Rattenwippfalle

Abstract

Rat seesaw trap (1) comprising an elongated, hollow base body (2) with at least one entrance area (4) providing access to an interior space (3) of the device, and a seesaw (5) arranged in the area of ​​the entrance area (4) and pivotably mounted about a horizontal axis of rotation (6), wherein the seesaw (5) has a first part (8) arranged in front of the axis of rotation (6) and facing the entrance area (4), and a second part (9) arranged behind the axis of rotation (6) and facing the interior space (3), wherein the seesaw (5) is weight-dependent such that, when acted upon by the body weight of a rodent above a predetermined minimum weight, it pivots from a starting position to an entry position and provides access from the entrance area (4) to the interior space (3), while when acted upon by lighter rodents, it remains in the starting position.and wherein the seesaw (5) automatically returns to its starting position after being exited by the rodent.

Description

[0001] The application concerns a rat seesaw trap with a base body and a seesaw arranged therein.

[0002] Rats inhabit a wide variety of environments and cause significant hygienic, health-related, and economic damage. They are found in urban areas as well as on farms, in storage facilities, industrial plants, and sewage systems. Their gnawing, burrowing, and feeding activities damage buildings, cables, and supplies, and as carriers of pathogens, they can pose a significant risk to public health. Therefore, the use of appropriate traps for monitoring and controlling rats is an essential component of modern pest control strategies.

[0003] Various types of rodent traps are known in the art. These can be broadly categorized as live traps, lethal traps, and monitoring or surveillance traps. Live traps are designed to capture the animals unharmed, while lethal traps are designed to kill the rodent immediately or shortly after it enters the trap. Monitoring traps are used to detect the presence or activity of rodents, for example, using non-toxic baits or sensory devices. Many known traps operate with mechanical triggering mechanisms activated by the weight or movement of the animal.

[0004] US Patent 3,936,972 A discloses a rodent trap in which tilting platforms are provided that are pivoted from a fixed position by the weight of an animal. The platforms are held in a starting position by magnetic retaining elements and automatically return to this position after being triggered, thus enabling multiple trapping operations.

[0005] US Patent 4,578,892 A and the corresponding German Patent DE 35 37 583 A1 describe a rodent trap with a pivoting entrance flap that is triggered by the weight of an animal. The flap is held in a starting position and pivots when the animal enters the trap, trapping it inside. The triggering force can be influenced by the arrangement of magnets or counterweights.

[0006] US Patent 4,748,766 A discloses a self-resetting animal trap in which a pivoting platform is actuated by the weight of an animal. The platform is held by a magnetic mechanism whose holding force is adjustable to adapt the sensitivity of the triggering mechanism to different animal weights.

[0007] US Patent 4,876,821 A concerns an automatic animal trap with a tilting platform that serves as the entry point. The platform is held horizontally by magnetic forces and tilts under the weight of an animal, causing it to fall into a trapping chamber below. After triggering the trap, the platform automatically returns to its starting position.

[0008] US Patent 6,938,368 B2 discloses a rodent trap with an adjustable weight trigger. The trap has a tiltable trigger element whose holding force can be changed by the positioning of magnets or retaining elements, so that different minimum weights for triggering can be set.

[0009] US Patent 2006 / 026893 A1 describes an improved rodent trap with a pivoting platform incorporating multiple magnetic elements to precisely vary the platform's trigger force. This design allows the trap to be adapted to different animal sizes by adjusting the magnetic holding forces.

[0010] All these known solutions have in common that they employ pivoting or tilting elements that are actuated by the weight of a rodent. The known traps differ particularly in the design of the tilting elements, the method of weight adjustment, and the capture or containment mechanisms employed.

[0011] The object of the invention is to provide a device for capturing and / or controlling rodents that allows reliable and controlled access to an interior space, whereby access is limited to defined target animals and unwanted entry by non-target animals is avoided.

[0012] The problem is solved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0013] According to the invention, a rat seesaw trap is provided, designed as an elongated device and comprising a hollow base body. The base body forms an interior space accessible to rodents via at least one entrance area. A seesaw is arranged in the area of ​​this entrance area and is pivotably mounted about a horizontal axis of rotation. The seesaw has two functionally distinct sections relative to the axis of rotation. A first section of the seesaw is arranged in front of the axis of rotation and faces the entrance area, while a second section of the seesaw is arranged behind the axis of rotation and faces the interior space. This arrangement allows the seesaw to act as a tiltable transition element between the entrance area and the interior space.

[0014] The seesaw is weight-dependent, so that when subjected to the body weight of a rodent exceeding a predetermined minimum, it pivots from a neutral position to an entry position. In this entry position, a passage from the entrance area to the interior is opened, allowing the rodent to enter. If subjected to lighter rodents, the seesaw remains in its neutral position, thus blocking access to the interior. After the rodent leaves the seesaw, it automatically returns to its neutral position. This automatic return can be achieved, for example, by the effect of gravity, a counterweight, or a suitable mass distribution within the seesaw. Upon returning to its neutral position, the passage is once again blocked, while simultaneously creating a space beneath the seesaw inside the enclosure.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment, a counterweight or other weight-generating mass is provided on the seesaw. This is dimensioned and arranged such that the predetermined minimum weight at which the seesaw pivots from the starting position to the entry position is above the body weight of mice. This design ensures that lighter rodents, especially mice, cannot trigger the seesaw even when fully stepping onto it, and that access to the interior remains blocked for these animals. In contrast, the greater body weight of larger rodents, especially rats, reliably pivots the seesaw into the entry position. In this way, a purely mechanical weight differentiation between different rodent species is enabled.

[0016] The counterweight or weight-generating mass can be implemented in various ways. In one embodiment, the counterweight is designed as a separate component attached to the rocker. The counterweight can, for example, be located on the second part of the rocker, i.e., on the side of the axis of rotation facing the interior. Alternatively or additionally, the counterweight can also be located in the area of ​​the first part of the rocker, provided the resulting leverage is appropriately adjusted.

[0017] In further embodiments, the weight-generating mass can be an integral part of the rocker, for example, through local material reinforcement, thickening, or by using a material with increased density in a section of the rocker. It is also possible to provide several weight-generating masses at different positions on the rocker in order to fine-tune the pivoting behavior.

[0018] The counterweight can be adjusted so that the minimum weight is determined by selecting the mass, its distance from the axis of rotation, or a combination of both parameters. This allows the triggering behavior of the rocker to be adapted to different operating conditions or target animals without the need for electronic components or active controls. An advantage of this design is that the weight differentiation can be implemented robustly, with low wear, and independently of external influences such as contamination, humidity, or temperature fluctuations. Furthermore, the purely mechanical adjustment allows for simple manufacturing and high operational reliability over extended periods.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment, the transition from the entrance area to the interior is blocked in the rocker's initial position. This blockage is achieved by the rocker itself, by a component of the rocker, or by a separate locking element that interacts with the rocker. In a first embodiment, the rocker itself forms a blocking surface in its initial position, completely covering the transition. For example, the rocker rests against a boundary of the base or is flush with a wall of the entrance area, thus preventing passage into the interior.

[0020] In an alternative embodiment, the rocker has a separate component that blocks the passage in the initial position. This component can, for example, be designed as an extension, flap, nose, or cover section that pivots together with the rocker and blocks the passage in the initial position.

[0021] In further embodiments, a separate locking element is provided, which is functionally coupled to the rocker. The locking element can, for example, be designed as a slide, flap, or bar that is actuated by the position of the rocker. In the rocker's initial position, the locking element is in a locked position, while it is released or relocated when the rocker is pivoted into the entry position. This design ensures that a rodent can only access the interior when the rocker is pivoted into the entry position. Bypassing the rocker or entering the interior without engaging the rocker is thus reliably prevented.

[0022] Furthermore, it can be advantageous to block access to the interior for specific animals that are larger and heavier than, in particular, rats. For this purpose, a grid element, a bridge element, or a comparable barrier can be provided, which, after the rocker arm is pivoted, at least partially opens a passage into the interior, with the clear opening of the passage being dimensioned so that rodents of the target size, especially rats, can enter the interior, while larger animals are prevented from entering.

[0023] In a further advantageous embodiment, the first part of the seesaw, which is arranged in front of the axis of rotation and faces the entrance area, is designed such that it can be lifted by a rodent inside. This allows the seesaw to be pivoted from its starting position back into the entry position. The automatic return of the seesaw to its starting position after the rodent leaves the seesaw creates a space inside the enclosure beneath the first part of the seesaw, through which the rodent can enter from inside the enclosure and get under the seesaw. The seesaw is designed and arranged such that the rodent inside can walk along beneath the first part of the seesaw and lift it from below, thus pivoting the seesaw around its axis of rotation and opening the passage from the interior back into the entrance area.

[0024] The lifting mechanism of the first part can be implemented in various ways. For example, the first part can have a suitable geometry, length, or leverage that allows it to be lifted by the rodent's body weight or by an upward movement. Similarly, a defined passage or gap can be provided below the first part to facilitate the rodent crawling underneath and subsequently lifting the seesaw. This design allows a rodent inside to leave independently without the need for additional moving parts or active operating devices. The function is achieved solely through the mechanical design of the seesaw and its mounting. An advantage of this design is that the rodent's return movement is purely mechanical and occurs independently of electronic controls or sensors.Furthermore, the design of the rat seesaw trap remains simple and requires little maintenance, while ensuring a defined and reproducible movement pattern of the rodent within the device.

[0025] In a further advantageous embodiment, the seesaw is pivotable from its starting position to the entry position in only one direction. In the opposite direction, the seesaw is blocked by a track stop, thus preventing pivoting in that direction. The track stop is designed and positioned to prevent a rodent inside from lifting the seesaw. This prevents the rodent from pivoting the seesaw back into the entry position from the side facing the interior. In this embodiment, the seesaw acts as a one-way mechanism, allowing entry into the interior but preventing exit via the same route. The track stop can be implemented in various ways.It can, for example, be designed as a mechanical limiter, stop, or cover that prevents the rocker from being undermined or limits the rocker's range of motion in the blocked direction. The locking mechanism can be permanently attached to the base or provided as a separate component that interacts with the rocker.

[0026] In a further advantageous embodiment, the track stop is designed as a grid element or grid sheet. The grid element is arranged in such a way that it prevents a rodent inside from running underneath the rocker and thus prevents the rocker from being lifted in the direction blocked by the track stop. The grid element or grid sheet can be permanently attached to the base body or arranged as a separate component within the base body. The grid design makes it possible to selectively limit the rodent's movement without significantly impeding air or light passage. This allows the rodent to maintain its orientation inside the enclosure while simultaneously ensuring the desired blocking function is reliably implemented.

[0027] In a further advantageous embodiment, the base body has at least two opposing entrance areas. Each entrance area contains a seesaw mechanism, which, according to the previously described embodiments, is pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis of rotation and its action is weight-dependent. The arrangement of multiple entrance areas allows the rat seesaw trap to be entered from different sides. This increases the likelihood that a rodent will use the device, as it follows its natural movement patterns and is not dependent on a single entrance. At the same time, the selective operation of the seesaws in each entrance area is maintained. The arrangement can also be cross-shaped or star-shaped, meaning that several entrance areas, arranged, for example, in a star or cross shape, lead into an interior space.The multiple entrance areas can be arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically on the base body. It is also possible to position the entrance areas lengthwise along the base body or on opposite end faces. The rocker arms of the individual entrance areas can be identical or differ in their weight-dependent adjustment to achieve different entry characteristics.

[0028] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one bait and / or a trapping device is arranged inside the rat seesaw trap. The bait can be a monitor bait or a bait containing an active ingredient. Alternatively or additionally, a trapping device can be provided inside. The arrangement of the bait or trapping device inside the trap ensures that it can only be accessed by rodents that have overcome the seesaw and thus passed the weight-dependent access control. This ensures that lighter or unintended animals cannot access the bait or trapping device. The bait can be arranged in different positions within the trap, for example, near the floor, elevated, or to the side. The trapping device can also be located in a separate area of ​​the trap that is spatially separated from the entrance area.The precise positioning can be adapted to the specific application scenario. One advantage of this design is that the interior of the rat trap can be used as a protected functional area where bait or trapping devices can be deployed in a targeted and controlled manner. This ensures reliable operation of the device while simultaneously reducing unwanted access by non-target animals.

[0029] In a further advantageous embodiment, the trapping device located inside the enclosure is designed as a snap trap, multiple trap, or bolt-action device. The respective trapping device can operate mechanically and be designed to be triggered by the rodent entering, moving, or being in position inside the enclosure. The trapping device can be permanently mounted inside the enclosure or designed as an interchangeable module. This allows the rat trap to be used either as a monitoring device or as a control device, depending on the application, without altering the basic design of the rat trap.

[0030] When designed as a snap trap, it can be, for example, a classic mechanical snap trap or a multi-triggered snap trap. A multi-trap allows several rodents to be caught or killed successively without requiring immediate intervention. A captive bolt device can be used, in particular, to kill the rodent quickly and precisely.

[0031] To provide access to the interior, a lockable lid, accessible from the outside, can be provided in the base. The lid can also include a seal. The lid is preferably designed so that an animal inside cannot lift the lid from within.

[0032] In a further advantageous embodiment, the base body has an opening in its bottom. A rodent killed inside can fall out of the base body through this opening. The opening is positioned below the interior containing the trapping mechanism. The opening can be permanently open or at least temporarily closed by a movable element, such as a flap, cover, or pivoting base element. In the open position, the opening allows the killed rodent to fall out automatically, for example, due to gravity. This design ensures that the interior of the rat trap can be automatically cleared after a rodent has been caught or killed, without the need for manual removal.This increases the operational readiness of the rat trap, especially when using multiple traps or automatic trapping devices.

[0033] In an advantageous embodiment, the rat trap has at least one sensor designed to detect entry into the interior and / or the triggering of a trapping device located inside. The sensor can be positioned at different locations within the rat trap. For example, the sensor can be located near the entrance, in the area of ​​the seesaw mechanism, inside the trap, or directly adjacent to the trapping device. Depending on its position, the sensor can detect a rodent entering the trap, the tilting of the seesaw mechanism, or the triggering of the trapping device. The sensor can be mechanical, optical, magnetic, capacitive, or of another suitable design. It is also possible to provide multiple sensors that detect different conditions or events.The sensor technology can be implemented independently of the mechanical function of the rocker and acts in addition to the purely mechanical weight differentiation.

[0034] In a further advantageous embodiment, a spacer element is provided below the first part of the seesaw, which faces the entrance area. The spacer element is arranged such that, in its initial position, the first part of the seesaw does not rest directly against a corresponding support surface of the base, but is held at a defined distance. This creates a gap between the first part of the seesaw and the support surface in the initial position. The gap can be dimensioned such that a rodent inside can walk beneath the first part of the seesaw and lift it from below to pivot the seesaw from its initial position to the entry position. Additionally, the gap can allow light to pass from the entrance area into the interior, thus providing the rodent with visual orientation towards the entrance.The spacer element can be designed, for example, as a web, stop lug, projection, distance section, or locally thickened area of ​​the base body and / or the rocker. It is also possible to form the spacer element integrally with the base body or the rocker, or to provide it as a separate component and attach it to the rocker.

[0035] Further advantageous embodiments are explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the drawing.

[0036] They show: Fig. 1. A sectional view of a design of a rat seesaw trap with the seesaw in its starting position. Fig. 2 a sectional view of a design of a rat seesaw trap with the seesaw in the entry position and Fig. 3 A perspective top view of a rat seesaw trap.

[0037] The Fig. Figures 1 to 3 show an embodiment of a rat trap 1. The rat trap 1 comprises an elongated, hollow base 2, which forms an interior space 3 for holding bait and / or trapping devices. The shape of the base 2 can vary, e.g., rectangular, polygonal, or round. The same applies to the material. The base 2 can be made of plastic, metal, or a combination thereof. The base 2 has an opening at each of its ends, which serves as an entrance 4 for rodents. In the illustrated embodiment, two opposing entrances 4 are provided; however, embodiments with only one entrance 4 are also possible.

[0038] In each of the entrance areas 4, a rocker 5 is arranged, which is pivotally mounted about an axis of rotation 6. The rocker 5 extends longitudinally along the base body 2 and is positioned within the base body 2 such that it influences the transition from the respective entrance area 4 into the interior space 3. Relative to the axis of rotation 6, the rocker 5 is divided into a first part 8 facing the entrance area 4 and a second part 9 facing the interior space 3.

[0039] A weight 7 is arranged on the first part 8 of the rocker 5, which serves to adjust the rocker 5's pivoting behavior depending on the weight. Due to the arrangement of the weight 7 and the position of the axis of rotation 6, the rocker 5 is set so that it only pivots from its initial position when subjected to a body weight above a predetermined minimum weight.

[0040] Fig. Figure 1 shows the rat seesaw trap 1 with the seesaw 5 in its starting position. In this position, the seesaw 5 blocks the passage from the entrance area 4 into the interior 3. Lighter rodents, whose body weight is below the predetermined minimum weight, cannot move the seesaw 5 from its starting position and therefore cannot enter the interior 3.

[0041] If a rodent with a body weight above the predetermined minimum weight moves onto the seesaw 5, in particular a rat, the body weight causes the seesaw 5 to pivot about the axis of rotation 6. The seesaw 5 is thereby moved from the starting position to an entry position.

[0042] This situation is in Fig. Figure 2 shows that in the entry position, the transition from entrance area 4 to interior space 3 is open, allowing the rodent to move from entrance area 4 to interior space 3. After the rodent has left the seesaw 5, the seesaw 5 automatically returns to its starting position due to the weight distribution and gravity.

[0043] In the area between the rocker 5 and the interior space 3, a barrier 10 is provided, which in the illustrated example is designed as a grid plate. The barrier 10 extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the base body 2 and limits the movement space of a rodent located in the interior space 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the barrier 10 is arranged such that it prevents a rodent located in the interior space 3 from climbing over the rocker 5, thus precluding the rocker 5 from pivoting again from the side facing the interior space 3. Furthermore, the barrier 10 prevents a light rodent, whose body weight is insufficient to pivot the rocker 5, from entering the interior space 3 above the second part 9.

[0044] The interior compartment 3 of the base body 2 provides space for holding bait and / or fishing devices. The exact design and arrangement of these elements can vary depending on the application.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the rocker 5 is also designed such that a rodent located in the interior 3 can walk along the underside of the first part 8 of the rocker 5 and lift it from below in order to pivot the rocker 5 from its starting position to its entry position and leave the interior 3 independently. The rodent's motivation to do this can be increased by maintaining a gap below the support surface of the first part 8, through which light passes and which serves as a guide for the rodent.

[0046] Fig.Figure 3 shows the rat trap 1 in a perspective top view. In this view, the elongated base 2 with the two opposing entrances 4 is visible. The top view particularly illustrates the symmetrical arrangement of the entrances 4. The size of the entrance 4 can be reduced, for example, to a round opening. The base 2 can be covered by a lid 11, so that the interior 3 is only accessible via the entrances 4. The lid 11 can be reversibly attached to the base by means of a rail, hinges, or the like. Reference symbol list 1 rat seesaw trap 2 basic shapes 3 Interior 4 Entrance area 5 rocker 6 Rotation axis 7 Weight 8 first part of the seesaw 9 second part of the seesaw 10 Running lock 11 lids 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] US 3 936 972 A

[0004] US 4 578 892 A

[0005] DE 35 37 583 A1

[0005] US 4 748 766 A

[0006] US 4 876 821 A

[0007] US 6 938 368 B2

[0008] US 2006 / 026893 A1

[0009]

Claims

[1] Rat seesaw trap (1) comprising an elongated, hollow base body (2) with at least one entrance area (4) which provides access to an interior space (3) of the device, and a seesaw (5) arranged in the area of ​​the entrance area (4) and pivotably mounted about a horizontal axis of rotation (6), wherein the seesaw (5) has a first part (8) arranged in front of the axis of rotation (6) and facing the entrance area (4) and a second part (9) arranged behind the axis of rotation (6) and facing the interior space (3), wherein the seesaw (5) is adjusted to be weight-dependent such that when acted upon by the body weight of a rodent above a predetermined minimum weight, it pivots from a starting position to an entry position and allows passage from the entrance area (4) into the interior space (3), while when acted upon by lighter rodents, it remains in the starting position,and wherein the seesaw (5) automatically returns to its starting position after being exited by the rodent. [2] Rat seesaw trap (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that a counterweight or weight-generating mass (7) is present on the seesaw (5) which is tuned such that the predetermined minimum weight is above the body weight of mice. [3] Rat seesaw trap (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that in the initial position the transition from the entrance area (4) to the interior (3) is blocked by the rocker (5), a component of the rocker (5) or a locking element. [4] Rat seesaw trap (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first part (8) of the seesaw (5) is designed to be liftable by a rodent located in the interior (3) in order to pivot the seesaw (5) from the starting position to the entry position. [5] Rat seesaw trap (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the rocker (5) can only be pivoted into the entry position in one direction and is blocked in the opposite direction by a running stop (10). [6] Rat seesaw trap (1) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the running barrier (10) is designed as a grid element or grid sheet. [7] Rat seesaw trap (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the base body (2) has at least two opposing entrance areas (4), wherein a rocker (5) is arranged in the area of ​​each entrance area (4). [8] Rat seesaw trap (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that inside (3) a bait, a monitor bait, an active ingredient bait and / or a trapping device is arranged. [9] Rat seesaw trap (1) according to claim 8, characterized bythat the trapping device is designed as a snap trap, multiple trap or bolt gun. [10] Rat seesaw trap (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the base body (2) has an opening arranged in the bottom area through which a rodent killed in the interior (3) can fall out of the base body (2). [11] Rat seesaw trap (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the rat seesaw trap (1) has at least one sensor for detecting entry into the interior (3) and / or triggering a trapping device arranged in the interior (3). [12] Rat seesaw trap (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that below the first part (8) of the rocker (5) facing the entrance area (4) a spacer element is arranged, by which the first part (8) of the rocker (5) is held in the starting position at a distance from an associated support surface of the base body (2), so that a gap is formed between the first part (8) of the rocker (5) and the support surface.

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