Improvements in pest control

Abstract

A pest control apparatus 100 has a downpipe cover defining a formation 118 for receiving at least part of a downpipe. The downpipe cover having at least one opening for entry of pests, an internal vol

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application is concerned with a pest control apparatus. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with a pest control apparatus that is designed to be unobtrusive. Background Art

[0002] Pests such as rodents are common in domestic and commercial settings. In particular, mice and rats are attracted to food sources, and in particular areas where food is prepared, served and disposed of. This is problematic as the presence of rodents is unhygienic.

[0003] Several solutions have been proposed in the prior art. Bait stations are provided which may contain poison for the rodents to ingest. Such stations typically comprise an enclosed container with entries / exits and poison disposed inside. The enclosure is contained to prevent the poison from being unintentionally contacted or spreading to unwanted areas.

[0004] Traps may also be provided in which the pest is attracted by a scent or food source, and a mechanical device traps the pest in a fatal or non-fatal manner.

[0005] A problem with bait stations and traps is that they are generally quite large (for rats in particular) and easily visible. For e.g. restaurants, their presence is off-putting to customers, and although such pests are common, may imply a lack of hygiene.

[0006] It is an aim of the present invention to overcome, or at least mitigate the aforementioned problem. Summary of Invention

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a pest control apparatus comprising a downpipe cover defining a formation for receiving at least part of a downpipe, the downpipe cover having: a top wall; at least one sidewall defining at least one further opening for entry of pests; an internal volume defined by the top wall and at least one side wall; wherein within the volume there is provided at least one of: a bait area comprising upwardly facing surface for receiving pest attractant, poison, food or a tracking substance; and, trap means for trapping a pest within the volume.

[0008] Advantageously the present invention takes advantage of the fat that pest (especially rodent) runs are along the bottom edge of walls. As such, positioning a bait station or trap around a downpipe provides synergistic dual functionality.

[0009] Preferably the internal volume is U-shaped around the formation for receiving at least part of the downpipe.

[0010] Preferably the at least one further opening is positioned at least partially in line with the formation for receiving at least part of the downpipe, thus forcing a pestto make at least one turn to reach the bait area or trap. [0011 ] Preferably an opening for entry of pests is provided in each of the side walls.

[0012] Preferably a line between the openings for the entry of pests intersects a downpipe received in the formation for receiving the downpipe.

[0013] Preferably there is provided an openable closure for access to the volume. Preferably the openable closure is a hinged lid. Preferably the openable closure comprises a lock.

[0014] Preferably the formation for receiving at least part of a downpipe is a recess extending from a rear wall of the apparatus.

[0015] Preferably the formation is configured for receiving the full depth of a downpipe such that the rear wall contacts a building wall to which the downpipe is mounted in use.

[0016] Preferably the formation comprises a recess having a semicircular end portion having a first radius, and is at least two radii deep.

[0017] In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a main body defining the formation for receiving at least part of a downpipe, and a sliding body received in the main body, wherein the sliding body is moveable between: an open position for accessing the at least one of the bait area and trap means; and, a stowed position in which the at least one of the bait area and trap means are only accessible via the at least one opening for entry of pests.

[0018] Preferably the sliding body receives the at least one of the bait area and trap means and defines the at least one opening for entry of pests.

[0019] Preferably the sliding body has an upwardly facing opening in use.

[0020] Preferably the sliding body comprises at least one internal wall portion, the at least one internal wall portion at least partially blocking a direct route from the at least one opening for entry of pests to the at least one of the bait area and trap means. [0021 ] According to a second aspect there is provided a method of catching or killing pests comprising the steps of: providing a pest control apparatus according to the first aspect; positioning the pest control apparatus with at least part of a downpipe received in the formation for receiving at least part of the downpipe; allowing a pest to enter the at least one further opening, and to interact with the at least one of the bait area and the trap means.

[0022] Preferably the pest control apparatus is positioned adjacent a wall. Brief Description of Drawings

[0023] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figure in which: FIGURE 1 is a plan view of a first pest control apparatus in accordance with the present invention; FIGURE 2 is a plan section view of the apparatus of FIGURE 1; FIGURE 3 is a side section view of the apparatus of FIGURE 1 along line Ill-Ill in FIGURE 2; FIGURE 4 is a side view of the apparatus of FIGURE 1 in use; FIGURES 5 and 6 are perspective views of a second pest control apparatus in accordance with the present invention in an open condition; and, FIGURE 7 is an underside perspective view of the apparatus of Figures 5 &6. Description of the first embodiment Configuration

[0024] Referring to Figures 1 to 4 there is provided a pest control apparatus 100 according to the present invention. The apparatus 100 comprises a box-like body 102 having a top wall 104, a bottom wall 106, a front wall 108, a rear wall 110 and sidewalls 112, 114.

[0025] The top wall 104 has a rear edge 116 from which a cutout slot 118 extends having a rounded (semicircular) end region 120 of radius R. The slot 118 is >2R deep so it can receive a downpipe of at least radius R. A hinge 122 is provided midway along the top wall 104 such that a front section 124 can be lifted to access the interior of the body 102. A partially lifted front section 124 is shown in dashed lines in Figure 3.

[0026] The bottom wall 106 has a rear edge 126 from which a rectangular cutout slot 128 extends.

[0027] The rear wall 110 has an opening 130 for receiving a downpipe. The opening 130 is in communication with the slots 118, 128 to form a downpipe recess 132 in the body 102. The rear wall 110 also defines two optional anchor loops 150, 1 52.

[0028] An internal wall 134 is provided around the downpipe recess 132, separating the recess from an internal volume 136 of the body 102. The volume 136 takes on a U-shaped form around the internal wall 134 having a first entry / exit region 142, a second entry / exit region 144 and a central region 146.

[0029] Each of the sidewalls 112, 114 defines an opening 138, 140 respectively. The openings are towards the rear wall 110 and in line with the internal wall 134. They are in communication with the internal volume 136.

[0030] In this embodiment, a bait tray 148 is provided in the central region 146.

[0031] Preferably the apparatus is constructed from a moulded plastics material, although it may also be metal or a composite material such as GFRP. Use

[0032] Referring to Figure 4, the apparatus 100 can be used to cover a downpipe 10 and drain 12 adjacent a wall 14. The apparatus 100 is slid into engagement with the downpipe 10 such that the downpipe 10 enters the downpipe recess 132. The body 102 at least partially covers the drain 12. The optional anchor loops 150, 152 may be used to attach the apparatus 100 to the wall and / or downpipe using ties or similar to prevent unauthorised removal.

[0033] The front section 124 acts as a lid, which can be opened per Figure 3 so that a user can place bait and poison on the tray 148. The lid is then closed. A lock is provided such that access to the volume 136 is generally prohibited, except to authorised users.

[0034] Pests such as rodents tend to run along the bottom of walls ("runs"). When doing so, they will encounterthe apparatus 100 as it is positioned around a downpipe (which are also positioned next to walls). They are attracted by the smell of the bait and enter the apparatus via one of the openings 138, 140. They are then able to access the bait and poison.

[0035] It will be noted that due to the U-shaped form of the volume 136 the pests must take a non-direct or serpentine route R around the internal wall 134 (Figure 2). This means that the bait or poison is not accessible by a person reaching into the openings 138, 140 (for example a child).

[0036] The fact that the U-shape is created by the downpipe recess 132 makes the device compact and well suited to fulfilling two needs at the same time. Description of the second embodiment Configuration

[0037] Referring to Figures 5 to 7 there is provided a pest control apparatus 200 according to the present invention. The apparatus 200 comprises a box-like main body 202 and a sliding body 203.

[0038] The main body 202 has a top wall 204, a bottom wall 206, a front wall 208, a rear wall 210 and sidewalls 212, 214.

[0039] The top wall 204 has a rear edge 216 from which a cutout slot 218 extends having a rounded (semicircular) end region 220 of radius R. The slot 218 is >2R deep so it can receive a downpipe of at least radius R.

[0040] The bottom wall 206 has a rear edge 226. [0041 ] The rear wall 210 extends from the rear edge 226 of the bottom wall 226 vertically upwards to meet the top wall 204. It also meets the sidewalls 212, 214 midway along their length, dividing the apparatus into a first, rear, downpipe chamber 213 and a second, front, pest chamber 215.

[0042] On the inner (facing) surfaces of the front wall 208 and the rear wall 210 bounding the pest chamber 215 there are provided pairs of horizontally oriented and vertically offset ridges (not visible).

[0043] The sliding body 203 is generally cuboidal comprising a base 260, front wall 262, rear wall 264 and sidewalls 266, 268 defining an internal volume. The body 203 is open in an upwards direction. Each of the sidewalls 266, 268 defines an opening 270, 272 respectively. The openings are towards the front wall 262. They are in communication with the internal volume of the sliding body 203.

[0044] On the outer (opposing) surfaces of the front wall 262 and the rear wall 264 there are provided pairs of horizontally oriented and vertically offset channels 263, 265.

[0045] Two internal wall portions 274, 276 are provided extending towards each other from each of the sidewalls 266, 268. The wall portions 274, 276 do not meet, providing a gap 278 therebetween. The wall portions 274, 276 separate a first, forward chamber 280 and a second, rearward chamber 282. Passage between the chambers is via the gap 278. The openings 270, 272 are in communication with the first, forward chamber 280.

[0046] The sliding body 203 is the same lateral width as the main body 202 such that in a first, stowed position (Figure 7) it is fully contained within the second, front, pest chamber 215. The sliding body 203 can be slid laterally, normal to the sidewalls 212, 214 between the stowed position and an open position in which the inner volume thereof can be accessed (Figures 5 and 6).

[0047] The inwardly facing ridges on the walls 208, 210 of the main body 202 engage in the channels 263, 265 of the sliding body 203 to retain alignment between the two components during sliding motion.

[0048] Preferably the apparatus is constructed from a moulded plastics material, although it may also be metal or a composite material such as GFRP. Use

[0049] The apparatus 200 can be used to cover a downpipe and drain adjacent a wall in the same way as the apparatus 100. The apparatus 200 is slid into engagement with the downpipe such that the downpipe enters the downpipe recess 218. The body 202 at least partially covers the drain.

[0050] The sliding body 203 is moved to the open position per Figures 5 and 6 so that a user can place bait and poison in the second, rearward chamber 282. The body 203 is then moved to the stowed position. A lock may be provided such that access to the chamber 282 is generally prohibited, except to authorised users. [0051 ] Pests such as rodents tend to run along the bottom of walls ("runs"). When doing so, they will encounterthe apparatus 200 as it is positioned around a downpipe (which are also positioned nextto walls). They are attracted by the smell ofthe bait and enterthe apparatus via one ofthe openings 270, 272. They are then able to access the bait and poison via the opening 278.

[0052] It will be noted that due to the internal wall portions 274, 276 the pests must take a non-director serpentine route to reach the bait or poison. This means that the bait or poison is not accessible by a person reaching into the openings 270, 272 (for example a child).

[0053] The fact that the U-shape is created by the downpipe recess 218 makes the device compact and well suited to fulfilling two needs at the same time. Description ofthethird embodiment

[0054] In a third embodiment of the invention (not depicted) the poison in either embodiment is replaced by a fatal or non-fatal trap. Variations

[0055] Instead of loops 150, 152, openings may be provided in the apparatus for facilitating attachment to the wall 14.

Claims

1. A pest control apparatus comprising a downpipe cover defining a formation for receiving at least part of a downpipe, the downpipe cover having:a top wall;at least one sidewall defining at least one opening for entry of pests;an internal volume defined by the top wall and at least one side wall;wherein within the volume there is provided at least one of:a bait area comprising upwardly facing surface for receiving pest attractant, poison, food or a tracking substance; and,trap means for trapping a pest within the volume.

2. A pest control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the internal volume is U-shaped around the formation for receiving at least part of the downpipe.

3. A pest control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the opening is positioned at least partially in line with the formation for receiving at least part of the downpipe, thus forcing a pest to make at least one turn to reach the bait area or trap.

4. A pest control apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein an opening for entry I exit of pests is provided in each of the side walls.

5. A pest control apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a line between the openings for the entry of pests intersects a downpipe received in the formation for receiving the downpipe.

6. A pest control apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising an openable closure for access to the volume.

7. A pest control apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the openable closure is ahinged lid.

8. A pest control apparatus according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the openable closure comprises a lock.

9. A pest control apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the formation for receiving at least part of a downpipe is a recess extending from a rear wall of the apparatus.

10. A pest control apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the formation is configured for receiving the full depth of a downpipe such that the rear wall contacts a building wall to which the downpipe is mounted in use.

11. A pest control apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the formation comprises a recess having a semicircular end portion having a first radius, and is at least two radii deep.

12. A pest control apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover comprises means for facilitating attachment to a wall or downpipe in use to prevent unauthorised removal.

13. A pest control apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the means comprises an opening for receiving a member attached to the wall or downpipe.

14. A pest control apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a main body defining the formation for receiving at least part of a downpipe, and a sliding body received in the main body, wherein the sliding body is moveable between:an open position for accessing the at least one of the bait area and trap means; and,a stowed position in which the at least one of the bait area and trap means are only accessible via the at least one opening for entry of pests.

15. A pest control apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the sliding body receives the at least one of the bait area and trap means and defines the at least one opening for entry of pests.

16. A pest control apparatus according to claim 14 or 1 5, wherein the sliding body has an upwardly facing opening in use.

17. A pest control apparatus according to any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the sliding body comprises at least one internal wall portion, the at least one internal wall portion at least partially blocking a direct route from the at least one opening for entry of pests to the at least one of the bait area and trap means.

18. A method of catching or killing pests comprising the steps of:providing a pest control apparatus according to any preceding claim;positioning the pest control apparatus with at least part of a downpipe received in the formation for receiving at least part of the downpipe;allowing a pest to enter the at least one further opening, and to interact with the at least one of the bait area and the trap means.

19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the pest control apparatus is positioned adjacent a wall.

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