Automatic trap for rodents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an automatic trap (10), in particular for rodents, including a housing (100) which comprises at least one entrance (122) and walls (180), the entrance (122) allowing an animal to enter the housing, at least one exit (160) being formed on one of the walls (180). The automatic trap further includes: - ejection means (140) suitable for directing an animal towards the exit (160), and - presence detection means (110) coupled with the ejection means (140) and able to detect the presence of an animal inside the housing (100); wherein, when the presence detection means (110) detect the presence of an animal, the ejection means (140) are actuated so that the animal is directed towards the exit (160).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title of invention: AUTOMATIC RODENT TRAP

[0003] Technical field of the invention

[0004] The present invention relates to an animal trap, in particular an automatic rodent trap. Even more particularly, it relates to an automatic trap, in particular for mice.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] Compared to rats, mice are more difficult to eradicate and represent a major challenge for professionals. Their food consumption is minimal (2 to 3 grams per day) and they do not drink directly, obtaining water from their food. Due to food competition, it is often difficult to get them to ingest toxic baits. Even when they do consume them, resistance to the active substances reduces the effectiveness of treatments. Thus, controlling rapid mouse proliferation using toxic products, especially in large cities, is a major challenge for hygiene experts. To address this, they favor various trapping methods.

[0007] Most current automatic rodent trapping systems initially address the complex challenge of handling dead rodents. Typically, the prevailing method involves directing rodents onto a raised platform, beneath which a holding container is positioned. The rodent, whether alive or dead, falls into this container under the force of gravity.

[0008] However, these methods have major drawbacks. To get rodents to reach the platform, it is necessary to initially deactivate the trap and feed them continuously for a long period, such as two weeks, so that they become accustomed. Only then can the trap be activated. This procedure requires a significant investment in terms of time and labor. Furthermore, in environments such as restaurants, supermarkets, or factories where food is abundant, enticing rodents to climb onto the platform is very difficult, which greatly reduces the effectiveness of these devices.

[0009] There are also a few rare rodent traps that do not require guiding rodents to a raised platform. These devices electrocute them when they enter the trap at ground level. Subsequently, the rodent carcasses are transported to the nearby holding container by a lifting mechanism. However, during the electrocution process, hair or carcass pieces, as well as rodent blood, remain on the trap. If these residues are not cleaned in a timely manner, the trap will emit a bad odor, not only posing hygiene problems but also impairing the attraction for subsequent rodents that enter the trap.

[0010] Many rodent traps have been developed to date. However, for various reasons mentioned above, professionals have not widely adopted them in their fight against mice, still preferring traditional methods such as glue boards, traps, or capture cages. These techniques not only inflict great suffering on the captured mice, but they also prove ineffective in the long term. Indeed, captured mice can "alert" their fellow mice, rendering these methods ineffective in the long term.

[0011] There are also automatic traps for mice, but none of them fully meet the specific requirements of integrated pest management.

[0012] Various trap devices are known in the prior art.

[0013] Patent document US4741121 A describes a compact industrial trap for effectively exterminating rodents and other pests using a gas injector, such as carbon dioxide. While this system is effective, it has limitations, including the need for a source of liquefied CO2. This gas requires specialized equipment and strict safety measures due to the extreme pressure and temperature conditions required for its liquefaction.

[0014] Patent document US2594182A presents a trap equipped with a spring-actuated rotating flap designed to capture and move the animal to a water reservoir. This allows for the capture of numerous animals without refilling the bait. However, this trap suffers from mechanical issues that can compromise its effectiveness and durability. The trigger mechanism can fail with animals of different sizes, and moving the flap too quickly can damage the trap. In addition, the scraping mechanism does not always work with all types of animals, increasing the risk of blockages or malfunctions.

[0015] Patent document US4253264 A describes a similar trap with an animal passage and a side collection compartment. It uses an automatic mechanism to sweep animals into this compartment, but it is a non-lethal device. While effective in some situations, it does not solve the problem of rodent elimination, which limits its use in rodent control. Patent document US5953853A proposes an electrocution trap for mice and rats. This trap attracts rodents, detects their presence via a sensor, and pushes them towards an electrified platform. After electrocution, the animals are stored for elimination without human contact. However, residue such as hair and blood can accumulate, causing unpleasant odors and hygiene problems if it is not cleaned regularly, which can reduce its effectiveness.

[0016] Patent document EP2211609B1 describes a trap with pressure sensors that detect rodents and activate movable walls to crush them against an impact surface. The carcasses are then stored for later disposal. However, carcass management can pose sanitation problems, requiring regular emptying of the storage compartment.

[0017] Patent document GB2481247A describes a trap with multiple chambers designed to drown and store rodents. When the rodent activates the mechanism, the chamber moves to submerge it under liquid. However, attracting rodents to a raised platform remains difficult in environments where food is abundant, such as restaurants or supermarkets.

[0018] Patent document US2445166A presents a fully automated trap where the animal, as soon as it is detected, is moved to an electrocution zone. After its death, it is transferred to another compartment, allowing a continuous cycle without human intervention.

[0019] Patent document DE102007055581 A1 proposes a trap with electrodes that kill or paralyze rodents, which are then transported to a storage compartment. However, like other electrocution traps, it poses hygiene problems due to the accumulation of carcasses and the generation of odors, requiring regular maintenance to avoid health and environmental problems.

[0020] Overall, despite their potential effectiveness, these inventions present constraints linked to hygiene, carcass management, or the complexity of their operation.

[0021] Due to the unique characteristics of mice, such as their small size (3 to 10 centimeters), their ability to climb easily, as well as their speed and agility, they can escape from any gap larger than 5 millimeters. Current traps therefore have serious flaws, which explains why they are not widely adopted by pest control professionals. Automatic mouse traps are known on the market. However, the majority of these devices require the mice to first climb onto a high platform, then exploit the effect of gravity to cause the rodents, whether dead or alive, to fall into a container located below.

[0022] However, these methods have major drawbacks. To train mice to reach the platform, it is essential to initially deactivate the trap and feed them regularly for an extended period, often two weeks. Only after this step can the trap be activated. This procedure requires a significant investment of time and labor. Furthermore, in environments such as restaurants, supermarkets, or food factories, where food is abundant, enticing mice to climb onto the platform becomes extremely difficult, significantly reducing the effectiveness of these traps.

[0023] There are also a few rare traps that do not require rodents to climb onto a raised platform. These devices electrocute mice when they enter at ground level, and a lifting mechanism then moves the carcasses to a nearby storage container. However, during electrocution, residue such as hair, blood, or carcass pieces often remains in the trap. If these remnants are not cleaned promptly, the trap can give off unpleasant odors, posing hygiene problems and reducing its attractiveness to other rodents.

[0024] Ultimately, these techniques are not commonly used in the market, probably due to their high cost or insufficient effectiveness.

[0025] Statement of the invention

[0026] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by providing an automatic trap that allows animals such as mice to be captured efficiently and automatically. Thanks to the present invention, a mouse enters the trap at ground level without suffering any injuries, continuing its journey until it is captured, for example, by falling into a device containing a liquid that causes its rapid death. In addition, the present invention allows the remains to be preserved without causing pollution.

[0027] To this end, the present invention relates to an automatic trap, in particular for mice, comprising a housing which comprises at least one entrance and walls, the entrance allowing a mouse to pass into the housing, at least one exit being formed on one of the walls.

[0028] The automatic trap also includes

[0029] - expulsion means capable of directing an animal towards the exit, and - presence detection means functionally coupled to the expulsion means and capable of detecting the presence of an animal inside the housing.

[0030] When the presence detection means detect the presence of an animal, the expulsion means are activated so that the animal is directed towards the exit.

[0031] Advantageously, this automatic trap allows rodents of all sizes to be captured. The advantage lies in the confinement of the mouse in a confined space, allowing continuous detection by the detection devices. As long as the presence of the mouse is confirmed by these devices, the expulsion system remains in active position, thus ensuring effective retention of the animal.

[0032] In one embodiment, the expulsion means comprise a bottom plate and at least one side plate which can pivot relative to each other;

[0033] The housing further comprises at least one curved plate which cooperates with the side plate in order to form an enclosed space within the housing;

[0034] The automatic trap includes a door coupled to the presence detection means.

[0035] Advantageously, the door includes an inner surface facing the inside of the housing, which forms a continuous surface with the curved plate when the entrance is closed by the door.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the automatic trap further comprises a door operatively coupled to the presence detection means. When the presence detection means detects the presence of an animal, the door blocks the entrance.

[0037] Advantageously, this arrangement makes it possible to first confine an animal such as a rodent that enters the box before capturing it.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the expulsion means are actuated to return to a capture position, when the presence detection means do not identify any presence of an animal for a predefined duration, for example 90 seconds, in this capture position, the expulsion means do not present any obstacle for an animal. When the expulsion means return to the capture position, the blocking door automatically raises. In this configuration, the trap is again ready for a new capture.

[0039] Advantageously, this arrangement allows the capture device to work in a continuous and autonomous manner.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the automatic trap comprises a column and a container, wherein the column is connected to the outlet at a lower end, and the column communicates with the container at the upper end.

[0041] Advantageously, this allows captured rodents to be stored in a dedicated container.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the container is superimposed on the housing, while the column establishes a hermetic connection between the container and the housing. Advantageously, this makes it possible to form a very compact trap. In this way, the trap is characterized by its small size and ease of use.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the outlet which is provided with a one-way door giving access only from the inside of the housing, preferably the one-way door has holes in its upper part.

[0044] Advantageously, the one-way door is particularly advantageous because a rodent that has escaped cannot return to the enclosure, which can block the initialization of the capture device. The holes in the door allow rodents to identify the position of the door and quickly cross.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the expulsion means comprise a bottom plate and two side plates together having a V shape. Advantageously, the rodent is confined on the bottom plate, when the two side plates pivot towards each other. This allows the rodent to then be directed towards the exit of the housing where it will be captured.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the housing comprises a top plate. This top plate, associated with the two side plates together forming a V-shaped structure as well as with the bottom plate, delimits a reduced closed space.

[0047] Advantageously, this allows the rodent to be confined in a smaller space.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the housing further comprises two curved plates which cooperate respectively with each of the side plates, to prevent mice from escaping when the two side plates pivot towards each other.

[0049] Advantageously, the edge of the plates move along the inner side of the curved plate, mice cannot escape out of the V shape. This allows for effective capture of rodents, even though mice, which are excellent climbers, generally manage to escape through openings larger than 5 millimeters. According to one embodiment, the door includes an inner surface facing the inside of the housing, which forms a continuous surface with a curved plate when the entrance is closed by the door, in order to ensure a mouse-tight seal between the edges of the side plates and the doors.

[0050] By "mouse proof" we mean that a mouse cannot escape through the gap between the door and its inner surface.

[0051] This advantageously creates a completely enclosed space for the mouse as soon as the door closes on the entrance.

[0052] In one embodiment, the inner surface is in the form of a curved or beveled plate installed inside the door to provide a mouse seal between the edges of the side plates and the doors, thereby preventing mice from escaping when the V-shaped side plates pivot toward each other.

[0053] Therefore, the integration of this curved or beveled plate into the interior base of the door is important to ensure the effectiveness of the trap.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the container contains a preservative liquid. Advantageously, this preservative liquid has the particularity of being able to neutralize quickly and without causing suffering to the rodent. This guarantees not only the effective elimination of the pest, but also its preservation within the device for an extended period. Preferably, this liquid is obtained by mixing alcohol and vaseline oil.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the column is provided with a rocking board at its upper end.

[0056] Advantageously, the balance plate is in a horizontal position, thus preventing the rodent from seeing or smelling what is inside the container. When the rodent crosses the plate, its weight unbalances it, causing it to fall into the container. In the absence of a rodent, the plate returns to its initial horizontal position.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the two side plates are pulled through two wires hidden from view inside the V-shaped configuration. Advantageously, this arrangement aims to prevent the rodent from grabbing the wires, by using the two plates to preserve the wires from any attack and thus prevent the rodent from climbing on them. Advantageously, the wires are arranged so that the mice cannot climb both on the two wires and on the angles formed by the side plates and the walls. This also allows the detection means to detect their presence throughout this space.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the presence detection means are infrared motion sensors.

[0059] Rodents pose a significant threat to public safety and human health. However, the growing use of toxic rodenticides is increasingly restricted. Authorities are increasingly inclined to adopt non-toxic and environmentally friendly approaches to control these pests. Current rodent control methods suffer from various shortcomings and fail to meet the required needs.

[0060] This invention overcomes the inherent shortcomings of all currently available traps. It is remarkably effective and addresses the shortcomings that other devices cannot address. Furthermore, it does not affect the ecosystem, is proven to be easy to use, and saves labor. It promises to be a significant advance in rodent control.

[0061] Brief description of the figures

[0062] Other advantages, aims and characteristics of the present invention emerge from the following description given, for explanatory and non-limiting purposes, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0063] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an automatic mouse trap according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an automatic mouse trap according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0065] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an automatic mouse trap according to a fixing part according to one embodiment;

[0066] Figure 4 shows a bottom view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0067] Figure 5 shows another bottom view of an automatic mouse trap according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0068] Figure 6 illustrates another bottom view of an automatic rodent trap according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0069] Figure 7 illustrates a view of the door of an automatic mouse trap according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0070] Figure 8 illustrates another view of the door of an automatic mouse trap according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Description of embodiments The different figures and the elements of the same figure are not necessarily represented on the same scale. In all the figures, identical elements bear the same numerical reference.

[0072] The terminology used in this description should not be interpreted in any way as limiting or restrictive, simply because it is used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain embodiments of the invention.

[0073] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an automatic mouse trap 10, in accordance with one embodiment of this invention. As shown in Figure 1, the automatic trap 10 includes a housing 100 which has at least one entrance 122 and walls 180. The entrance 122 allows an animal to pass into the housing 100. The automatic trap 10 includes at least one exit 160, preferably this exit 160 is formed on a side wall 180. The automatic trap 10 also includes control mechanisms which will be detailed later.

[0074] The automatic trap further comprises expulsion means 140 and presence detection means 110. Advantageously, the expulsion means 140 are capable of directing an animal towards the exit 160; and the presence detection means 110 are operatively coupled to the expulsion means 140 and capable of detecting the presence of an animal inside the housing 100. When the presence detection means 110 detects the presence of an animal, the expulsion means 140 are actuated so that the animal is directed towards the exit 160. This will be described later.

[0075] In one variant, the outlet 160 is located on the wall 180 which serves as the bottom of the housing 100.

[0076] In one variant, the automatic trap 10 comprises two inlets 122 which are arranged in opposition.

[0077] Preferably, the housing comprises a door 120 which is adapted to block the inlet 122. Preferably, the housing comprises a door 120 for each inlet.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, the outlet 160 is equipped with a one-way door 162 designed to be accessible only from inside the housing 100. It is preferable that this one-way door 162 is provided with perforations in its upper part.

[0079] Advantageously, the one-way door effectively prevents any animal that has left the enclosure from returning inside, which could disrupt the initial operation of the capture device. The perforations on the door allow rodents to locate the position of the door and pass through it quickly.

[0080] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an automatic rodent trap 10, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of this invention. The automatic trap 10 comprises a housing 100, a column 200 and a container 300. The column 200 serves as a passage between the housing 100 and the container 300. Advantageously, an animal expelled from the housing 100 enters the column and ultimately arrives in the container. Preferably, the housing 100 and the container are arranged in a superposition, while the column 200 is connected to the outlet 160 of the housing 100 at its lower end, while communicating with the container 300 at its upper end. Preferably, the column 200 establishes a sealed passage.

[0081] Advantageously, the superimposed arrangement of the container 300 on the housing 100 makes it possible to create a very compact trapping device. Consequently, this trap is distinguished by its reduced dimensions and its ease of use.

[0082] Preferably, the column 200 is provided with a rocker board at its upper end (not shown).

[0083] Advantageously, the balance plate is in a horizontal position, thus preventing the rodent from seeing or smelling what is inside the container. When the rodent crosses the plate, its weight unbalances it, causing it to fall into the container. In the absence of a rodent, the plate returns to its initial horizontal position.

[0084] In one embodiment not shown, the column is provided with internal devices that facilitate the animal's mobility within it. These devices include the use of mesh or similar structures that allow the animal to move freely while remaining contained within the column.

[0085] Preferably, the automatic trap according to the invention is equipped with a bait which encourages an animal to enter the housing on the one hand, and to move towards the container on the other hand.

[0086] Preferably, the container 300 comprises a preservative liquid. Advantageously, this preservative liquid has the particularity of being able to neutralize quickly and without causing suffering to the rodent. This guarantees not only the effective elimination of the pest, but also its preservation within the device for an extended period. Preferably, this liquid is obtained by mixing alcohol and vaseline oil.

[0087] Preferably, the container 300 is provided with a handle 320 which simplifies the replacement process.

[0088] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an automatic rodent trap according to a fixing part according to one embodiment.

[0089] In one embodiment, the presence detection means 110 are motion sensors, such as an infrared photoelectric light sensor. Other types of sensors may also be employed to activate the capture mechanism. For example, passive infrared (PIR) sensors, which sense the heat emitted by animals, microwave motion sensors, as well as cameras and computer vision systems, may also perform this triggering function.

[0090] An advantageous aspect lies in the functional connection between the door 120 and the presence detection means 110. When these detection means 110 detect the presence of an animal, the door 120 moves into position to block the entrance 122.

[0091] To illustrate, the door 120 remains suspended in the blocked position when access from outside the housing 100 is open. When the detection means detects the presence of an animal inside the housing 100, the door 120 is released, thus placing itself in position to obstruct the entrance 122.

[0092] This arrangement has a notable advantage in that it allows an animal such as a rodent that enters the enclosure to be initially isolated before it is captured.

[0093] When, for a determined period such as 15 seconds, the presence detection means 110 do not detect any animal presence, the door 120 is raised to allow access to the interior of the housing.

[0094] In one embodiment, the lowering and raising of the door 120 may be accomplished by means of a motor, which is already known to those skilled in the art.

[0095] For example, this can be achieved with a control mechanism comprising at least one suitable electric motor inside the trap. This motor can be activated and deactivated by a control circuit. The door is attached to the motor using a strong wire. Obviously, the wire is securely attached to the door and the motor to ensure consistent movement. The control circuit connects the presence detection means to the motor. When a sensor detects the presence of a rodent, it sends a signal to the control circuit. When the control circuit receives the presence detection signal, it activates the motor. This causes the wire to move, which in turn moves the door 120. Once the door 120 is in the desired position, the motor can be deactivated to hold the door 120 in place until it is time to reset the trap.

[0096] The motor and control circuit are powered by a suitable power source, such as batteries or a power supply.

[0097] Advantageously, during the process of lowering the door 120, the motor rotates at high speed to quickly release the wire, thereby causing the door 120 to free fall. This action results in a sudden blocking of the inlet 122 of the housing 100.

[0098] Advantageously, during the process of raising the door 120, the motor is activated to wind the wire, thereby inducing the raising of the door 120. This movement restores access to the opening 122 of the housing 100.

[0099] In another embodiment, the function of obstructing the inlet 122 is performed by the expulsion means 140 in the absence of a door.

[0100] Then the expulsion means 140 are activated and guide the rodent to leave the housing through the exit 160. Once the expulsion means 140 are activated, they guide the rodent towards the exit 160, allowing it to leave the housing 100.

[0101] Next, we will detail the operation of the expulsion means 140 using figures 4 to 6.

[0102] Figure 4 shows a bottom view of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] The presence detection means 110 are operatively coupled to the expulsion means 140, capable of detecting the presence of an animal inside the housing 100. When the presence detection means 110 detects the presence of an animal, the expulsion means 140 are activated to guide the animal towards the exit 160.

[0104] The expulsion means 140 are activated to return to a capture position when the detection means 110 do not identify any animal presence for a pre-established period, for example 15 seconds. In this capture position, the expulsion means 140 are free of obstacles for an animal such as a rodent.

[0105] Advantageously, this arrangement has the advantage of allowing the capture device to operate in an uninterrupted and automated manner.

[0106] In one embodiment, deployment of the expulsion means 140 may be accomplished by means of a motor.

[0107] For example, this can be achieved with a control mechanism comprising at least one suitable electric motor inside the trap. This motor can be activated and deactivated by a control circuit. The expulsion means 140 is attached to the motor using a strong wire. It is obvious that the wire is securely attached to the expulsion means 140 and the motor to ensure consistent movement. The control circuit connects the presence detection means to the motor. When a sensor detects the presence of a rodent, it sends a signal to the control circuit. When the control circuit receives the presence detection signal, it activates the motor. This causes the wire to move, which in turn moves the expulsion means 140. Once the expulsion means 140 are in the desired position, the motor can be deactivated to hold them in place until it is time to reset the trap.

[0108] The motor and control circuit are powered by a suitable power source, such as batteries or a power supply.

[0109] According to a non-illustrated embodiment, the expulsion means 140 comprise movable elements intended to restrict the space available to the rodent trapped inside the housing 100, thus encouraging its exit through the exit 160. This may be, for example, a vertical plate which can be moved along an edge of the housing 100. This movable plate would be used to reduce the space for movement of the rodent and direct it in a controlled manner towards the exit 160.

[0110] According to a preferred embodiment, the expulsion means 140 comprise a bottom plate 142 and two side plates 144, 146 which are pivotable about the two parallel edges of the bottom plate 142, as shown in Figures 4 to 6. When the two side plates 144, 146 pivot upwards, the plates 142, 144, 146 generally have a V shape.

[0111] Advantageously, the weight of the rodent prevents it from remaining on the side plates 144, contributing to its movement. Advantageously, the rodent is confined on the bottom plate, when the two side plates 144, 146 pivot towards each other. This allows the rodent to then be directed towards the exit of the housing where it will be captured.

[0112] Figure 5 shows another bottom view of an automatic rodent trap, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this representation, it can be seen that the housing 100 is provided with two additional curved plates, namely plates 145 and 147, which interact respectively with the side plates 144 and 146.

[0113] When the side plates 144, 146 are lifted, their edges move along the inner face of the curved plates 145, 147. This arrangement has a particular advantage, since the edges of the side plates follow the inner contour of the curved plates, thus preventing any rodent from climbing along these edges. This arrangement facilitates efficient capture of rodents.

[0114] In addition, this arrangement allows for coordinated action of the trap elements. When the side plates are raised, the curved plates ensure precise guidance of their movements. As a result, this embodiment promotes successful and efficient capture of rodents, thus enhancing the effectiveness of the device.

[0115] Figure 6 illustrates another bottom view of an automatic rodent trap, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It is observed that the plates 142, 144, 146 forming the expulsion means 140 generally have a V-shaped configuration.

[0116] In a preferred embodiment, the side plates 144, 146 are arranged to be pulled by means of concealed wires 148, for example hidden using the additional plates, inside the V-shaped structure.

[0117] First, the trap according to the invention prevents the captured rodent from grabbing the wires, as the latter remain out of its reach thanks to the arrangement of the additional plates. In addition, this device ensures that the wires are not exposed and do not constitute a means of escape for the rodent. Advantageously, this arrangement aims to prevent the rodent from reaching the wires by using the two plates to protect the wires from any interference, thus preventing the rodent from climbing along these wires.

[0118] In general, the components of the automatic trap 10, as described in this invention, including the housing 100, the column 200 and the container 300, may be manufactured using suitable materials, such as stainless steel. These components are designed to ensure the durability, strength and functionality of the apparatus in its intended use. Advantageously, the use of stainless steel as the material of choice for the components of the automatic trap ensures increased longevity of the device in various environments. This ensures the continued performance of the trap by minimizing the risks of degradation due to corrosion, wear or environmental factors, while preserving the structural and functional integrity of the automatic trap 10 in accordance with the invention.

[0119] In one embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the door 120 is provided with an inner surface 124 facing the inside of the housing 100. This inner surface connects continuously to the curved plate 145, 147, thereby forming an effective barrier when the door is closed. Advantageously, this provides a mouse seal, ensuring that no mouse can escape through the gap between the door and its inner surface.

[0120] This configuration creates a completely enclosed space for the mouse as soon as the door closes on the entrance, thus preventing any escape.

[0121] According to this embodiment, the inner surface of the door 124 is provided with a curved or beveled sheet 128, installed therein. This sheet plays a vital role in ensuring the seal between the edges of the side plates and the door. By preventing mice from escaping, even when the V-shaped side plates pivot towards each other, this design considerably improves the effectiveness of the trap. Advantageously, the curved or beveled sheet 128 can be made of any suitable material, such as metal or plastic.

[0122] In one embodiment, the curved or beveled sheet metal is welded to the door using the fastening means 126.

[0123] In a variant not shown, the inner surface 124 is integrated directly into the door itself. In other words, the inner surface 124 is designed as an integral part of the door, without a joint.

[0124] In a non-illustrated embodiment, the housing 100 is equipped with a top plate. This top plate, in association with the two side plates 144 and 146, which together form a V-shaped structure, as well as the bottom plate 142, defines a reduced space having a trapezoidal shape, for example. The top plate and the bottom plate 142 represent the upper side and the lower side respectively, while the two side plates constitute the sides of the trapezoid. This has the advantage of confining the rodent in a smaller space. One advantage is that it prevents the mouse from escaping through the V-shaped opening or from trying to grab onto the upper edge of this shape.

[0125] The present invention relates to an automatic trap specially designed to capture mice. However, it should be noted that this device is also suitable for other types of rodents for those skilled in the art, which makes it versatile for a professional in the sector.

[0126] LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0127] [Tables 1]

Claims

Claims 1. Automatic trap (10), in particular for mice, comprising a housing (100) which comprises at least one entrance (122) and walls (180), the entrance (122) allowing an animal to pass into the housing, at least one exit (160) being formed on one of the walls (180), characterized in that the automatic trap further comprises - expulsion means (140) capable of directing an animal towards the exit (160), - presence detection means (110) coupled to the expulsion means (140) and capable of detecting the presence of an animal inside the housing (100); wherein, when the presence detection means (110) detect the presence of an animal, the expulsion means (140) are actuated so that the animal is directed towards the exit (160); the expulsion means (140) comprise a bottom plate (142) and at least one side plate (144, 146) which can pivot relative to each other; the housing further comprises at least one curved plate (145, 147) which cooperates with the side plate (144, 146) in order to form an enclosed space within the housing (100); the automatic trap comprises a door (120) coupled to the presence detection means (110);the door (120) comprises an inner surface (124) facing the inside of the housing (100), which forms a continuous surface with the curved plate (145, 147) when the entrance (122) is closed by the door (120).; 2. Automatic trap (10) according to claim 1, wherein, when the presence detection means (110) detects the presence of an animal, the door (120) comes to block the entrance (122).

3. Automatic trap (10) according to claim 1, wherein the internal surface (124) is in the form of a curved or beveled plate (128) installed inside the door (120).

4. Automatic trap (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the expulsion means (140) are actuated to return to a capture position, when the presence detection means (110) do not identify any presence of an animal for a predefined duration, in this capture position, the expulsion means (140) do not present any obstacle for an animal.

5. Automatic trap (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a column (200) and a container (300), in which the column is connected to the outlet (160) at a lower end, and the column (200) communicates with the container (300) at the upper end.

6. Automatic trap (10) according to claim 4, characterized by the superposition of the container (300) on the housing (100), while the column (200) establishes a hermetic connection between the container and the housing.

7. Automatic trap (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet (160) which is provided with a one-way door (162) giving access only from the inside of the housing (100), preferably the one-way door (162) has holes in its upper part.

8. Automatic trap (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the expulsion means (140) comprise a bottom plate (142) and two side plates (144, 146) together having a V shape.

9. Automatic trap (10) according to claim 8, wherein the housing (100) comprises an upper plate; the upper plate, associated with the two side plates together forming a V-shaped structure as well as with the bottom plate, delimits a reduced closed space.

10. Automatic trap (10) according to claim 8, wherein the housing further comprises two curved plates (145, 147) which cooperate respectively with each of the side plates (144, 146).

11. Automatic trap (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the container (300) comprises a preservative liquid.

12. Automatic trap (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the column (200) is provided with a rocking board at its upper end.

13. Automatic trap (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, the two side plates (144, 146) are pulled through two wires by means of two wires (148) hidden from view inside the V-shaped configuration.

14. Automatic trap (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the presence detection means (110) are infrared motion sensors.

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