Connected pest trap

Abstract

The present invention relates to pest control, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a connected pest trap (1), a method for processing a signal from at least one such pest trap (1), an algorithm for implementing such a method, and a pest treatment installation comprising at least one such pest trap (1) and means for implementing such a method. Abstract figure: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Connected pest trap

[0001] The present invention relates to pest control, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a connected pest trap, a method for processing a signal from at least one such pest trap, an algorithm for implementing such a method, and a pest treatment installation comprising at least one such pest trap and a means for implementing such a method.

[0002] Different types of pest traps that can be connected in a network are known from the state of the art.

[0003] For example, in WO2010030346Al there is disclosed a system comprising a plurality of pest control devices and a data collector in the form of a gateway connected to a data management server via a computer network. Each disclosed pest control device comprises a pest sensor and a wireless communication circuit for transmitting information from the corresponding sensor. It is also disclosed that the devices are also configured to define a local wireless communication network that can relay the information from one to another and ultimately to the data collector.

[0004] EP3826462 discloses a snap rodent trap with remote notification capability, comprising a non-conductive base, conductive bail and trigger components, and an electronic PCB assembly mounted on the base of the trap. The PCB assembly is configured to detect and provide remote notification of trap conditions using the bail as an antenna.

[0005] However, these traps lack compactness on the one hand, and on the other hand, maintenance of the electronic parts requires removal of the traps and significant handling of them. However, handling of such traps must be limited so as not to leave indicators, particularly olfactory ones, likely to divert the targeted pest(s).

[0006] The aim of the invention is therefore to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing a connected pest trap comprising: - a base, - a lethal moving part (i.e. a moving part having a lethal portion, striking and killing the pest(s)) pivoting relative to the base, said moving part defining two positions, a so-called armed position and / or a so-called triggered position, - a magnet fixed to the moving part, and - an electronic detection and communication box comprising at least one magnetic receiver placed so as to distinguish the armed position from the unarmed position triggered, characterized in that said at least one electronic detection and communication box is placed in a plane (essentially) orthogonal to the pivot axis of the moving part.

[0007] With such an arrangement, access to the electronic elements is facilitated, limiting maintenance operations. In addition, the configuration is particularly advantageous because it is very concise.

[0008] Preferably, the magnet is fixed to at least one upright of the movable part, said upright comprising at least one point of intersection with the pivot axis.

[0009] Such an amount allows, by leverage effect, to increase the impact force and the speed of movement of the lethal moving part and therefore positioning the magnet on such a part allows to benefit from a significant change of placement without preventing the movement (the size and weight of the magnet being adapted to the size of the amount).

[0010] In a particular embodiment, the lethal part comprises a U-shaped section. Such a U-shaped section thus has two uprights, at least one of the uprights of which has at least one point of intersection with the pivot axis, and a cross section, typically delivering a lethal blow to the pest(s).

[0011] Thus, preferably, said pest trap comprises a rat or mouse trap in which the base comprises: - a tray and a bait receptacle movably attached to the tray, with an actuating means, such as a spring, linked to the lethal movable part and the bait receptacle; or - a location for a rat(s) or mouse trap with a magnet attached to the lethal moving part of said trap.

[0012] The advantage of this latter embodiment of trap is that it is easy to replace the lethal parts (leaving a particular odor that pests are potentially capable of identifying) and thus maintain an acceptable level of effectiveness of the trap without significant additional cost.

[0013] Advantageously, said connected pest trap is adapted to emit a signal compatible with a network of connected objects such as the LORA network. The advantage of such networks is their easy accessibility, increasing reliability and low energy consumption.

[0014] In a particular embodiment, said connected pest trap comprises or is connected to a telephone card reader such as a SIM card. The advantage of a telephone card is to be able to access the various communication networks while benefiting from significant geographical coverage already deployed. In the context of the present invention, the use of a telephone network can be a solution of backup in case of failure of another primary means of communication.

[0015] Advantageously, said connected pest trap is provided with a battery or cell, such as a 1.5V battery. By adapting the different factors, it is in fact possible to produce a trap with low energy consumption, justifying the use of a simple (rechargeable) battery or cell.

[0016] Advantageously, the electronic detection and communication box is placed in a waterproof box. Thus the electronics are isolated from any environmental hazard (rain, flooding, etc.) which could alter its operation.

[0017] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for processing a signal representative of a first so-called armed position and / or a second so-called triggered position of at least one pest trap as described above, characterized in that said method increments the signal temporally, preferably regularly. Thus, the method makes it possible to generate a signal which allows precise monitoring of the activity of the trap and to be able to consult a history specific to each trap, allowing for example optimization of the trapping conditions.

[0018] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for monitoring a signal representative of a first position called armed and / or a second position called triggered of at least one pest trap as described above, characterized in that an alert is generated when said signal is representative of a change of position. Thus, this method, which can be independent or combined with the previous one, makes it possible to provide real-time information on the state of the trap, in particular its activation.

[0019] The invention also relates to an algorithm for implementing a method as described above. In other words, the invention relates to a computer program comprising program code instructions for executing the method as described above when said program is executed on a computer. Thus, it is possible to computerize the use of at least one trap according to the present invention, which may be useful in a pest-infested location requiring the deployment of several traps.

[0020] Thus, the invention relates to a pest treatment installation comprising at least one pest trap as described above and a means for implementing at least one method as described above. Such an implementation means may be a simple electronic card integrated into said at least one pest trap and / or into a docking station, or a communication means connected to a PC computer (fixed or portable), a touch tablet, a smartphone, etc. and adapted to receive and process the signal emitted by at least one trap according to the present invention.

[0021] In a particular embodiment, the installation comprises a docking station for at least one pest trap(s) as described above and an independent means for processing the signal from said at least one pest trap(s), such as a computer, a cell phone, a tablet.

[0022] The docking station may be shaped like a habitat, a pantry, or any other device that provides confidence to the pest(s) that one wishes to eradicate.

[0023] By way of illustration, the figures below exemplify embodiments of the present invention. FIGURES

[0024] [Fig. 1] [Fig. 1] is a top view perspective representation of a trap according to the present invention.

[0025] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a perspective representation seen from the side of a trap according to the present invention, revealing the internal electronics.

[0026] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a perspective representation of a pest trap according to the invention having a receiving location for the lethal part of the trap such as a rat(s) or mouse trap.

[0027] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a perspective representation of an embodiment of the electronic box attachable to a pest trap according to the present invention.

[0028] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0029] [Fig.l] therefore represents an embodiment of a pest trap 1 according to the present invention, comprising a base 2 on which is placed or fixed a rat or mouse trap having a lethal movable part 3 (i.e. a movable part 3 having a lethal portion, striking and killing the pest(s)) and a receptacle 4 for bait. A housing 5 for housing the electronics is placed in a plane essentially orthogonal to the pivot axis XY of the movable part 3. A magnet 6 is fixed on a portion of the movable part 3, so as to be opposite a detection zone 7 in the armed state of the movable part 3.

[0030] [Fig.2] represents an embodiment of a pest trap 1 according to the present invention seen from the side in perspective so as to reveal the interior of the housing 5, where an electronic card 8 is present, powered by a battery 9. In this embodiment, the housing 5 is open on the side of the pest trap(s), thus revealing the electronic card 8. The lethal moving part 3 in the armed position is visible in this representation.

[0031] [Fig. 3] shows an embodiment of a pest trap 1 according to the present invention disassembled with a base 2 and a location 10 provided to accommodate a rat or mouse trap (said trap not being shown here). In this embodiment, the housing 5 intended to include an electronic card (or equivalent), is placed so that the opening allowing access to said electronic card is oriented opposite the base 2. Thus in this embodiment, the base 2 also has for the function of closing the opening of the housing 5.

[0032] [Fig.4] is a representation of the housing 5 according to [Fig.3] revealing the electronic card 8 powered by a battery 9 via an opening 11. This embodiment is particularly advantageous because it facilitates the production of a waterproof housing, and allows easy maintenance of the pest trap by limiting the handling of said trap.

Claims

Claims

1. Connected pest trap (1) comprising: - a base (2), - a mobile part (3) pivoting lethally relative to the base (2), said mobile part (3) defining two positions, a so-called armed position and / or a so-called triggered position, - a magnet (6) fixed to the mobile part (3), and - an electronic detection and communication box (5) comprising at least one magnetic receiver placed so as to distinguish the armed position from the triggered position, characterized in that said at least one electronic detection and communication box (5) is placed in a plane orthogonal to the pivot axis of the mobile part (3).

2. Pest trap (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the magnet (6) is fixed on at least one upright of the movable part (3), said upright comprising at least one point of intersection with the pivot axis.

3. Pest trap (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lethal part comprises a U-shaped section.

4. Pest trap (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said pest trap (1) comprises a rat or mouse trap in which the base (2) comprises: - a tray and a bait receptacle (4) movably attached to the tray, with an actuating means, such as a spring, linked to the lethal movable part (3) and to the bait receptacle (4), or - a location (10) for a rat or mouse trap with a magnet (6) fixed on the lethal movable part (3) of said trap.

5. Pest trap (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said connected pest trap (1) is adapted to emit a signal compatible with a network of connected objects such as the LORA network.

6. Pest trap (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said connected pest trap (1) comprises or is connected to a telephone card reader such as a SIM card.

7. Pest trap (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said connected pest trap (1) is provided with a battery or cell (9), such as a 1.5V battery.

8. Pest trap (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the electronic detection and communication box (5) is placed in a waterproof box (5).

9. Method for processing a signal representative of a first so-called armed position and / or a second so-called triggered position of at least one pest trap (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said method increments the signal temporally, preferably regularly.

10. Method for monitoring a signal representative of a first position called armed and / or a second position called triggered of at least one pest trap (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that an alert is generated when said signal is representative of a change of position.

11. A computer program comprising program code instructions for executing the method according to claim 9 and / or 10, when said program is executed on a computer.

12. Pest treatment installation comprising at least one pest trap (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and means for implementing a method according to claim 9 and / or 10.

13. Installation according to claim 12 characterized in that it comprises a docking station for at least one pest trap(s) (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and an independent means of signal processing from said at least one pest trap(s) (1), such as a computer, a mobile phone, a touch tablet.