Automatic rodent trap

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.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] 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.

[0007] 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.

[0008] 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.

[0009] Statement of the invention

[0010] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by providing an automatic trap that allows animals such as rodents to be captured efficiently and automatically. Thanks to the present invention, a rodent 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 makes it possible to preserve the remains without causing pollution. To this end, the present invention relates to an automatic trap, in particular for rodents, comprising a housing that comprises at least one entrance and walls, the entrance allowing an animal to pass into the housing, at least one exit being formed on one of the walls.

[0011] The automatic trap also includes

[0012] - means of expulsion capable of directing an animal towards the exit, and

[0013] - presence detection means functionally coupled to the expulsion means and capable of detecting the presence of an animal inside the housing.

[0014] 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.

[0015] Advantageously, this automatic trap allows you to capture rodents, regardless of size.

[0016] 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.

[0017] Advantageously, this arrangement makes it possible to first confine an animal such as a rodent that enters the box before capturing it.

[0018] 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, in this capture position, the expulsion means do not present any obstacle for an animal.

[0019] Advantageously, this arrangement allows the capture device to work in a continuous and autonomous manner.

[0020] 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.

[0021] Advantageously, this allows captured rodents to be stored in a dedicated container.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the expulsion means comprise a bottom plate and two side plates together having a V shape.

[0026] 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.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the housing further comprises two curved plates which cooperate respectively with each of the side plates. Advantageously, the edge of the plates moves along the inner side of the curved plate. This allows effective capture of the rodent.

[0028] 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.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the column is provided with a rocking board at its upper end.

[0030] 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.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the two side plates are pulled through two wires hidden from view within 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.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the presence detection means are infrared motion sensors.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] Brief description of the figures

[0036] 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:

[0037] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an automatic rodent trap according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an automatic rodent trap according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an automatic rodent trap according to a fixing part according to one embodiment;

[0040] Figure 4 shows a bottom view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 5 shows another bottom view of an automatic rodent trap according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 6 illustrates another bottom view of an automatic rodent trap according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Description of the embodiments

[0044] Different figures and elements within a figure are not necessarily represented on the same scale. In all figures, identical elements bear the same numerical reference.

[0045] 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.

[0046] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an automatic rodent 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 inlet 122 and walls 180. The inlet 122 allows an animal to pass into the housing 100. The automatic trap 10 includes at least one outlet 160, preferably this outlet 160 is formed on a side wall 180. The automatic trap 10 also includes control mechanisms which will be detailed later.

[0047] 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.

[0048] In one variant, the outlet 160 is located on the wall 180 which serves as the bottom of the housing 100.

[0049] In one variant, the automatic trap 10 comprises two inlets 122 which are arranged in opposition.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] Preferably, the column 200 is provided with a rocker board at its upper end (not shown).

[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] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] Preferably, the container 300 comprises a preservative liquid.

[0060] 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 a long time. Preferably, this liquid is obtained by mixing alcohol and vaseline oil.

[0061] Preferably, the container 300 is provided with a handle 320 which simplifies the replacement process.

[0062] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an automatic rodent trap according to a fixing part according to one embodiment.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] The motor and control circuit are powered by a suitable power source, such as batteries or a power supply. 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 input 122 of the housing 100.

[0071] 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.

[0072] In another embodiment, the function of obstructing the inlet 122 is performed by the expulsion means 140 in the absence of a door.

[0073] The more the expulsion means 140 are activated and guide the rodent to leave the housing through the exit 160. Once the expulsion means 140 are engaged, they guide the rodent towards the exit 160, allowing it to leave the housing 100.

[0074] Next, we will detail how the expulsion means 140 work using Figures 4 to 6.

[0075] Figure 4 shows a bottom view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] Advantageously, this arrangement has the advantage of allowing the capture device to operate in an uninterrupted and automated manner.

[0079] In one embodiment, deployment of the expulsion means 140 may be accomplished by means of a motor.

[0080] 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.

[0081] The motor and control circuit are powered by a suitable power source, such as batteries or a power supply.

[0082] 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.

[0083] According to a preferred embodiment, the expulsion means 140 comprise a bottom plate 142 and two side plates 144, 146 which are pivotable about 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0093] [Tables 1]

Claims

Claims 1. Automatic trap (10), in particular for rodents, 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).

2. An automatic trap (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a door (120) coupled to the presence detection means (110), wherein, when the presence detection means (110) detects the presence of an animal, the door (120) blocks the entrance (122).

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Automatic trap (10) according to claim 7, wherein the housing further comprises two curved plates (145, 147) which cooperate respectively with each of the side plates (144, 146).

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

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

11. 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.

12. 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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