Bait box arrangement

Abstract

Bait box arrangement (1) comprising a bait box (2) with a tubular housing (3) which has an entry opening (5) for rodents on an end face (4), wherein the housing (3) is associated with a fastening device (6) for fastening the bait box (2) in a wastewater treatment plant, characterized in that the fastening device (6) has a first fastening element (7) for positively locking the housing (3) and at least a second fastening element (8), wherein the second fastening element (8) can be connected to the housing (3) in a positive and / or force-locking manner.

Description

[0001] Bait box arrangement comprising a bait box with a tubular housing which has an entry opening for rodents on one end face, wherein the housing is associated with a fastening device for fastening the bait box in a wastewater treatment plant.

[0002] Cities, towns, and municipalities continuously carry out rat control measures in wastewater treatment facilities. These facilities include, for example, sewage treatment plants and sewers. Poisoned baits containing toxins are used for rat control. It is important to prevent the toxins from entering the wastewater, as these substances are largely inert and cannot be broken down in sewage treatment plants. Therefore, bait boxes are used to place the poisoned baits, and the baits are secured within the boxes in such a way that the rodents cannot drag them away.

[0003] Such a bait box is known, for example, from EP 3 238 538 A1. The previously known bait box has a tubular housing which, in its ready-to-use state, has an opening on only one side, forming an entry point for rodents. The entry point faces the ground, or rather, the water level of the sewer. If the water level in the sewer rises, the wastewater reaches the bait box, and the bait box is submerged. However, because the bait box is only open on one side, the wastewater cannot completely enter the bait box, as an air cushion forms inside, preventing the ingress of wastewater.

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of providing a bait box arrangement which is particularly easy to handle.

[0005] The bait box arrangement according to the invention comprises a bait box with a tubular housing which has an entry opening for rodents on one end face, wherein the housing is associated with a fastening device for fastening the bait box in a wastewater treatment plant, wherein the fastening device has a first fastening element for positively locking the housing and at least a second fastening element, wherein the second fastening element can be connected to the housing in a positive and / or force-locking manner.

[0006] The mounting device allows the bait box assembly to be permanently attached within a wastewater treatment plant. The mounting device is preferably designed to be attached to climbing irons within the wastewater treatment plant. The design of the first and second mounting elements makes the bait box particularly easy and quick to attach. Depending on the design of the second mounting element, the bait box can even be attached to the mounting device without tools, thus making the process especially fast. During normal use, the bait box is firmly connected to the mounting device. In an advantageous embodiment, the access opening faces the bottom of the wastewater treatment plant, preventing rising water from entering the housing.The bait box is attached to the mounting device in such a way that the entry opening always points towards the bottom of the wastewater system, even when water is rising. The mounting device can be permanently or detachably connected to the wastewater system. A permanent connection can be made, for example, using a screw connection, which is particularly simple and cost-effective to produce.

[0007] The first and second fastening elements can be arranged on a support rod. In this configuration, the first fastening element, the second fastening element, and the support rod form the fastening device, which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture. The fastening to the wastewater system can be achieved via the support rod.

[0008] The first fastening element can be designed as a ring. In this configuration, the first fastening element is designed to accommodate a tubular housing. While the housing can be moved longitudinally, it is fixed in the first fastening element in all other directions. This makes assembly particularly easy.

[0009] The second fastening element can have a U-shaped section that grips the end wall of the housing. This design further simplifies assembly. The housing is first inserted into the first fastening device and then placed onto the second fastening element. The U-shaped section grips the end edge of the housing, so that the housing is positively locked to both the first and second fastening elements.

[0010] A clamping screw can be attached to the U-shaped section. This clamping screw allows the housing to be securely fixed to the second mounting element, making the connection between the bait box and the mounting device particularly robust.

[0011] At least one third fastening element can be arranged on the support rod. The third fastening element allows the mounting device to be detachably fixed to the wastewater system. At least one third fastening element is provided so that the bait box assembly is fixed in place. Preferably, the support rod is equipped with two fastening elements, thus preventing it from tilting or pivoting.

[0012] The third fastening element can be slidably arranged on the support rod and secured to the support rod by a fixing device. With this design, the attachment of the support rod is particularly flexible and can be easily adapted to the structural conditions of the wastewater treatment plant. Preferably, the fastening elements are attached to climbing irons or similar devices. However, it is also conceivable to attach the fastening elements to other components of the wastewater treatment plant.

[0013] The third fastening element can have a hook-shaped section. This hook-shaped section allows the clamping elements to be hooked into components of the wastewater treatment plant, making the installation of the bait box assembly particularly quick and easy. The hook-shaped sections can be configured to engage with either horizontal or vertical components.

[0014] The hook-shaped section can be equipped with an additional fixing device. These additional fixing devices allow the support rod to be firmly attached to the wastewater system.

[0015] The support rod can be connected to a second support rod via a lock. The first support rod can be attached to the housing, while the second can be connected to the wastewater system. The lock allows the first support rod to be detached from the second, making it possible to remove the bait box from the wastewater system without detaching the entire mounting mechanism. This allows the bait box to be removed, for example, to replace the poison bait, and then reinstalled. The lock securely interlocks the two support rods during normal use.

[0016] The lock can be designed as a snap connection. A snap connection is particularly easy to attach and detach. For this purpose, the lock can have a snap hook connected to an eyelet. To detach the two support rods, it is only necessary to actuate the eyelet, causing the snap hook to release from the lock. The snap hook can be spring-loaded, so that it engages in the lock even in its initial position. With this design, a rod with a hook can be provided for removing the bait box. The hook of the rod is threaded into the eyelet, the snap hook is actuated, and then the bait box, along with the support rod, can be removed via the eyelet. The bait box is reattached in the reverse manner.

[0017] The legs of the hook-shaped section can be adjustable. In this design, the section can function like a clamping element, thus creating both a positive and force-fit connection. Furthermore, it allows for particularly easy adaptation to the structural conditions of the wastewater treatment plant.

[0018] Some embodiments of the bait box arrangement according to the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. The figures show, schematically: Fig. 1 a bait box arrangement; Fig. 2 a fastening device; Fig. 3 a fastening device with a lock; Fig. 4. The castle in detail; Fig. 5 a fastening element according to the first embodiment; Fig. 6 a fastening element according to the second embodiment; Fig. 7 a handrail; Fig. 8 a fastening element according to the third embodiment; Fig. 9. An introductory guide; Fig. 10 a locking basket; Fig. 11 a support bar with support element; Fig. 12 a support pole in the form of a tripod; Fig. 13 a support rod with spring section.

[0019] The figures show a bait box arrangement 1, comprising a bait box 2 with a tubular housing 3 made of plastic, which is open at one end 4 and has an entry opening 5 for rodents. The housing 3 is closed at the other end by a lid. Inside the lid is a receptacle for poison bait. The receptacle is firmly attached to the inside of the lid and is made of a metallic material. The receptacle is designed as a wire fastening device, so that the poison bait is firmly attached to the lid and cannot be carried away by rodents.

[0020] Housing 3 has two vertical sections and one horizontal section. An arc-shaped section is arranged between each of the vertical and horizontal sections. The arc-shaped sections are formed as 88.5° arc elements. However, arc-shaped sections with an angle of 90° are also conceivable.

[0021] The horizontal section is equipped with a restraint device in the form of a recess or a half-shell, which is located inside the horizontal section. Climbing aids are arranged in the vertical section.

[0022] The lid is designed as a screw-on lid and has an internal seal which, when the lid is screwed on, comes into contact with the housing 3. On the outside, the lid has positive locking elements in the form of axially extending, rib-shaped projections distributed around its circumference. The lid also has a retaining element in the form of a magnetizable metal disc, which is attached to the disc-shaped section of the lid.

[0023] The bait box arrangement 1 includes, in addition to the bait box 2 described above, a removal unit for removing the lid with the receiving device.

[0024] According to a first embodiment, the dispensing unit is designed to engage positively with the positive locking elements of the lid. The dispensing unit is bell-shaped and surrounds the lid for removal and placement. Inside the dispensing unit, a further retaining element is arranged, which connects to the retaining element after the dispensing unit is placed on the lid. This further retaining element is a disc-shaped permanent magnet. A rod is associated with the dispensing unit. The rod is telescopic and has two interlocking rod sections.

[0025] The extraction unit allows the removal of the lid of a bait box mounted deep inside a sewer shaft. The extraction unit enables remote access via the surface of the sewer shaft, i.e., from street level.

[0026] The lid is marked with a identifier that allows for its unique identification. This identifier is provided by a barcode. Alternatively, the lid can be equipped with an RFID chip. This marking simplifies the documentation of the bait box, or rather, the documentation of the poison baits removed from bait box 2.

[0027] During the inspection, the identification code is read. This automation allows for improved documentation. Various data can be recorded, such as the person conducting the inspection, the location of bait box 2, the manhole number, the inspection date, the active ingredient of the poison bait placed in bait box 2, a bait description, the bait quantity, the rodent infestation level in percent (this can be derived from the amount of bait removed, which can be expressed as a percentage, e.g., 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100%), and / or the action(s) taken (inspection carried out, poison bait replaced, poison-free rat baits installed for monitoring).

[0028] This also enables monitoring for infestation detection and localization. This makes it possible to lay poison bait only in areas where an infestation is present.

[0029] Fig. Figure 1 shows a bait box arrangement 1, comprising a bait box 2 with a tubular housing 3. The housing 3 has an entry opening 5 for rodents on one end face 4, the entry opening 5 pointing towards the bottom of a wastewater treatment plant during intended use. A fastening device 6 for securing the bait box 2 in the wastewater treatment plant is associated with the housing 3. The fastening device 6 comprises a first fastening element 7 for positively engaging the housing 3 and a second fastening element 8.

[0030] The first fastening element 7 and the second fastening element 8 are arranged on a support rod 9. The first fastening element 7 is designed as a ring and the second fastening element 8 is positively and non-positively connected to the housing.

[0031] Fig. Figure 2 shows in detail the retaining rod 9 of the fastening device 6 with the first fastening element 7 and the second fastening element 8. It is particularly evident that the second fastening element 8 has a U-shaped section 10 which engages the wall 11 of the housing 3 at its front face. A clamping screw 12 is associated with the U-shaped section 10, by means of which the second fastening element 8 can be positively locked to the housing 3.

[0032] Fig. Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of the fastening device 6, which in this case comprises a retaining rod 9 and a second retaining rod 18, wherein the retaining rod 9 and the retaining rod 18 are connected to each other by a lock 17. The lock 17 forms a snap connection. For this purpose, the lock includes a spring-loaded snap hook 24, which can engage in a projection 32 formed by the retaining rod 9. The retaining rod 9 is connected to the housing 3 and the second retaining rod 18 to the wastewater system. The lock 17 also has an eyelet 20, wherein the eyelet 20 and the snap hook 24 interact and the snap hook 24 unlocks when the eyelet 20 is pulled. The eyelet 20 is articulated in the lock 17 and interacts with the snap hook 24 in such a way that the eyelet 20 can pivot freely within a predetermined angular range before the eyelet 20 engages with the snap hook 24.This prevents the snap hook 24 from unintentionally detaching when attaching the bait box 2. The eyelet 20 can be engaged manually or via a pole equipped with a hook. This makes it possible to install and remove the bait box 2 in deep manholes without having to descend into them. The eyelet 20 simultaneously serves to unlock the lock 17 and to remove the bait box 2 from the manhole.

[0033] Fig. Figure 4 shows the previously described lock 17 in detail. The support rod 18 is provided with a support element 23. For installation, the support rod 18 can be placed on the floor of the wastewater treatment plant using the support element 23 and then firmly connected to a wall of the wastewater treatment plant. The support element 23 is a metal angle bracket that simultaneously stiffens the second fastening element 8, making it mechanically stable and robust against external forces.

[0034] Fig. Figure 5 shows a first embodiment of a third fastening element 25 in two views. The third fastening element 25 has a tubular section that can be slid onto the support rod 9. The third fastening element 25 can be fixed to the support rod 9 by means of a clamping screw. The third fastening element 25 also has a hook-shaped section 15, to which a clamping screw is also assigned.

[0035] The tubular section and the hook-shaped section 15 are aligned with each other in such a way that the third fastening element 25 can be attached to devices running vertically in the shaft.

[0036] Fig. Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of the previously described third fastening element 25, in which the tubular section and the hook-shaped section 15 are aligned to each other in such a way that the third fastening element 25 can be attached to devices running horizontally in the shaft.

[0037] Fig. Figure 7 shows in detail the in Fig. Figure 3 shows a support rod 18, which can be securely fastened in the shaft of a wastewater treatment plant. This is preferably done using screw connections. For installation, the support rod 18 can be placed on the floor of the wastewater treatment plant using the support element 23 and then securely connected to a wall of the wastewater treatment plant. The support element 23 is a metal angle bracket that simultaneously stiffens the second fastening element 8, making it mechanically stable and robust against external forces.

[0038] Fig. Figure 8 shows a further embodiment of the third fastening element 25. In this embodiment, one leg 19 of the hook-shaped section 15 is adjustable and designed in a manner comparable to a clamp.

[0039] Fig. Figure 9 shows an entry aid 21 which can be attached to the entry opening 5 of the housing 3.

[0040] Fig. Figure 10 shows a locking basket 22 that can be placed around the housing 3 and is interchangeable, so that the bait box 2 is protected against theft.

[0041] Fig. Figure 11 shows an advantageous embodiment of the fastening device 6 with a retaining rod 9, in which the retaining rod 9 is provided with a support element 23. In the present embodiment, the support element 23 is formed from a sheet metal extending transversely to the retaining rod 9, which has points 26 on the side facing the channel floor, so that the support element 23 can grip the channel floor. In the present embodiment, the points 26 together with the support element 23 are formed integrally from a single sheet metal and made of the same material.

[0042] In an alternative embodiment, the tips 26 have a variable length. For this purpose, the tips 26 can be connected to the support element 23 via threads and their length can be adjusted. Preferably, the tips 26 are connected to the support element 23 via spring elements. In this embodiment, it is advantageous that the spring elements can compensate for unevenness in the ground, so that even on uneven or sloping surfaces, both tips 26 remain in contact with the ground. This improves the stability of the fastening device 6.

[0043] The support rod 9 is equipped with a lock 17 on the side facing away from the support element 23. A third fastening element 25 is also arranged on the support rod. For fastening, the support rod 9 is placed on the floor of the wastewater treatment plant using the support element 23. The third fastening element 25 is attached to the support rod 9 in such a way that it can grip equipment of the wastewater treatment plant, e.g., climbing irons. The third fastening element 25 is equipped with a screw by which the clear opening of the clamp-like section can be adjusted. This allows the third fastening element 25 to be adapted to the diameter of the equipment, so that the connection has only minimal play. Finally, the lock 17 is engaged in a projection 32 of a support rod 18, which is attached to the wall of the wastewater treatment plant. The support rod 18 is in Fig. 11 not shown, but corresponds to the support rod according to Fig. 7, wherein the retaining rod 18 is designed according to Fig. 11 may be greatly shortened. The length of the support rod 18 can essentially correspond to the length of the projection 32.

[0044] The support rod 9 can have several pipe sections, making it extendable. It is conceivable that the support rod 9 extends from the base of the wastewater system to below the system's cover, the manhole cover. In this case, it is possible to attach the support rod 18 to the system wall without having to descend into the system.

[0045] Fig. Figure 12 shows a further embodiment of the third fastening element 25 for fixing the support rod 18. In the present embodiment, the third fastening element 25 is designed as a tripod, so that the bait box assembly 1 can be arranged freestanding in the channel. The third fastening element 25 comprises a mounting plate with three sleeves, one sleeve being designed to receive the support rod 9 and two sleeves each receiving a support rod. In the illustration according to Fig. Figure 12 shows the sleeve for receiving the support rod 9 at the bottom left. The sleeves are arranged on the mounting plate such that the support rod and the support rods project at an angle from the mounting plate. Furthermore, the sleeves are offset from each other so that the support rod 9 and the support rods do not touch when they are moved within the sleeves. The sleeve associated with the support rod 9 is designed so that the support rod 9 can be fixed vertically to the third fastening element 25. The other two sleeves are arranged on the fastening element 25 such that the support rods attached to them project obliquely.

[0046] Fig. Figure 13 shows an alternative embodiment of the retaining rod 9, which has a tube section 27 onto which a sleeve 28 is slid, the sleeve 28 being fixed to the tube section 27 by means of a clamping screw. A spring 29 is mounted on the sleeve 28 and surrounds the tube section 27. A retaining element 25 is also slid onto the tube section 27, the retaining element 25 having a sleeve section and a hook section. The retaining element 25 is slidably mounted on the tube section 27 and is supported by the spring 29. The retaining element 25 can be displaced on the tube section 27 against the force of the spring 29.

[0047] On the side facing the floor of the wastewater treatment plant, a support element is attached to the support rod 9, wherein the support element 23 has spikes 26 according to the design made of Fig. 11. In the present embodiment, the tips 26 together with the support element 23 are formed from a single sheet of material and in one piece.

[0048] In an alternative embodiment, the tips 26 have a variable length. For this purpose, the tips 26 can be connected to the support element 23 via threads and their length can be adjusted. Preferably, the tips 26 are connected to the support element 23 via spring elements. In this embodiment, it is advantageous that the spring elements can compensate for unevenness in the ground, so that even on uneven or sloping surfaces, both tips 26 remain in contact with the ground. This improves the stability of the fastening device 6.

[0049] On the side facing away from the support element 23, a sleeve-shaped stop 34 is attached to the retaining rod 9 by means of a clamping screw. The stop 34 limits the distance that the retaining element 25 can slide on the pipe section 27 and holds the retaining element 25 securely on the pipe section 27.

[0050] The stop 34 and the sleeve 28 are each fixed to the pipe section 27 by means of a clamping screw and can therefore be easily adapted to the installation situation in the wastewater system.

[0051] The holding element 25 is equipped with a guide element 31, which serves as a receptacle for a tool 30.

[0052] The support rod is further equipped with a U-shaped second fastening element 8, which, however, is not shown in the view in the Fig. 13 is not shown.

[0053] The pipe section 27 can be made up of multiple parts, so that the length of the pipe section 27 can be changed.

[0054] For assembly, a bait box 2 is first fixed to the support rod 9, whereby it is attached to the first fastening element 7 and the second fastening element 8.

[0055] The support rod 9 is then lowered into the wastewater system using a tool 30, and the support rod 9 is initially positioned on a surface, e.g., the channel floor, via the support element 23. The retaining element 25 is then moved against the force of the spring 29 using the tool 30, and the hook section of the retaining element 25 is clamped into channel fixtures, e.g., rungs, by releasing the tool 30. The tool 30 rests on the guide element 31 of the retaining element 25, allowing the retaining element 25 to be moved against the force of the spring 29 and rotated on the pipe section 27.

[0056] To remove the retaining rod 9, the retaining element 25 is moved by placing the tool 30 on it and then tilted so that the retaining element 25 is released from the device. The retaining rod 9 can then be removed from the wastewater system by bringing the claws 33 of the tool 30 against the stop 34. 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 3 238 538 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Bait box arrangement (1) comprising a bait box (2) with a tubular housing (3) which has an entry opening (5) for rodents on one end face (4), wherein the housing (3) is associated with a fastening device (6) for fastening the bait box (2) in a wastewater treatment plant, characterized by , that the fastening device (6) has a first fastening element (7) for positively locking the housing (3) and at least a second fastening element (8), wherein the second fastening element (8) can be connected to the housing (3) in a positive and / or force-locking manner. [2] Bait box arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by , that the first fastening element (7) and the second fastening element (8) are arranged on a support rod (9). [3] Bait box arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the first fastening element (7) is designed as a ring. [4] Bait box arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the second fastening element (8) has a U-shaped section (10) which engages the wall (11) of the housing (3) at the front face. [5] Bait box arrangement according to claim 4, characterized by , that a clamping screw (12) is associated with the U-shaped section (10). [6] Bait box arrangement according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized by , that at least one clamping element (13) is arranged on the support rod (9). [7] Bait box arrangement according to claim 6, characterized by , that the clamping body (13) is slidably arranged on the support rod (9) and can be fixed to the support rod (9) by means of a fixing means (14). [8] Bait box arrangement according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by , that the clamping body (14) has a hook-shaped section (15). [9] Bait box arrangement according to claim 8, characterized by, that the hook-shaped section (15) is provided with a further fixing agent (16). [10] Bait box arrangement according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized by , that the retaining rod (9) is connected to a second retaining rod (18) via a lock (17), wherein the retaining rod (9) is connected to the housing (3) and the second retaining rod (18) can be connected to the wastewater system. [11] Bait box arrangement according to claim 10, characterized by , that the lock (17) is designed as a snap connection. [12] Bait box arrangement according to any one of claims 4 to 11, characterized by , that the legs (19) of the U-shaped section (10) are adjustable. [13] Bait box arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by that the retaining rod (9) has at least one retaining element (25) which can be clamped in the installations of the wastewater system by means of a spring (29).

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