

[0024] The width of the enclosure is greater than the sum of the width of the bait plate and the width of the entry plate. Since the entry plate, together with the trapdoor unit, is located at one end or wall of the enclosure and the bait plate is located at the opposite end or wall, the entry plate and bait plate do not overlap. Rather, there is a horizontal distance between the bait plate and the entry plate. This can reduce bycatch because the distance can be chosen so that only medium-sized wild animals (e.g. martens or raccoons) are able to trigger the bait plate. In particular, the distance can be chosen so that young animals cannot reach the bait plate.

[0025] According to one example, the inlet opening can optionally be positioned at a height of 30–50 cm from the ground. This can reduce bycatch (e.g., rats, mice).

[0026] According to one example, the vertical distance between the entry plate and the bait plate can be 30 - 70cm.

[0027] A detection system with a radio transmitter can be installed in or on the enclosure. The detection system is triggered when the trapdoor has been activated.

[0028] According to one example, the live trap can include a position tracker as theft protection.

[0029] The inlet opening can be located on all four sides of the housing.

[0030] Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

[0031] Advantages and embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. Fig. 1A shows a perspective view of a live trap, Fig. 1B shows a schematic sectional view of a live trap, Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a live trap, Fig. 3A shows various perspective views of a trap construction to 3C of a live trap, and Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a trigger mechanism for a live trap.

[0032] Fig. Figure 1A shows a perspective view of a live trap. The live trap 100 has a housing 110 with an opening 111, a base 114, optional wheels 113, and a lid 112. The housing 110 of the live trap 100 can optionally be designed as a standard garbage bin, e.g., according to DIN EN 840.

[0033] Fig. Figure 1B shows a schematic sectional view of the live trap of Fig. 1A. The trap 100 comprises a housing 110, for example, in the shape of a trash can. The housing 110 has an opening 111, which can serve as an entry opening. The housing 110 can have a lid 112, a base 114, and optionally wheels 113.

[0034] Provided inside the housing 110 is a catch structure 101, which is preferably designed as a kit that can be inserted into the housing and fastened to the housing. The catch structure 101 has a trigger mechanism 120 and a trapdoor unit. The trigger mechanism 120 has a trigger rod 121, which has a first rod end 122 and a second rod end 123. A bait plate 130 can be provided on the trigger rod 121 in a rotationally fixed manner at the first rod end 122. The bait plate 130 can serve as a trigger plate. The second rod end 123 can be rotatably fastened in or on the trapdoor unit 160. A trigger 124 can be provided on the second rod end 123. The trigger 124 is rotationally fixedly connected to the trigger rod 121. Thus, the bait plate 130 and the trigger 124 are coupled together in a rotationally fixed manner via the trigger rod 121.In other words, rotation or pivoting of the bait plate 130 also results in a rotational movement of the trigger 124. The rotation or pivoting of the bait plate 130 actuates the trigger 124.

[0035] The second rod end 123 can be coupled to a trapdoor unit 160. The trapdoor unit 160 can have a trapdoor holder 161 and a trapdoor 162. The trapdoor unit 160 can further have first and second plates 163, 164, wherein the trapdoor 162 can be arranged between the two plates 163, 164. The trapdoor unit 160 is provided in the region of the outlet opening 111 and can have two operating positions, wherein the trapdoor 162 is raised in the first operating position and closes the housing opening 111 in the second operating position. The trapdoor unit 160 can have an opening 166 provided in the region of the housing opening 111.

[0036] An entry plate 140 may be provided in the area of ​​the housing opening 111 and the opening of the trapdoor unit 160.

[0037] In the first operating position of the trapdoor 162, the trapdoor holder 161 can be held by the trigger 124, i.e., the opening of the trapdoor unit and the housing opening 111 are free. When the bait plate 130 is triggered because a wild animal actuates the bait plate 130, this leads to a rotation of the trigger rod 121 and thus a rotation of the trigger 124, whereby the trapdoor holder 161 is released and the trapdoor 162 falls from the first operating position to the second operating position, thus closing the opening 111. The animal that triggers the trigger mechanism 120 is thus trapped inside the housing 110.

[0038] In Fig. 1A and Fig. In Figure 1B, the housing 110 of the trap 100 is depicted as a trash can. Alternatively, the housing 110 may have a different shape.

[0039] The housing opening 111 and the opening of the trapdoor unit 160 are provided at a first height H1 from the housing bottom 114. The bait plate 130 is provided at a second height H2 from the housing bottom 114. The second height H2 is greater than the first height H1. The second height H2 can be selected such that unwanted animal bycatch cannot reach the bait plate 130.

[0040] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a live trap. The live trap 100 has a housing 110 (e.g., in the shape of a garbage can, particularly according to DIN EN 840). The housing 110 has a lid 112, which is open here. A trap structure 101 is arranged inside the housing 110. The trap structure 101 has a trapdoor unit 160 and a trigger mechanism 120. The trigger mechanism 120 has a trigger rod 121 and a bait plate 130, which is non-rotatably coupled to the trigger rod 121. A first rod end 122 is coupled to the housing 110 and the second rod end 123 is coupled to the trapdoor unit 160 and can release a trapdoor 162 of the trapdoor unit 160 by means of a trigger 124, so that the trapdoor falls downwards and an entry opening (in Fig. 2 not shown).

[0041] Fig. 3A to 3C show various perspective views of a trap structure of a live trap. The trap structure 101 comprises a trigger mechanism 120 and a trapdoor unit 160. The trapdoor unit 160 comprises a trapdoor holder 161, a trapdoor 162, and optionally a first and second trapdoor plate 163, 164. The trapdoor 162 can be provided between the first and second trapdoor plates 163, 164. An elongated recess 168 is provided on a trapdoor plate 163, within which the trapdoor holder 161 can be guided. The trapdoor unit 160 further comprises an opening 166, which can substantially correspond to the housing opening 111. In a first operating position, the trapdoor 162 is open and is held by means of the trapdoor holder 161 and the trigger 124. In a second operating position, the trapdoor 162 is closed and thus closes the opening 166.

[0042] The trapdoor unit 160 may optionally include a rotatable or pivotable latch 165. The latch 165 may be elongated and coupled to the trapdoor unit 160 at one end in a rotatable or pivotable manner. A second free end of the latch 165 may rest on an upper end of the trapdoor. When the trapdoor 161 falls downward from the first operating position to the second operating position, the latch 165 also pivots downward, wedging the trapdoor in the second operating position.

[0043] The trigger mechanism 120 includes a trigger rod 161 with first and second rod ends 122, 123. The first rod end 122 is rotatably attached to the housing 110. The second rod end 123 is rotatably attached to the trapdoor unit. A trigger 124 is provided at the second rod end 123. A bait plate 130 is non-rotatably attached to the trigger rod 121 at the first end 123. The trigger 124 is also non-rotatably attached to the trigger rod 121. A tilting movement of the bait plate 130, for example, when the bait plate 130 is actuated by an animal to be captured, leads to a rotational movement of the trigger rod 121 and thus to a rotation of the trigger 124.

[0044] In a first operating position, the trapdoor 162 is raised and the trapdoor holder 161 is held by the trigger 124. Upon triggering, ie, upon a tilting movement of the bait plate 130, this tilting movement leads to a rotation of the trigger rod 121 and thus to a rotational movement of the trigger 124, whereby the trapdoor holder 161 is released and the trapdoor 162 falls downward into a second operating position in which the trapdoor 162 closes the opening 166.

[0045] In Fig. 3A is a perspective view from above. In Fig. 3B is a perspective view of the trapdoor unit 160 and in Fig. 3C shows a perspective view of the trigger. The trigger rod 121 can optionally be configured as a threaded rod. The trigger 124 can be provided at the second end 123. The trigger 124 can be provided as an elongated plate 124a with first and second plate ends 124b, 124c. The first plate end 124b can be rotationally fixedly attached to the threaded rod. This can be achieved, for example, by two nuts 124e, which are tightened such that the first plate end 124b is clamped therebetween. A pin 124d can be provided at the second plate end 124c. In the first operating position (raised trapdoor), the trapdoor holder 161 is held by the pin 124d.Upon actuation of the bait plate 130, a rotational movement of the rods leads to a rotation of the pin 124d, so that the holder 161 is released and the trapdoor falls from the first operating position to the second operating position, thereby closing the opening 166.

[0046] Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a trigger mechanism for a live trap. Fig.4 shows the trigger mechanism 120. The trigger mechanism comprises a trigger rod 161 with first and second rod ends 122, 123. A bait plate 130 is provided at the first rod end 122 in a rotationally fixed manner. The bait plate 130 can have a through-hole through which the trigger rod 121, for example in the form of a threaded rod 121, is inserted. The bait plate 130 can be rotationally fixedly attached to the threaded rod 121 by means of two nuts. A trigger 124 is rotationally fixedly attached to the threaded rod 121 at the second end 123. The trigger 124 has a plate with a pin 124d, which serves to hold the trapdoor holder 161 in a first operating position.

[0047] The species-appropriate capture of stone martens and / or raccoons is desirable. However, the usual marten traps, such as those in the form of cages, should be avoided because these are only partially accepted by the population in residential areas. Therefore, the live trap described here, and in particular the design of the live trap housing in the shape of a garbage container or trash can, provides an inconspicuous option for setting up such a trap. In other words, live traps designed in this way are not noticeable in typical residential areas. Furthermore, the design of the live trap housing in the shape of a garbage container or trash can is very advantageous for catching raccoons and / or martens because they usually expect to find food in the garbage cans.

[0048] The live trap has an opening, a trapdoor, and a trigger mechanism. The trigger mechanism consists of a rotating rod and a bait plate attached to the rod for a fixed rotation. When an animal enters the trap and activates the bait plate, the bait plate tilts or pivots, which is transmitted to the trigger rod. This pivots a trigger and releases a trapdoor, which falls downward and closes an opening, trapping the wild animal.

[0049] The bait plate can have a through-hole through which the release rod can be inserted. The bait plate can be secured to the release rod using two nuts for rotation. The release can be designed as a plate with a pin, which is secured to the release rod for rotation. In a first operating position, the pin holds a trapdoor holder, and the opening is clear. Actuating the bait plate pivots the trigger to the side and releases the trapdoor holder, allowing the trapdoor to fall from the first to the second position, closing the opening.

[0050] The trigger may comprise an elongated plate with a first end that is non-rotatably attached to the trigger rod. The pin may be provided at the second end.

[0051] Bait selection and placement is another element in minimizing bycatch. Live-capture traps can be used with baits that are particularly attractive to martens and raccoons, but are generally avoided by small rodents. These include, for example, fresh chicken eggs, fish-based baits, animal attractants (e.g., anise oil, cat food), or specially manufactured synthetic marten baits with a species-specific odor profile. The bait holder is mounted at the rear of the trap, requiring the animal to walk completely around the trap to reach the bait. This increases the likelihood that only larger animals will trigger the trap.

[0052] A grid or similar device can preferably be attached to the top of the housing below the lid 112, so that when the lid is opened, the trapped animal cannot escape through the upper opening of the housing. The mesh size of the grid is preferably selected so that a safe and humane kill shot can be fired through the grid at the animal on the ground.

[0053] By removing the grid, the killed animal can then be removed from the enclosure, i.e. the garbage can.

[0054] The garbage can shown in the figures preferably has standard dimensions, e.g., a 240L garbage can. Such garbage cans often have to be disposed of after use in households; the invention allows such garbage cans to be recycled.

[0055] By producing the trap construction as a kit, the live trap can be easily set up. Because the interior dimensions are known due to the standard dimensions of the housing, i.e., the trash can, the kit can be prepared accordingly. The narrow entry opening can then be carved out at the desired location using a jigsaw or other tool.

[0056] Natural material or wood wool or similar is preferably placed at the bottom of the enclosure in order to offer the animal to be caught the most attractive environment possible.

[0057] As described, the trigger can be one that is triggered by pressure, e.g. the pressure that the animal exerts on the bait plate and thus causes the bait plate to tip over, however a trigger that reacts to pulling is also possible, e.g. a trigger where the bait is held in place in some way and can be pulled away from the animal that is to be caught, so that a corresponding pulling force is then exerted on the trigger, which triggers the trap door and then closes the opening.

[0058] If the housing has a grid on the top which can be closed with the lid, the bait plate can be filled with bait by opening the lid 112 even without removing the grid, if the grid width is sufficiently large enough to deposit the bait through the grid onto the bait plate.

[0059] A typical bait is, for example, hazelnut nougat cream or chocolate or the like, which, if it is liquid or pasty, can also be applied through the grid to the corresponding areas of the bait plate.

[0060] For better ventilation, it is advantageous to have several small holes in the enclosure, e.g., with a diameter of approximately 5 to 15 mm. Such holes can be placed both in the bottom of the enclosure and in the side walls, ensuring the enclosure is well ventilated even in warm weather, thus providing the captive animal with a humane environment.

[0061] The advantage of the openings in the housing is that the smell of the bait can spread more easily in the area around the trap and thus attracts animals that are interested in the bait even better.

[0062] Preferably, the holes / drills / openings are located approximately 10 cm above the bottom of the housing, but it is also possible to drill the holes / drills / openings into the bottom.

[0063] Preferably, the holes / drills / openings are also located on the side of the housing through which no natural light can enter, so as not to cause unnecessary brightening inside the housing through the holes / drills / openings. List of reference symbols 100 live traps 101 Catch construction 110 housings 111 Housing opening 112 lids 113 wheels 114 Floor 120 trigger mechanism 121 release rod 122 first rod end 123 second rod end 124 triggers 124a elongated plate 124b first plate end 124c second plate end 124d pen 124e nuts 130 bait plate 140 entry plate 160 trapdoor unit 161 trapdoor holder 162 Trapdoor 163 first plate 164 second plate 165 bars 166 Opening

Claims

[1] Live trap (100), with a housing (110) with an inlet opening (111), and a catch structure (101) with a trapdoor unit (160) for closing the inlet opening (111) and a trigger mechanism (120) for the trapdoor unit (160), wherein the trigger mechanism (120) cooperates with a bait plate (130), wherein the trapdoor unit (160) comprises a trapdoor (162) and a trapdoor holder (161) coupled to the trapdoor (160), wherein the trigger mechanism (120) cooperates with the trapdoor holder (161) of the trapdoor unit (160) and holds the trapdoor (162) in a first operating position in which the inlet opening (111) remains free, wherein upon triggering of the bait plate (130), the bait plate (130) performs a tilting or rotating movement and the triggering mechanism (120) releases the trapdoor holder (161) and the trapdoor (162) moves into a second operating position in which the trapdoor (162) closes the inlet opening (111), wherein the inlet opening (111) and the trigger mechanism (120) in the housing (110) are provided at a different height in the housing (110). [2] Live trap (100) according to claim 1, wherein the trigger mechanism (120) has a trigger rod (121), the bait plate (130) connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the trigger rod (121) and a trigger (124) connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the trigger rod (121), wherein the trigger (124) cooperates with the trapdoor holder (161) of the trapdoor unit (160) and holds the trapdoor (162) in a first operating position in which the inlet opening (111) remains free, wherein upon triggering of the bait plate (130), the bait plate (130) performs a tilting or rotating movement and the trigger rod (121) and the trigger (124) rotate or move so that the trapdoor holder (161) is released and the trapdoor (162) falls downwards into a second operating position in which the trapdoor (162) closes the entry opening (111). [3] Live trap (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the trapdoor unit (160) has a pivotable latch (165) for locking the trapdoor (162) in the second operating position. [4] Live trap (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the trigger rod (121) has a first rod end (122) and a second rod end (123), wherein the first rod end (122) is rotatably mounted on or in the housing (110), wherein the second rod end (123) is rotatably mounted in or on the trapdoor unit (160). [5] Live trap (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the trigger (124) comprises a plate (124a) having a first and second end (124b, 124c), the first end of the plate (124a) being non-rotatably attached to the trigger rod (121), a pin (124d) being attached to the second end (124c) of the plate (124a). [6] Live trap (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the trapdoor unit (160) further comprises a first and a second trapdoor panel (163, 164), wherein the trapdoor (162) is arranged between the first and second trapdoor panels (163, 164), wherein the first trapdoor plate (163) has a slot for the trapdoor holder (161). [7] Live trap (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the housing (110) is designed as a garbage can or as a garbage container. [8] Catching structure (101) for a live trap (100), with a trapdoor unit (160) for closing an inlet opening of the live trap, and a trigger mechanism (120) for the trapdoor unit (160), wherein the trapdoor unit (160) comprises a trapdoor (162) and a trapdoor holder (161) coupled to the trapdoor (160), wherein the trigger mechanism (120) comprises a trigger rod (121), a bait plate (130) preferably connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the trigger rod, and a trigger (124) preferably connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the trigger rod (121), wherein the trigger (124) cooperates with the trapdoor holder (161) of the trapdoor unit (160) and holds the trapdoor (162) in a first operating position in which the inlet opening (111) remains free, wherein upon triggering of the bait plate (130), the bait plate (130) performs a tilting movement and the trigger rod (121) and the trigger (124) rotate so that the trapdoor holder (161) is released and the trapdoor (162) falls downwards into a second operating position in which the trapdoor (162) closes the inlet opening (111). [9] Catch construction (101) according to claim 8, wherein the catch construction (101) is designed as a kit which can be inserted into a garbage bin, preferably a garbage bin with standard dimensions. [10] Live trap (100) or trap construction (101) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the bait plate (130) is vertically spaced approximately 30cm to 70cm from the lower edge of the inlet opening (111) and the lower edge of the inlet opening (111) is arranged approximately 30cm to 50cm above the bottom of the live trap (100).

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