Device for protecting a rodenticide bait in a sewer

Abstract

Device (1) for providing a rodenticide bait in a sewer, comprising a holding device (17) for receiving a bait, wherein the bait is freely accessible to rodents in a first position of the device (1), a protective device (7) designed to at least partially enclose the bait, a release mechanism actuated by a rising water level, wherein the protective device (7) is held in an open position in the first position by a retaining element (15), and wherein the release mechanism comprises a float (6) which releases the retaining element (15) when the water level rises, so that the protective device (7) is automatically moved into a closed position in which the bait is shielded from the surrounding water.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for providing and protecting a rodenticide bait from contact with water in a sewage canal.

[0002] Rats pose a significant hygiene and infrastructural problem, particularly in urban areas. A key habitat for rats is the sewer system of cities and towns. Here, the animals regularly find food scraps that enter the sewer system via wastewater or improperly disposed of food. From their nests outside the sewer, the animals regularly enter the sewer system in search of food. For this reason, rat control measures are often carried out directly within the sewer system.

[0003] To control rats in sewer systems, rodenticide baits are primarily used. The baits are typically placed on or near the so-called embankment of a sewer shaft so that the animals can ingest them while foraging for food. In earlier methods, the baits were placed directly into the sewer or fixed in place with wire ties, making them accessible to the animals while still allowing for later removal.

[0004] More recently, however, regulatory requirements for the use of rodenticides have become more stringent. In particular, efforts are being made to prevent active ingredients from the baits from entering the environment through contact with water. For this reason, various bait stations have been developed for use in canals, in which the bait is housed in a casing and is designed to be protected from contact with water as the water level rises.

[0005] However, such bait stations have several disadvantages. Firstly, rats in the canal often don't readily accept closed bait stations, as they are generally accustomed to freely accessible food sources. Secondly, existing bait stations are often relatively large, heavy, and cumbersome to handle. Furthermore, debris in the canal, such as paper or other solids, can impair the functionality of such devices.

[0006] Various devices for receiving or holding bait for rodents are known from the prior art.

[0007] For example, US patent 4,726,150 discloses a rodent bait station in which bait is arranged in a housing that can be entered through access openings and protects the bait from external influences.

[0008] US patent 5,566,483 discloses a bait station with a closed housing containing a rodenticide bait, with access to the bait provided through entry openings for rodents.

[0009] EP 2 238 464 discloses a device for holding a rodenticide bait, in which the bait is held in a closed or partially closed structure to prevent uncontrolled access.

[0010] Furthermore, US 7,631,456 describes a bait station with a housing for receiving a rodenticide bait, in which the bait is positioned within a protective housing to protect it from external influences.

[0011] All these solutions have in common that the bait is placed in a housing or station that the rodent must enter to reach it. However, such systems can lead to reduced bait uptake, particularly in canals.

[0012] The invention is based on the objective of providing a device for supplying a rodenticide bait in a sewage canal, in which a bait for rodents can be offered in an easily accessible manner and at the same time prevents the bait from coming into contact with water when the water level rises.

[0013] The problem is solved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0014] The invention relates to a device for delivering a rodenticide bait into a sewer. The device comprises a holding device for receiving the bait. The holding device is designed such that a rodenticide bait can be attached to or held by the device. In a first position of the device, the bait is freely accessible to rodents, so that it can be reached and ingested by rodents in the sewer. The device further comprises a protective device. The protective device is designed to at least partially enclose the bait. This allows the bait to be shielded from the surrounding water when the protective device is closed. In the first position of the device, the protective device is in an open position, so that the bait is accessible.

[0015] Furthermore, the device includes a release mechanism that is activated by a rising water level. The release mechanism comprises a float. The float is arranged such that it is moved by the buoyancy of the water when the water level rises. The safety device is held in the open position by a retaining element. The retaining element can, for example, be designed as a mechanical locking element that secures the safety device in the open position. The float is coupled to or associated with the retaining element in such a way that movement of the float due to a rising water level releases the retaining element. When the retaining element is released by the movement of the float, the safety device moves from the open position to a closed position.In this closed position, the protective device at least partially encloses the bait, thus shielding it from the surrounding water. This prevents the bait from coming into contact with water when the water level rises.

[0016] The rodenticide bait attached to the holding device is preferably designed as a bait containing an active ingredient for rodent control. The rodenticide bait can be, for example, a bait block, bait cube, granular bait, paste bait, or other bait body. For the purposes of this description, the term "rodenticide bait" generally encompasses bait bodies containing at least one rodenticidal active ingredient and intended for ingestion by rodents.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the protective device comprises a base body. The base body forms a load-bearing component of the device, to which further components of the device can be arranged or attached. In particular, the holding device for the rodenticide bait and at least part of the triggering mechanism can be arranged on the base body. The base body can be designed as an elongated component. In one possible embodiment, the base body can be tubular or sleeve-shaped. Other geometric designs are also conceivable, for example, prismatic, cylindrical, or polygonal cross-sectional shapes. The base body can be made of a metal, a plastic, or a combination of different materials. The base body can also be designed to accommodate or guide further components of the device.In particular, the base body can have a cavity in which at least part of the release mechanism is located. Alternatively, the base body can be designed as a solid component to whose outer surface individual components of the device are attached.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the base body is designed as a hollow body. The hollow body has an upper end region and a lower end region axially spaced from it. A cavity extends between the upper and lower end regions of the base body. This cavity can serve to accommodate at least part of the release mechanism. In particular, the cavity can be designed to accommodate a float that is movable within the cavity. The lower end region of the base body is designed to be at least partially water-permeable. For this purpose, the lower end region can, for example, have openings, perforations, slots, holes, or a grid-like structure. It is also possible for the lower end region to be formed by a water-permeable material, such as a grid element or a perforated component.Due to the at least partially water-permeable design of the lower end, water from the surrounding channel can enter the cavity of the base body, allowing the float located in the cavity to come into contact with the water level in the channel. This enables the float to move in response to a rising water level.

[0019] In another embodiment, the float is arranged within the cavity of the base body. The float is mounted within the cavity so as to be axially movable along a longitudinal axis of the base body. For the purposes of this description, a float is understood to be a body that, upon contact with water, can move due to its buoyancy. The float can be made of a material with a lower density than water or contain an enclosed volume of air, so that a buoyant force is generated upon contact with water. The float can, for example, be a cylindrical, spherical, disc-shaped, or otherwise shaped body that is movably arranged within the cavity of the base body. The dimensions of the float can be adapted to the cross-section of the cavity so that the float is guided and movable within the cavity.The float can be made of plastic, a foamed material, or be hollow. It is also possible for the float to comprise several components or be composed of different materials.

[0020] In another embodiment, the bait holding device is arranged on the base body. The holding device can be designed such that the rodenticide bait is positioned and held relative to the base body. The holding device can, for example, be a holder, receptacle, pin, wire, clamp, or other suitable fastening element to which the bait can be attached or mounted. It is also possible for the holding device to form a receptacle in which the bait is at least partially contained. The holding device can preferably be arranged in a region of the base body that lies outside the cavity. In particular, the holding device can be attached to an outer surface of the base body so that the bait arranged on the holding device is freely accessible when the guard is in the open position. The holder and the base body can be formed as a single piece.

[0021] In another embodiment, the holding device is detachably or replaceably attached to the base body. For this purpose, the holding device can be connected to the base body via a detachable connection. For example, the holding device can be attached to the base body via a screw connection, a plug connection, a clamp connection, or a snap-fit ​​connection. It is also possible for the holding device to be inserted into a corresponding receptacle in the base body and held there. A detachable attachment of the holding device allows it to be replaced or removed as needed. In particular, this facilitates the replacement or removal of the rodenticide bait attached to the holding device.

[0022] In another embodiment, the retaining element is designed as a lever. The retaining element can be pivotally mounted on the base body. A pivoting movement of the retaining element can release or loosen the mounting of the safety device. The lever can, for example, be pivotally mounted about an axis extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the base body. In a holding position, a section of the lever engages a part of the safety device and holds it in the open position. Moving the lever out of this holding position releases the mounting of the safety device. The lever can also be arranged such that a section of the lever interacts with the float. This allows movement of the float due to a rising water level to cause movement of the lever, thereby releasing the mounting of the safety device.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the retaining element is arranged at an upper end region of the base body. The upper end region of the base body is the region that, in the assembled state of the device, faces the lower end region. The retaining element can, for example, be arranged on an outer surface of the upper end region of the base body and pivotably mounted there. Alternatively, the retaining element can be arranged in a corresponding bearing structure or receptacle of the base body. The retaining element can be positioned such that a section of it projects at least partially into the cavity of the base body. This allows the retaining element to interact with the float located in the cavity. It can be provided that the float only comes into operative contact with the retaining element when it reaches a defined axial length within the base body.In the device's rest position, the float and the retaining element can be arranged axially spaced apart. In this rest position, the float lies in a lower region of the base body's cavity, so there is no contact between the float and the retaining element. Only when the water level rises is the float moved upwards along the longitudinal axis of the base body by buoyancy until it reaches the defined section within the base body and comes into operative contact with the retaining element. This operative contact causes the float to exert a force on the retaining element, thereby moving the retaining element from its holding position. In particular, the retaining element can pivot about a bearing axis, thus releasing any locking mechanism of the protective device formed by the retaining element.

[0024] The operative contact between the float and the retaining element can be achieved, for example, by the float contacting a section of the retaining element with an end face, a lateral surface, or a projection. Alternatively, the float may have an inclined contact surface that, as it moves upwards, slides along a corresponding section of the retaining element, thereby causing the retaining element to pivot. The float can also interact with the retaining element via an intermediate transmission element, such as a pin, rod, or driver. This operative contact can, for example, lift, pivot, or release the retaining element from a detent position, thus releasing the support formed by the retaining element for the protective device.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the retaining element projects at least partially through an opening in the base body into the cavity. This opening can be, for example, a slot, slit, or recess in a wall of the base body. Through this opening, a section of the retaining element can project into the cavity in which the float is located. The section of the retaining element projecting into the cavity can be positioned so that, in the device's rest position, it lies outside the float's range of motion. This ensures that there is initially no contact between the float and the retaining element.

[0026] In a further embodiment, the protective device comprises at least one protective body. This protective body is movable between an open position and a locked position. In the open position, the rodenticide bait, which is attached to the holding device, is accessible to rodents. In the locked position, the protective body is positioned relative to the bait such that the bait is at least partially enclosed. The protective body can be movably mounted relative to the base body. For example, the protective body can be pivotally, slidably, or hingedly mounted on the base body. It is also possible for the protective body to be connected to the base body via a hinge, a bearing axis, or another suitable bearing structure. The protective body can be held in the open position by the holding element.If the retaining element is moved from its holding position, the protective body can be moved towards the locking position. In the locking position, the protective body can at least partially enclose the bait, thus shielding the bait from the surrounding water.

[0027] The protective device can be designed as a single piece or in multiple parts. For example, the protective device can comprise a single movable guard. Alternatively, the protective device can comprise several guards that together define an interior space for receiving or enclosing the bait. In such an embodiment, the guards can, for example, be shell-shaped and interact in the locked position so that the bait is contained within the interior space.

[0028] The holding device is preferably arranged on the base body such that a rodenticide bait attached to the holding device is positioned within the effective range of the protective device. The effective range of the protective device is understood to be the spatial area in which the at least one protective body is located when moving into the locking position and at least partially encloses or covers the bait. In one embodiment, the bait can be arranged on the holding device outside the protective device and, when the protective device moves into the locking position, be covered or enclosed by the at least one protective body. In this case, the protective device can be moved relative to the holding device so that the at least one protective body moves towards the holding device and covers or encloses the bait located there.Alternatively, the bait can be positioned inside the protective device so that it is accessible when the device is open and shielded from the surrounding water by the device when it is locked. The holding device can be positioned relative to the protective device such that the bait is released when the device is open and is collected within a protective space formed by the device when it moves into the locked position.

[0029] In a further embodiment, at least one protective body is movably arranged relative to the base body. This protective body can be movable between an open position and a locked position. In the open position, the rodenticide bait mounted on the holding device is accessible. In the locked position, the protective body is positioned relative to the bait such that the bait is at least partially enclosed or covered. For this purpose, the protective body can be pivotally, hingedly, or slidably arranged on the base body. For example, the protective body can be connected to the base body via a hinge or a bearing axis, thus enabling movement between the open and locked positions. The holding element can retain the protective body in the open position.If the retaining element is moved from its holding position due to the movement of the float, at least one protective element can be released. After release, the protective element can move towards the locking position and thereby at least partially enclose or cover the bait arranged on the retaining device.

[0030] In another embodiment, the at least one protective body is biased towards the locking position by a spring force. For this purpose, the protective body can be connected to the base body via a spring element. The spring element can be, for example, a coil spring, leaf spring, torsion spring, or an elastic component. In the open position, the at least one protective body can be held against the spring force by the retaining element. The retaining element prevents movement of the protective body towards the locking position. If the retaining element is released due to the movement of the float, the spring force acting on the protective body can move it towards the locking position. The spring force enables rapid and reliable movement of the protective body into the locking position.In this position, the protective body can at least partially enclose or cover the bait arranged on the holding device, so that the bait is shielded from the surrounding water.

[0031] In a further embodiment, the protective device comprises several protective bodies. These protective bodies can be arranged to be movable relative to one another and together define an interior space designed to receive the rodenticide bait mounted on the holding device. The protective bodies can, for example, be pivotally mounted on the base body. For this purpose, each protective body can be connected to the base body via a bearing axis or a joint. In the open position, the protective bodies can be spaced apart from one another, allowing access to the bait. After release by the holding element, the protective bodies can move relative to one another towards the locking position. In this position, the protective bodies can interact and at least partially enclose the bait.For this purpose, the protective bodies can, for example, be designed as hollow bodies and, in the locked position, together form an interior space in which the bait is contained.

[0032] In another embodiment, the protective bodies are shell-shaped. Each protective body can have a concave inner surface which, in the locked position, forms a receiving space for the rodenticide bait attached to the holding device. The protective bodies can be arranged relative to one another such that, in the locked position, they at least partially abut or interlock. This creates a closed, or at least largely closed, protective space that shields the bait from the surrounding water. In the open position, the protective bodies can be spaced apart, allowing rodents access to the bait. After release by the holding element, the protective bodies can move towards the locked position due to the spring force acting upon them, thereby enclosing the bait attached to the holding device.

[0033] In a further embodiment, at least one sealing element can be arranged between the protective bodies. The sealing element can be designed to create at least a partially sealing connection between the protective bodies when they are locked. This prevents water or dirt particles from penetrating the interior formed by the protective bodies. The sealing element can, for example, be designed as an elastic sealing element. In particular, the sealing element can be designed as a sealing lip, sealing bead, O-ring, flat gasket, or elastic sealing strip. The sealing element can be arranged on one of the protective bodies and interact with a contact surface of the other protective body when the protective bodies move into the locked position.In one possible embodiment, the sealing element can be arranged along an edge region of a protective body, so that a circumferential sealing line is formed when the protective bodies are brought together. This allows the interior space formed by the protective bodies to be at least partially sealed against the surrounding water.

[0034] In a further embodiment, the protective bodies have a locking device. The locking device can be designed to hold the protective bodies relative to each other in the locked position. The locking device can, for example, be designed as a latching connection. For this purpose, one of the protective bodies can have at least one latching element that, in the locked position, interacts with a corresponding counterpart on the other protective body. The latching element can, for example, be designed as a latching lug, latching projection, or latching edge, while the counterpart can, for example, be designed as a latching opening, latching recess, or latching receptacle. When the protective bodies are moved together toward the locked position, the latching elements can yield elastically and, upon reaching the locked position, engage with the corresponding counterparts.This allows for a positive or force-locking locking of the protective bodies, so that the protective bodies are held in the locked position.

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

[0036] They show: Fig. 1. Perspective view of a device in an open state, Fig. 2 Front view of the Fig. 1, Fig. 3. Perspective view of a device in a closed state and Fig. 4. A perspective view of a floating object.

[0037] The device 1 comprises a base body 2, which in the illustrated embodiment is tubular. The base body 2 has an upper end region 3 and a lower end region 4 axially spaced from it. Inside the base body 2, a cavity 5 is formed in which a float 6, not visible, is arranged. An example of the float 6 is shown in Fig. Figure 4 shows that the float 6 is movably arranged along the longitudinal axis of the base body 2. The shape of the float 6 is adapted to the inner cross-section of the tubular base body 2, thus enabling guided movement within the cavity 5.

[0038] The device 1 further comprises a protective device 7. In the illustrated embodiment, the protective device 7 comprises a first protective body 8 and a second protective body 9. The protective bodies 8 and 9 are essentially box-shaped and can together form an interior space. The protective bodies 8 and 9 are suspended at their upper ends from a bracket 10. The bracket 10 can be attached to or anchored to the base body 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket 10 projects at least partially into the cavity 5 of the base body 2.

[0039] At the upper ends of the protective bodies 8, 9, retaining lugs 11 can be arranged, by means of which the protective bodies 8, 9 are suspended from a rod or a corresponding suspension element of the bracket 10. This allows the protective bodies 8, 9 to be movably arranged relative to the bracket 10. Furthermore, an actuating element 12, for example a handle or a similar element, can be provided at the upper ends of the protective bodies 8, 9, by means of which the protective device 7 can be opened manually.

[0040] Furthermore, the protective bodies 8, 9 have a coupling element 13 at their upper end, which interacts with a release mechanism of the device 1. In the illustrated embodiment, this coupling element 13 is designed as an annular element.

[0041] The base body 2 has an opening 14 in the region of its upper end 3. A lever-like retaining element 15 projects through this opening 14. The retaining element 15 has an active element 16 at its end projecting from the base body 2, which can interact with the coupling element 13 of the protective bodies 8, 9. The opposite end of the retaining element 15 projects into the cavity 5 of the base body 2 and is movably mounted there. In the illustrated embodiment, this end of the retaining element 15 is arranged to be movable, at least in sections, along the longitudinal axis of the base body 2.

[0042] Within the effective range of the protective device 7, a holding device 17 is also arranged. The holding device 17 is designed to receive a bait (not shown), in particular a rodenticide bait. The bait can be attached to the holding device 17 or held by it.

[0043] Furthermore, the device 1 can have a base 18 or a corresponding fastening element. Using such a base 18, the device 1 can be placed on a surface or attached or anchored to a floor, for example in the area of ​​a channel.

[0044] Fig. Figure 3 shows the device 1 with the protective device 7 closed. In this position, the first protective body 8 and the second protective body 9 are moved relative to each other and at least partially enclose the bait arranged in the effective area of ​​the protective device 7.

[0045] If the water level rises in the area of ​​the device 1, water enters the cavity 5 of the base body 2 through its lower end region 4. For this purpose, the base body 2 can be designed to be water-permeable in its lower end region 4 and may, for example, have grooves or the like. This causes the float 6, located in the cavity 5, to experience buoyancy and move upwards along the longitudinal axis of the base body 2. When the float 6 reaches a predetermined section within the base body 2, it comes into operative contact with the end of the retaining element 15 projecting into the cavity 5. This operative contact moves the retaining element 15, disengaging the working element 16 located at the outer end of the retaining element 15 from the annular coupling elements 13 of the protective bodies 8, 9.

[0046] This releases the previously held open position of the protective bodies 8, 9. Due to a spring force acting on the protective bodies 8, 9 or due to their own weight, the protective bodies 8, 9 move relative to each other in the direction of the locking position and form the Fig. 3. Closed position of the protective device shown. 7.

[0047] The spring force can be generated, for example, by at least one spring element 19 arranged between the base body 2 and at least one of the protective bodies 8, 9. The spring element 19 can be designed, in particular, as a torsion spring, coil spring, leaf spring, or as an elastic component. In the open position, the protective device 7 can be held against the spring force by the retaining element 15. After the retaining element 15 is released, the spring force acts on the protective bodies 8, 9, causing them to move automatically relative to each other and enclose the bait located within the effective range of the protective device 7. In this position, the bait is protected from the surrounding water by the protective bodies 8, 9. Reference symbol list 1 Device 2 basic shapes 3 upper end area 4 lower end area 5 Cavity 6 floats 7 Protective device 8 first protective body 9 second protective body 10 brackets 11 retaining eyelets 12 Actuating elements 13 coupling element 14 Breakthrough 15 retaining elements 16 Active element 17 Holding device 18 Stand 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 4,726,150

[0007] US 5,566,483

[0008] EP 2 238 464

[0009] US 7,631,456

[0010]

Claims

Device (1) for providing a rodenticide bait in a sewer, comprising a holding device (17) for receiving a bait, wherein the bait is freely accessible to rodents in a first position of the device (1), a protective device (7) designed to at least partially enclose the bait, a release mechanism actuated by a rising water level, wherein the protective device (7) is held in an open position in the first position by a retaining element (15), and wherein the release mechanism comprises a float (6) which releases the retaining element (15) when the water level rises, so that the protective device (7) is automatically moved into a closed position in which the bait is shielded from the surrounding water. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the protective device (7) comprises a base body (2). Device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the base body (2) is designed as a hollow body having an upper end region (3) and a lower end region (4) axially spaced therefrom, wherein the lower end region (4) is designed to be at least partially permeable to water. Device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the float (6) is arranged in the cavity (5) of the base body (2) and is axially movable along a longitudinal axis of the base body (2). Device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the holding device (17) for the bait is arranged on the base body (2). Device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the holding device (17) is detachably or replaceably attached to the base body (2). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining element (15) is designed as a lever. Device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the retaining element (15) is arranged at the upper end region (3) of the base body (2). Device (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the retaining element (15) projects at least partially through an opening (14) in the base body (2) into the cavity (5). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective device (7) comprises at least one protective body (8, 9) which is movable between an open position in which the bait is accessible and a locked position in which the protective body (8, 9) at least partially encloses the bait. Device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the protective body (8, 9) is biased in the direction of the locking position by a spring force. Device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the protective body (8, 9) is held in the open position by the retaining element (15) against the spring force. Device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the float (6) comes into contact with the holding element (15) at least partially during its movement. Device (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the holding of the at least one protective body (8, 9) is released by the operative contact of the float (6) with the retaining element (15). Device (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the at least one protective body (8, 9) is moved into the locking position after release by the retaining element (15) due to the spring force and encloses the bait. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective device (7) comprises two shell-shaped protective bodies (8, 9) which together define an interior space for receiving the bait. Device (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that the protective bodies (8, 9) can be locked together in the locking position by a latching connection or a snap lock. Device (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that at least one sealing element is arranged between the protective bodies (8, 9).

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