Mouse bait station for holding bait

Abstract

Device (1) for controlling rodents, comprising a housing (2) that includes an access chamber (3) and a bait chamber (4), wherein the bait chamber (4) is accessible only via an access (5) arranged between the chambers (3, 4) and the housing (2) has an opening (9) leading into the access chamber (3), wherein the device (1) comprises an access device (7) and a release means (10), wherein the access (5) can be in a closed state and in an open state, and wherein the access device (7) is configured to close the access (5) with a closing means (8) in the closed state and to release it in the open state, wherein the access device (7) comprises a spring element (12) operatively connected with the closing means (8) by which the closing means (8) can be moved into the open state, wherein the access device (7) is configured toto hold the locking means (8) in its closed position against the action of the spring element (12), and wherein the release means (10) is operatively connected to the access device (7) or the locking means (8) and is designed such that, when the release means (10) is actuated by a rodent present in the access chamber (3), the locking means (8) is moved from the closed state to the open state.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a mouse bait station for the targeted dispensing of a bait to rodents, in particular house mice, wherein the bait is arranged in a closed housing to enable safe, controlled and hygienic pest control.

[0002] In pest control, bait stations of this type are used to attract rodents and eliminate them by ingesting a toxic bait. Typical systems consist of a housing with one or more access channels through which the mouse can reach the bait. The bait remains permanently accessible, which has several disadvantages. Firstly, the bait can become contaminated or unusable due to environmental factors, especially moisture. Secondly, there is a risk that non-target organisms, such as pets or birds, will unintentionally gain access or that bait particles will be carried away. Furthermore, such systems require regular inspection and refilling, which increases maintenance costs.

[0003] To mitigate these disadvantages, various advancements have been proposed in the prior art. One known device is disclosed in EP 3082412 B1. This document discloses a bait station that includes electronic controls to release the bait only when pest activity is detected. For this purpose, an access section is provided in which the presence of an animal is detected by sensors. A control unit evaluates the sensor signal and then actuates a movable locking element that releases access to the bait chamber. The bait chamber is thus initially closed until an electronic release signal is generated. Optionally, the station can be equipped with a data transmission unit that reports the operating status or detected activity to an external evaluation unit.

[0004] This system, known from EP 3082412 B1, allows for targeted activation of bait release and thus fulfills existing legal requirements in certain countries, according to which bait may only be accessible when rodent activity is proven. However, this solution has a number of disadvantages. The design is highly technical and complex, requiring a large number of electronic components, sensors, and control circuits. This leads to increased manufacturing costs and greater susceptibility to malfunctions caused by environmental factors such as humidity, dirt, or temperature fluctuations. Furthermore, an electrical power supply is necessary, either via batteries or mains connection, which limits the device's application possibilities. Maintenance is also considerable, as battery replacements, sensor calibrations, and functional tests must be performed regularly.

[0005] Furthermore, EP 3082412 B1 cites various conventional bait stations as prior art, where the bait is permanently accessible and which are problematic for hygienic, environmental, and safety reasons. These known devices require constant inspection and regular replacement of the bait to maintain their effectiveness.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a device that enables the targeted delivery of bait to a rodent, wherein the bait is reliably protected from external influences when the device is not in use and only becomes accessible when a rodent is present.

[0007] The problem is solved by the features of claim 1 and claim 7. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0008] The invention relates to a device for controlling rodent pests, comprising a housing with an access chamber and a bait chamber. The bait chamber is accessible only via an access point located between the two chambers. The housing has an opening leading into the access chamber, through which a rodent can enter. The device includes an access device and a triggering element. The access point located between the access chamber and the bait chamber can be in a closed or open state. The access device is configured to close the access point with a locking mechanism when closed and to release it when open. For this purpose, the access device is equipped with a spring element that is operatively connected to the locking mechanism and is capable of moving the locking mechanism to the open state. In normal operation, the access point is in the closed state.The access device holds the closure in place against the force of the spring element, thus preventing access to the bait chamber. The release mechanism is operatively connected to the access device or the closure element and is designed to be actuated by a rodent present in the access chamber. When the rodent activates the release mechanism, the holding effect of the access device is released, allowing the closure element to be moved from the closed to the open position by the force exerted by the spring element, thereby granting access to the bait chamber.

[0009] This design keeps the bait chamber closed until a rodent present in the access area activates the trigger mechanism, and only then does it open. The mechanism relies entirely on mechanical means, so no electrical power is required.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the device, the closing mechanism is designed as a flap. The flap serves to mechanically separate the access chamber from the bait chamber and forms the movable element of the access device. It is arranged so that, when closed, it completely covers the access, thereby sealing the bait chamber from the access chamber and the surrounding environment. The flap can be pivotally or linearly displaceable. It is actuated in the direction of the open position by the spring element associated with it. As long as the access device holds the flap in the closed position, the bait chamber remains inaccessible to the rodent. If the release mechanism is actuated by a rodent present in the access chamber, the retaining connection of the access device releases, and the flap moves automatically to the open position due to the spring force, thus granting access to the bait chamber.By designing the closure mechanism as a flap, the device can be manufactured with few components and operated reliably. The flap allows for a defined, reproducible movement between the closed and open states and represents a simple, mechanically stable solution for automatically releasing access when a rodent is present.

[0011] In one embodiment of the device, the release mechanism comprises a pressure-sensitive element and / or a motion-sensitive element. The pressure-sensitive element is designed to respond to the weight of a rodent located in the access space. When the rodent steps onto the corresponding surface or step, any holding force exerted by the release mechanism is released, and the mechanism for opening the locking device is activated. Alternatively or additionally, the release mechanism can include a motion-sensitive element that detects movement caused by the rodent and thereby releases the holding function of the access device. Such movement can be triggered, for example, by tilting, pushing, or rocking a component within the access space. In both cases, the release mechanism is actuated directly by the presence or movement of the rodent.The triggering mechanism releases the closure from its holding position and, due to the force of the spring element, moves into the open position, thus granting access to the bait chamber.

[0012] In another embodiment of the device, the spring element is designed as a compression or tension spring. The spring is operatively connected to the locking mechanism and arranged such that it exerts a force on the locking mechanism, enabling it to move into the open position. The use of a compression or tension spring ensures a defined and reproducible movement characteristic of the locking mechanism. The device operates purely mechanically, with the stored spring energy reliably executing the opening process as soon as the release mechanism is actuated. Depending on the design, the spring can, for example, be attached to a mounting point on the housing.

[0013] Advantageously, the housing includes a partition between the access chamber and the bait chamber, in which the access device is housed. The partition serves to spatially separate the two areas of the device and provides the structural support for the access device. By arranging the access device within the partition, the access between the access chamber and the bait chamber can be precisely defined. The access device is positioned in the partition such that, when closed, the closing mechanism seals the opening in the partition, and when open, it allows passage to the bait chamber. This design enables a compact construction and a clear functional separation between the area in which the rodent moves and the area where the bait is located.The partition wall can, for example, be in the form of a panel and comprise two panels that define a cavity in which the access device is housed.

[0014] In another embodiment of the device, the partition between the access chamber and the bait chamber is designed as a removable unit. The removable partition allows the entire access device, including the locking mechanism and the spring element associated with it, to be handled outside the housing. This makes it particularly easy to replace or clean the access device without having to disassemble the housing itself. For this purpose, the housing can be provided with suitable receiving elements, such as rails into which the partition can be inserted.

[0015] The invention further relates to a device for controlling rodents, comprising a housing with an access chamber and a bait chamber, wherein the bait chamber is accessible only via an access point located between the chambers and the housing has an opening leading into the access chamber, and with an access device designed as a hollow cylindrical tube rotatably mounted within the housing. The tube has at least two openings arranged approximately 90 degrees apart from each other. In the closed state, a first opening of the tube is oriented towards the access chamber, while a second opening closes off access to the bait chamber. When a rodent enters the access chamber and moves into the tube, its weight acts on the rotatably mounted tube. The tube has at least one weight arranged diametrically opposite the second opening.This weight distribution keeps the tube in a stable position at rest, with the entrance to the bait chamber closed. When the tube is weighted by a rodent, the center of gravity shifts, causing the tube to rotate around its axis. This movement moves the second opening into a position that opens the bait chamber. Thus, the bait chamber is only opened when a rodent enters the tube. After the rodent leaves, the weight arrangement automatically returns the tube to its original, closed position. Even with this design, the bait chamber, containing bait, is inaccessible in its normal, closed state. Access to the bait chamber is only granted when a rodent causes the tube to rotate.

[0016] In another embodiment of the device, the housing is designed without a bottom, so that the access chamber rests directly on the surface. This bottomless design allows the device to be used on various surfaces without the need for a separate base plate. The access chamber is defined at the bottom by the surface itself. This design allows a rodent to enter the device without any discernible barrier, as entry occurs from its natural walking plane. At the same time, the number of housing components is reduced, simplifying the device's construction and facilitating easy placement at the point of use.

[0017] In another embodiment of the device, the housing includes a removable side panel or lid, allowing at least external access to the bait compartment. This removable design allows the bait compartment to be opened without disassembling or moving the device. This is particularly useful for replacing or inspecting the bait when the device is already in position. The removable side panel or lid is arranged to ensure a secure seal against the surroundings when closed, while allowing direct access to the bait compartment when open.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the upper chamber containing the bait can be made watertight. This can be achieved, for example, by providing a seal between the housing and a lid mounted on it, creating a liquid-tight seal. For this purpose, the housing can, for example, include a circumferential groove to accommodate the seal. Alternatively, the housing can be made in one piece, with the bait being inserted into the bait chamber through the opening leading into the access chamber. Due to the arrangement of the bait chamber above the access chamber, it acts according to the diving bell principle when water is present. Even if water penetrates the lower part of the device, the bait chamber remains dry because an air bubble forms within it, preventing further water ingress.In this way, the bait is reliably protected from moisture and contamination of stagnant water by the bait is avoided.

[0019] It is advantageous for the housing to be made of plastic, metal, or a combination of these materials. The choice of material allows for a device design tailored to the specific application. Using plastic results in low weight and cost-effective manufacturing. A metal housing offers increased stability and resistance to mechanical stress. A combination of both materials can be used to make certain components particularly robust, while others are lightweight and corrosion-resistant. The choice of material does not affect the device's functionality but allows for application- and environment-specific adaptations with regard to durability, weather resistance, and manufacturing technology.

[0020] In another embodiment of the device, an indicator element is connected to the access device and is located in or on the housing. The indicator element is designed so that it undergoes a recognizable change of state when the access device transitions from the closed to the open state. This change of state can manifest as a displacement, a change in position, or a change in color of the indicator element. This allows a user to see from the outside whether the device has already been triggered by a rodent and access to the bait chamber is open. The indicator element thus serves as a visual indication of the activation state of the access device. Without opening the device or checking the bait chamber, it can be determined whether a rodent has entered the device and activated the mechanism. In this way, simple and reliable monitoring of the device's operational status is enabled.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the device can feature a magnetic closure for securing the lid. The lid sits on a base body with at least one protrusion onto which the magnetic closure can be engaged. The magnetic closure comprises a housing containing a magnetic element that, under normal conditions, exerts a holding force on the protrusion, thus preventing the lid from opening unintentionally. When an external magnet is applied to the magnetic closure, the position of the magnetic element changes, releasing the holding force and allowing the lid to be released. In this way, the lid can be opened deliberately without the need for mechanical locking elements. The use of a magnetic closure enables a particularly simple, low-wear, and hygienic lid closure design, as no moving or external locking elements are required.

[0022] In a further embodiment, the device's housing can be closed via a magnetic closure. The magnetic closure provides a secure yet easily releasable connection between the lid and the housing. It enables a permanently tight and mechanically stable seal of the bait chamber without the need for visible locking elements. For this purpose, a magnetically responsive retaining element can be provided in the lid, which engages with a protrusion located on the housing. In the locked position, the retaining element, for example, hooks under the protrusion, creating a positive and force-fit connection between the lid and the housing. This reliably secures the lid against lifting or twisting, while a seal located between the lid and the housing is uniformly compressed, resulting in an airtight and watertight seal.The retaining element can be part of a magnetic closure located within a housing, which completely encloses the functional components and protects them against moisture, dirt, and mechanical impacts. Applying an external magnetic field, for example via an actuating surface on the outside of the cover, changes or releases the magnetic holding force, allowing the retaining element to move from its locked position to a release position. This allows the cover to be removed from the housing without the need for tools or visible actuators. After the external magnetic field is removed, the retaining element can automatically return to its locked position, for example, by a return spring, gravity, or the magnetic holding force itself. In this way, the cover automatically relocks after being replaced.The magnetic closure is completely wear-free, corrosion-resistant and ensures a smooth, hygienic and tamper-proof outer contour of the device.

[0023] Further advantageous embodiments are explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the drawing.

[0024] They show: Fig. 1 a device for controlling rodent pests according to a first embodiment of the invention in the closed state, Fig. 2 the device according to Fig. 1 in the open state, Fig. 3. an insight into the access device of the device according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in the open state, Fig. 4 the device according to the first embodiment with a lid designed as a removable side wall, Fig. 5 a device for controlling rodents according to a second embodiment of the invention in the closed state, Fig. 6 the device according to Fig. 5 in a perspective side view and Fig. 7 the device according to the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 in a rotated position caused by a rodent.

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 shows a device for controlling rodents according to a first embodiment of the invention in the closed state. The device 1 comprises a housing 2, which forms an access chamber 3 and a bait chamber 4. An access point 5 is arranged between the two chambers 3 and 4, through which the bait chamber 4 can be reached. The access point 5 is closed by an access device 7 arranged in a partition 6, which has a closing means 8. In the embodiment shown, the closing means 8 is designed as a flap that completely covers the access point 5. The housing 2 has an opening 9 leading into the access chamber 3, through which a rodent can enter the access chamber 3. In the embodiment shown Fig. In the position shown in Figure 1, the flap-shaped closure element 8 is in the closed position, so that the bait chamber 4 is completely sealed from the outside. A bait (not shown) can be placed in the bait chamber 4.

[0026] Fig. 2 shows the device according to Fig. 1 in the open position. When a rodent (not shown) enters the access chamber 3, a triggering device 10 located in the device 1 is actuated. This triggering device is operatively connected to the access device 7. The operative connection is exemplified here by a rod-like lever 11, which, for example, moves a lever in the access device 7. This lever then releases the retaining mechanism of the closure device 8. As a result, the retaining effect of the access device 7 is released, allowing a spring element operatively connected to the flap to move the closure device 8 into the open position. In this position, access to the bait chamber 4 is granted, enabling the rodent to enter. After actuation, the flap remains open until it is manually closed again or closed by a reset mechanism.

[0027] In one possible embodiment, the part of the release mechanism 10 designed as a lever 11 simultaneously forms the holder for the locking mechanism 8. As long as the lever 11 remains in its initial position, it holds the flap 8 in its closed position and prevents the access 5 from being opened. If the lever 11 is actuated by the weight or movement of a rodent located in the device, the retaining connection is released, thus freeing the locking mechanism 8.

[0028] Fig. Figure 3 shows a view into the access device of the device according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in the open state. In this illustration, the spring element 12, which is operatively connected to the locking means 8 and is designed as a tension spring in the illustrated embodiment, is visible. The spring element 12 is anchored to a fixed section of the access device 7 or the housing 2 and engages the locking means 8 with its free end. The elastic deformation of the spring element 12 exerts a force on the locking means 8, which moves it into the open state as soon as the access device 7 is released by the release means 10.

[0029] Fig. Figure 4 shows the device according to the first embodiment with a cover designed as a removable side panel. Access to the bait chamber 4 for checking or replacing the bait is provided via a cover 13. This view also shows an indicator element 14 connected to the access device 7, which is designed as a slide switch. The slide switch is mechanically coupled to the closure device and indicates its position. When the closure device is closed, the slide switch is in a first position, and when the closure device is open, the slide switch is in a second position. In this way, the closed or open state of the access is recognizable from the outside by the position of the indicator element 14, without having to open the housing.

[0030] Fig. Figure 5 shows a device for controlling rodents according to a second embodiment of the invention in the closed state, wherein Fig. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the device. The device 1 comprises a housing 2 with an access chamber 3 and a bait chamber 4, between which an access device 7 is arranged. The access device 7 is designed here as a hollow cylindrical tube rotatably mounted in the housing 2. The tube has a first opening 15 and second and third openings 16, 17, wherein the second and third openings 16, 17 are axially spaced apart from each other and the first opening 15 is arranged approximately 90 degrees offset from the two openings 16, 17. The first opening 15 projects towards the access chamber 3, while the second and third openings 16, 17 form the access to the bait chamber 4. In this initial position, access from the access chamber 3 into the tube via the first opening 15 is possible, but access to the bait chamber 4 is completely blocked. The openings 15, 16, 17 are to be regarded as access from the access chamber 3 to the bait chamber 4 within the meaning of the invention.

[0031] Fig. Figure 7 shows the device according to Fig. 5 in a rotated position triggered by a rodent. The weight of the rodent, which has entered the access chamber 3 and moved into the tube-shaped access device 7, causes the tube to rotate around its longitudinal axis. This rotation brings the second and third openings 16, 17 into a position that allows access to the bait chamber 4. The rotation is caused by the weights located inside the tube, which are not visible and are positioned such that a shift in the center of gravity occurs when the tube is loaded. Reference symbol list 1 Device 2 cases 3 Access Room 4 bait room 5 Access 6 Partition wall 7 Access device 8 Sealing agents 9 Opening 10 triggers 11 levers 12 spring element 13 lids 14 Indicator element 15 first opening 16 second opening 17 third opening QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3082412 B1 [0003, 0004, 0005]

Claims

[1] Device (1) for controlling rodents, comprising a housing (2) comprising an access chamber (3) and a bait chamber (4), wherein the bait chamber (4) is accessible only via an access (5) arranged between the chambers (3, 4) and the housing (2) has an opening (9) leading into the access chamber (3), wherein the device (1) comprises an access device (7) and a release means (10), wherein the access (5) can be in a closed state and in an open state, and wherein the access device (7) is configured to close the access (5) with a closing means (8) in the closed state and to release it in the open state, wherein the access device (7) comprises a spring element (12) operatively connected with the closing means (8) by which the closing means (8) can be moved into the open state, wherein the access device (7) is configured toto hold the locking means (8) in its closed position against the action of the spring element (12), and wherein the release means (10) is operatively connected to the access device (7) or the locking means (8) and is designed such that, when the release means (10) is actuated by a rodent present in the access chamber (3), the locking means (8) is moved from the closed state to the open state. [2] Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , characterized by , that the closing means (8) is designed as a flap (8) which completely closes the access (5) in the closed state and releases the access (5) to the bait chamber (4) in the open state. [3] Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the triggering element (10) comprises a pressure-sensitive element that responds to the weight of a rodent and / or a motion-sensitive element that detects movement of a rodent in the access space (3). [4] Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the spring element (12) is designed as a compression spring or tension spring and automatically moves the locking means (8) into the open state when the release means (10) is actuated by the rodent. [5] Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the housing (2) comprises a partition (6) arranged between the access chamber (3) and the bait chamber (4), in which the access device (7) is received. [6] Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the partition (6) is designed as a unit that can be removed from the housing (2). [7] Device (1) for controlling rodents, comprising a housing (2) that includes an access chamber (3) and a bait chamber (4), wherein the bait chamber (4) is accessible only via an access (5) arranged between the chambers (3, 4) and the housing (2) has an opening (9) leading into the access chamber (3), and comprising an access device (7) that is designed as a hollow cylindrical tube (7) rotatably mounted in the housing (2), the tube having at least two openings (15, 16) arranged approximately 90° apart from each other in the tube (7), such that in the closed state a first opening (15) projects towards the access chamber (3) and the access (5) to the bait chamber (4) is closed via a second opening (16), wherein the tube (7) has at least one weight arranged diametrically opposite to the second opening (16), so that the tube (7) expands after a rodent enters it rotates into a position where the bait chamber (4) is accessible via the second opening (16). [8] Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the housing (2) is designed without a bottom, so that the access space (3) rests directly on a surface. [9] Device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the housing (2) includes a removable side wall or a removable lid (13) so that at least the bait compartment (4) is accessible from the outside. [10] Device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the housing (2) is made of a plastic, a metal or a combination thereof. [11] Device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that an indicator element (14) arranged in or on the housing (2) is connected to the access device (7), which changes its color, position, physical and / or chemical state when the access device (7) transitions from the closed to the open state.

Images