Device for catching insects

Abstract

The invention is a device (10) for catching insects, in particular bugs (Heteroptera), comprising: - a container (11) that defines a first longitudinal extension axis (X) and is configured to contain the insects; - a duct (20) protruding from the container (11) and provided with an opening (21 ) facing towards the outside; - a mobile button (30) operatively connected to the duct (20) in such a way that it can move from a first position, in which said mobile button (30) allows access to the opening (21) so that an insect, if any, can enter the device (10), to a second position, in which said mobile button (30) closes said opening (21) so as to prevent the escape of the insect, if any, from the device (10).

Description

[0001] DEVICE FOR CATCHING INSECTS

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The invention concerns a device for catching insects, more specifically bugs (Heteroptera).

[0004] In recent years there has been a significant increase in the presence of bugs in our territory. The intrusion of insects, particularly bugs, into private homes is therefore a common problem nowadays. These insects, in fact, cause discomfort to people inside their homes: they are noisy when flying and they are not pleasant to look at. Furthermore, they can carry germs and bacteria.

[0005] The need to catch the bugs present in homes is therefore a problem for the community.

[0006] However, bugs cannot be caught with bare hands, as directly touching the insect would be unhygienic.

[0007] In addition, it is known that when bugs feel threatened, they secrete a foulsmelling substance that is extremely difficult to remove.

[0008] Nowadays there are various known devices for catching insects.

[0009] In particular, suction devices specifically designed for catching and collecting insects are widespread.

[0010] Such a device of the known type comprises: a container configured to contain any insects, a duct protruding from said container and provided with an opening that faces towards the outside, and an electric motor positioned inside the device and intended to generate the suction power needed for sucking the insects in.

[0011] Although well-known and appreciated, such a device has some important drawbacks, which are explained below.

[0012] A first drawback is due to the presence of the electric motor that generates the suction. To disadvantage, said suction is noisy and can be a nuisance to people. Furthermore, said device is not particularly suitable for use during quiet hours.

[0013] A second drawback is also due to the presence of the electric motor which, like any electronic device, is mostly subject to wear and tear.

[0014] Therefore, disadvantageously, said device can prove unreliable.

[0015] A further drawback is related to the size of these devices. Most of the times said devices are bulky and difficult to handle, and therefore not very suited to be quickly and comfortably used in a domestic environment. There are also devices that are similar to traps for catching and killing insects. Said devices are constructed in special shapes suitable for trapping insects, more specifically bugs, inside them. Said devices also comprise adhesive means that are suited to catch said insects.

[0016] The main drawback of said devices lies in that they are stationary and therefore the insects should go near said devices to be caught.

[0017] Disadvantageously, a person who is annoyed by the presence of an insect in the home thus cannot actively use said devices to catch said insect.

[0018] The task of the present invention is to develop a device suitable for catching insects, in particular bugs, and capable of overcoming the above-mentioned drawbacks and limitations of the known technique.

[0019] More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device for catching insects that allows the user to avoid any direct contact with the insect. Another object of the invention is to provide a device that lasts over time.

[0020] Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide a device that is simple to use in a domestic environment.

[0021] A further object of the present invention is to provide a device for catching insects that is characterized by silent operation.

[0022] Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device for catching insects that is limited in size.

[0023] The task and the objects mentioned above are fulfilled by a device for catching insects according to claim 1 .

[0024] Further characteristics of the device according to claim 1 are described in the dependent claims.

[0025] The task and the above-mentioned objects, together with the advantages that will be mentioned below, are highlighted in the description of an embodiment of the invention, which is provided by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

[0026] - Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a device according to the invention;

[0027] - Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the device of Figure 1 ;

[0028] - Figure 3 shows a further exploded perspective view of the device of Figure 1 ;

[0029] - Figure 4 shows a front sectional view of the device of Figure 1 ;

[0030] - Figure 5 shows a side sectional view of the device of Figure 1 ;

[0031] - Figure 6 shows a front view of some elements of the device of Figure 1 ; - Figure 7 shows an axonometric view of an element of the device of Figure 1 ;

[0032] - Figure 8 shows a side view of the device of Figure 1 in a first operating position;

[0033] - Figure 9 shows a side view of the device of Figure 1 in a second operating position.

[0034] With reference to the figures mentioned above, a device for catching insects, in particular bugs, according to the invention is indicated as a whole by number 10

[0035] Said device 10 comprises:

[0036] - a container 11 that defines a first longitudinal extension axis X and is configured to contain the insects;

[0037] - a duct 20 protruding from said container 11 and provided with an opening 21 facing towards the outside;

[0038] - a mobile button 30, clearly visible in Figure 7, operatively connected to the above-mentioned duct 20 in such a way that it can move from a first position, visible in Figure 8, in which said mobile button 30 allows access to said opening 21, so that an insect, if any, can enter the device 10, to a second position, visible in Figure 9, in which said mobile button 30 closes said opening 21 so as to prevent the escape of said insect, if any, from the device 10.

[0039] This configuration allows the user to catch any insects while at the same time avoiding any direct contact with them. In fact, it is the device, more specifically the mobile button, that comes into direct contact with the insect when it is caught.

[0040] Furthermore, said device has a long useful life. This configuration, in fact, does not include electronic devices that are often subject to wear and tear. In particular, this configuration does not include a motor.

[0041] The device is easy to use in a domestic environment. It is easy and intuitive to use for any user.

[0042] In addition, the device has a limited size and is easy to handle. Said device is therefore suited to be quickly and comfortably used in a domestic environment. Furthermore, the device allows the user to catch insects silently. In fact, as already explained, said device does not include an electric motor and the related components, in particular the mobile button, do not make any particular noise when moved.

[0043] A further special characteristic of the device 10 lies in that the mobile button 30 is configured to push any insect inside said duct 20 through the opening 21 during the translation from the first position to the second position. Said mobile button 30 is provided with an inner cavity 33 configured to accommodate said insect, if any, when said mobile button is in the first position.

[0044] Furthermore, said mobile button 30 is provided with first slide means 31 operatively connected to second slide means 25 defined on said duct 20 in such a way as to allow the translation of the mobile button 30 from the first position to the second position and vice versa.

[0045] In the preferred non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the first slide means 31 are two slideways arranged opposite the first longitudinal extension axis X and parallel to said first longitudinal extension axis X.

[0046] More specifically, said two slideways are two slits.

[0047] It is not excluded that said first slide means 31 consist of one slideway.

[0048] The second slide means 25 are two pins protruding from said duct 20 and configured to slide in said two slideways.

[0049] It is not excluded that said two pins are two sliding blocks.

[0050] Furthermore, it is not excluded that said slide means 31 consist of one pin.

[0051] In a possible alternative embodiment of the invention, said first slide means 31 are two sliding blocks and said second slide means 25 are two slideways.

[0052] Said first slide means 31 and second slide means 25 allow the mobile button 30 to be guided from the first position to the second position and vice versa.

[0053] It is also necessary to note that said mobile button 30 is provided with manual activation means 32.

[0054] In particular, said manual activation means 32 protrude from said mobile button 30.

[0055] Said manual activation means 32 allow the user to move said mobile button 30 from said first position to said second position and vice versa.

[0056] This configuration advantageously makes it easier to use the device 10.

[0057] In particular, said manual activation means 32 have a partially hollow knurled area 32a.

[0058] Thanks to this particular characteristic, the user will find it easy to operate said manual activation means 32, since just one finger is needed.

[0059] Thus, thanks to this configuration, the user of the device 10 can move the mobile button 30 from the first position to the second position and vice versa with just one finger, while the rest of the hand grasps and holds the device 10.

[0060] It is not excluded that said manual activation means 32 are recessed in the mobile button 30.

[0061] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the container 11 is defined by a main body 12 and a cover 13 operatively associated with said main body 12. More specifically, said cover 13 can be screwed onto said main body 12 by means of threads provided on the main body 12 and on the cover 13.

[0062] It is not excluded that said cover 13 and said main body 12 are operatively associated by interference coupling or other known systems.

[0063] This configuration makes it easier to open the device 10 to catch insects and subsequently to empty it once the container is full of insects.

[0064] Going on with the description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, it should be noted that the duct 20 is partially inserted in the cover 13.

[0065] In said preferred embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal extension axis of the duct 20 coincides with said first axis X.

[0066] The duct 20 has a first section 22 protruding from said cover 13 and comprising the already mentioned opening 21, and a second section 23 provided with an outlet 23a configured to be placed inside the container 11 when said cover 13 is associated with the main body 12.

[0067] Thanks to this configuration, once any insect has been pushed into the duct 20 by the mobile button 30, said insect can move through the duct 20 and fall into the container 11 through the outlet 23a.

[0068] A further characteristic of the device 10 lies in that the container 11 comprises gripping means 14 configured to make it easier for a user to grip said device 10 with one hand.

[0069] In particular, said gripping means 14 are defined on said cover 13.

[0070] It is therefore clear that the device 10 is simple and easy to use, being suited to be operated even with one hand only.

[0071] It is also important to underline that the duct 20 has a first edge 22a at the level of the opening 21.

[0072] Said first edge 22a is shaped as an acute angle, in such a way as to favour the introduction of the insect, if any, through said opening 21.

[0073] In particular, said first edge 22a is configured to be placed on the plane where there is the insect, if any, and the mobile button 30 is configured to push such insect into the duct 20 through the opening 21.

[0074] The presence of said acute angle is particularly advantageous as it facilitates the introduction of any insect into said duct 20 by creating a small ramp while avoiding the creation of the step that would result from the presence of a classic right-angled edge.

[0075] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the gripping means 14 comprise two projections 14a extending along a second and a third axis X1, X2 parallel and symmetrical with respect to the first axis X, wherein said first, second and third axes X, X1, X2 lie on a plane that is parallel to the first edge 22a.

[0076] Furthermore, the two projections 14a are shaped in such a way as to allow the container 11 to be easily gripped with two fingers, in particular the thumb and the middle finger.

[0077] This configuration is particularly advantageous in terms of ease of use of the device 10, in fact, by grasping the device 10 with the thumb and the middle finger through said two projections 14a, it is possible to move the mobile button 30 from the first position to the second position and vice versa with the index finger, using said manual activation means 32.

[0078] Going on with the description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, it should be noted that the first edge 22a is defined on a surface 24 lying on a plane incident on the first axis X.

[0079] Furthermore, the mobile button 30 comprises a second edge 34 configured to abut said first edge 22a in said second position.

[0080] The first edge 22a and the second edge 34 lie on said plane incident on the first axis X in said first position.

[0081] It should be underlined that the surface 24 comprises two lateral projections 24a protruding laterally from the duct 20.

[0082] Said two lateral projections 24a are configured to guide the translation of the mobile button 30 from the first position to the second position and vice versa.

[0083] In greater detail, the mobile button 30 has two lateral edges 35 configured to slide on said two lateral projections 24a in such a way that the trajectory followed by the mobile button 30 when moving from the first position to the second position, and vice versa, is incident on said first axis X.

[0084] In even greater detail, the trajectory followed by the mobile button 30 when moving from the second position to the first position is such that in the second position the second edge 34 and the first edge 22a define a plane that includes the surface 24.

[0085] In this sense, the two lateral projections 24a guide the translation of the mobile button 30 in such a way that, as already mentioned, in the first position the first edge 22a and the second edge 34 lie on said plane incident on the first axis X. In the context of this description, it is considered important to describe also the method of using the device 10 to catch a possible insect.

[0086] Said method comprises the following steps, in sequence: a) grasping the device 10 using the gripping means 14, preferably with the thumb and the middle finger; b) placing the device 10 over the insect, if any, with the opening 22 facing towards said insect and the surface 24 parallel to the plane on which said insect lies; c) placing the mobile button 30 in the first position, preferably with the index finger, using the manual activation means 32; d) resting the surface 24 on the plane on which the insect, if any, lies, in such a way as to place said insect inside the cavity 33; e) translating the mobile button 30, preferably with the index finger, from the first position to the second position using the manual activation means 32, in such a way as to push said insect, if present, into the duct 20 through the opening 21.

[0087] At this point any insect will be caught and enclosed in the internal volume of the device 10.

[0088] Once the user has rotated the device with the first axis X substantially vertical, for example to place it on a shelf, piece of furniture or cupboard, the insect, if present, will fall into the container 11 by gravity.

[0089] It should be noted that the container 11 is configured to contain a liquid, for example water, by means of which any caught insects can be eliminated.

[0090] It can thus be understood that the second section 23 is designed to prevent the liquid from flowing out of the device 10 when the opening 21 is facing downwards.

[0091] In practice, it has been shown that the invention fulfils its task and achieves the set objects.

[0092] More specifically, the invention provides a device for catching insects, in particular bugs, that allows the user to avoid any direct contact with the insect. Furthermore, the invention provides a device with a long useful life. In addition, the present invention provides a device that is simple to use in a domestic environment.

[0093] In addition, the device for catching insects that is the subject of the invention operates silently.

[0094] Finally, the present invention provides a device for catching insects that has a limited size.

Claims

CLAIMS1 ) Device (10) for catching insects, in particular bugs (Heteroptera), comprising:- a container (11 ) that defines a first longitudinal extension axis (X) and is configured to contain said insects;- a duct (20) protruding from said container (11 ) and provided with an opening (21 ) facing towards the outside; characterized in that it comprises a mobile button (30) operatively connected to said duct (20) in such a way that it can move from a first position, in which said mobile button (30) allows access to said opening (21 ) so that an insect, if any, can enter said device (10), to a second position, in which said mobile button (30) closes said opening (21 ) so as to prevent the escape of said insect, if any, from said device (10).2) Device (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said mobile button (30) is configured to push said insect, if any, inside said duct (20) through said opening (21 ) during the translation from said first position to said second position.3) Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said mobile button (30) is provided with an inner cavity (33) configured to accommodate said insect, if any, in said first position.4) Device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said mobile button (30) is provided with first slide means (31 ) operatively connected to second slide means (25) defined on said duct (20) in such a way as to allow the translation of said mobile button (30) from said first position to said second position and vice versa.5) Device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said mobile button (30) is provided with manual activation means (32) protruding therefrom.6) Device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said container (11 ) is defined by a main body (12) and a cover (13) operatively associated with said main body (12), wherein said duct (20) is partially inserted in said cover (13), said duct (20) comprising:- a first section (22) protruding from said cover (13) and comprising said opening (21 );- a second section (23) provided with an outlet (23a) configured to be placedinside said container (11 ) when said cover (13) is associated with said main body (12).7) Device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said container (11 ) comprises gripping means (14) configured to make it easier for a user to grip said device (10) with one hand.8) Device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the level of said opening (21 ) said duct (20) has a first edge (22a) shaped as an acute angle, in such a way as to favour the introduction of said insect, if any, through said opening (21 ).9) Device (10) according to claim 8 combined with claim 7, characterized in that said gripping means (14) comprise two projections (14a) extending along a second and a third axis (X1 , X2) parallel and symmetrical with respect to said first axis (X), wherein said first, second and third axes (X, X1 , X2) lie on a plane that is parallel to said first edge (22a).10) Device (10) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that said first edge (22a) is defined on a surface (24) lying on a plane incident on said first axis (X), said mobile button (30) comprising a second edge (34) configured to abut said first edge (22a) in said second position, said first edge (22a) and said second edge (34) lying on said plane incident on said first axis (X) in said first position.11 ) Device (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that said surface (24) comprises two lateral projections (24a) protruding laterally from the duct (20), said mobile button (30) having two lateral edges (35) configured to slide on said two lateral projections (24a) in such a way that the trajectory followed by the mobile button (30) when moving from said first position to said second position, and vice versa, is incident on said first axis (X).

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