Insect trap improvements

Abstract

The present invention is directed towards an insect trap that includes a bait or attractant compartment and an entrapment chamber that are physically separated to form distinct chambers within the trap. A screen is positioned to prevent insects from entering the bait compartment while allowing attractant vapours to pass into the entrapment chamber. The entrapment chamber includes one or more tapered openings that facilitate entry of insects while reducing the likelihood of escape. At least a portion of the entrapment chamber wall is translucent, allowing light to enter the chamber and promote the desiccation of trapped insects. The design improves insect capture efficiency, protects the bait from contamination, and promotes hygienic operation.

Description

[0001] INSECT TRAP IMPROVEMENTS

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to insect traps and in particular to dual compartment insect traps that collect flying insects in an insect containing compartment, separate to any insect bait containing compartment.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Flying insects, such as houseflies (Musca domeslica), bush flies (Musca veluslissima). are among the most annoying flying insects prevalent in suburban developments and are responsible for the transmission of a wide variety of disease-causing microorganisms in humans and animals.

[0006] Known fly trap structures include a transparent, generally transparent cylindrical entrapment chamber that is open at the top and includes a top entrance section with openings that allow for flies to pass through and into the entrapment chamber. Into the entrapment chamber is placed a suitable liquid bait, typically an unpleasant smelling material that is attractive to the fly. The top entrance openings generally allow the incoming flies to pass through and into the entrapment chamber but provide a barrier to flies wanting to exit the entrapment chamber.

[0007] Insect traps may utilize one or more attractants to lure a certain target insect into the trap. In its simplest form, the bait or fly attractant may be water, or may be a chemical attractant made from a solid compound dissolved in water that is targeted to be attractive to particular fly species. Examples include olfactory attractants for the target flies that generate an effective attractant plume that will attract the target flies toward the trap, and in particular towards the entryways in the top entrance section of the trap.

[0008] Flies attracted to the bait find their way to the openings in the top entrance section and fly in or climb in to the entrapment chamber that contains the liquid bait. As flies enter through the opening in the top entrance section, there are only two places that it can settle, either on the inner walls of the of the entrapment chamber or onto the surface of the liquid attractant, the alternative is that they continue to fly around inside the entrapment chamber until such time that they need to rest.

[0009] The inner walls of the entrapment chamber allow for little purchase by the flies and eventually the fall off and into the liquid attractant where they drown. The decomposing flies can cause significant odour, which has side effect of attracting more flies, and the trap can fill up relatively quickly under favourable conditions.

[0010] Once the fly trap becomes full, or to the point where it is visually unappealing, a user must then retrieve the trap from its location, remove the decomposing fly / liquid attractant mixture from the entrapment chamber, clean if necessary and then add fresh bait or fly attractant and water as required.

[0011] This process is often very unpleasant both visually, with a mass of decomposing fly material, as well as olfactory challenging due to the putrid odour emanating from the decomposing fly material. Some existing traps are constructed of opaque materials, which prevent natural light from entering the trap, thereby slowing the desiccation of dead insects.

[0012] Accordingly, there remains a need for an improved insect trap that effectively lures insects, prevents their escape, protects the bait from direct contact with the flying insects, and promotes hygienic operation by facilitating desiccation of trapped insects.

[0013] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described in the Detailed Description.

[0015] This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0016] In one form of the invention there is an insect trap including a separate bait / attractant compartment and entrapment chamber defining more than one chamber for entrapping insects, the bait / attractant compartment includes a screen sized to prevent the passage of insects through to the interior of the bait / attractant compartment. In preference, the bait / attr actant compartment and the entrapment chamber are removable secured to each other.

[0017] In preference, the bait / attr actant compartment and the entrapment chamber are removable secured to each other by threaded engagement.

[0018] In preference, the bait / attr actant compartment is removably attached to the entrapment chamber.

[0019] In preference, the entrapment chamber is made from a translucent material.

[0020] In preference, the entrapment chamber is made from an opaque material.

[0021] In preference, the bait / attr actant compartment is removable secured by threaded engagement to the main trap compartment section / entrapment chamber.

[0022] In a further example embodiment, an insect trap is provided that includes a bait or attractant compartment and an entrapment chamber. The bait compartment is configured to hold a chemical or natural attractant substance capable of emitting vapours or scents that lure insects. A screen or mesh barrier is positioned between the bait compartment and the entrapment chamber. The screen is sized to prevent insects from entering the bait compartment, thereby protecting the bait from contamination and physical contact while allowing attractant vapours to diffuse into the entrapment chamber.

[0023] The entrapment chamber is arranged adjacent to or surrounding the bait compartment. The entrapment chamber includes at least one opening through which insects may enter. Each opening is tapered, narrowing in a direction toward the interior of the entrapment chamber to facilitate entry of insects and to reduce the likelihood of escape.

[0024] At least a portion of the wall of the entrapment chamber is constructed of a translucent material, such as a clear or semi-transparent polymer. The translucent wall allows ambient light, such as sunlight or artificial light, to enter the entrapment chamber. Exposure to light promotes the desiccation of trapped insects, thereby reducing moisture buildup, odors, and microbial growth within the chamber.

[0025] In use, the insect trap is placed in an area where insects are likely to be present. The attractant vapours pass through the screen and into the entrapment chamber and surrounding environment, luring insects toward the tapered openings. Insects enter the entrapment chamber through the tapered openings and are subsequently unable to exit. Over time, trapped insects are desiccated by exposure to light entering through the translucent walls.

[0026] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure l is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 is a side view of the embodiment shown in figure 1;

[0029] Figure 3 is a view of the top section of the embodiment of the present invention of figure 1;

[0030] Figure 4 is a cross-section AB of the view of figure 2.

[0031] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] With reference to figures 1 and 2, in an embodiment the insect trap 10 is generally cylindrical in shape with a main trap compartment section / entrapment chamber 15, a bait / attr actant compartment section 20, with base 21, and a top section 25.

[0033] The top section 25 has an entrance 35, through which insects, such as flies, gain entry to an interior of the trap compartment section 15 (the entrapment chamber). A weather shield 40 is positioned above the entrance 35 to shield entry apertures from water and direct sun light, and includes an attachment point 50 to enable the insect trap 10 to be hung at a desired location.

[0034] Referring to figure 3, the insect trap 10 has the top section 25 with entrance path openings 35 directing incoming flying insects towards entrances 55 that are frusto-conical in shape with the first opening 60 being larger than the second opening 65, the walls 70 tapering down from the first opening 60 to the second opening 65. In the present embodiment there are four entrances in the top section, each separated from its neighbouring entrance by a wall 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, to help guide the flying insect to a respective entrance (tapered opening 60). Flies may bump into each other due to a variety of reasons, including mating rituals, male aggression, or competing for food resources. This can cause the flies to become distracted from entering a respective entrance (tapered opening). The walls (80a-80d) reduce the likelihood of attracted insects from bumping into one another, which can cause the insects to become agitated and / or dissuade them from approaching the respective entrance (tapered openings) to the entrapment chamber and reduce the number of incoming insects around any one respective entrance (tapered opening). In addition, the walls (80a-80d) provide some support for the weather shield 40.

[0035] The top section 25 includes an annular peripheral channel 75 within which is received an inner extending flange 85 of the trap compartment section 15 to provide a snap-like connection fitting between the two. Other methods of securing the two sections may be used, for example, by way of an interference fit or a threaded engagement.

[0036] The trap compartment section 15 has walls 90, with and inner surface 91 having a threaded (screw) section 95, and outer surface 92. The trap compartment section 15 has walls 90 made from a translucent or opaque plastics material to allow sunlight to enter the interior chamber 100 of the trap compartment section 15.

[0037] The bait compartment section 20 has a base 21 a threaded outer surface 110, shoulder section 120 that and tapered walls 130 that taper towards opening 140 that is covered by a screen or mesh cap 142 with apertures sized to exclude targeted flying insects. In the present embodiment the mesh cap 1402 is snap fitted to the opening of the bait compartment and can be removed to provide access to the interior chamber 150 for the purposes of interesting / replacing bait / attractant material and allow refastening of the mesh cap 140. The walls of the bait compartment section 20 can be coloured to prevent sunlight from entering as sunlight may have a deleterious effect of the bait contained withing, potentially shortening its effective lifespan.

[0038] When the trap compartment section 15 is secured to the bait compartment section 20, a gap or clearance 125 between the tapered walls 130 of the bait compartment section 20 and the inner walls 90 forms to become a flying insect catchment area, where flying insects that have been attracted into the interior chamber 100 of the trap compartment section 15 end up when they run out of energy and are no longer able to fly around inside 100.

[0039] As the walls of the trap compartment section 15 are translucent or opaque, sunlight can penetrate into the interior chamber 100 creating a hot, dry environment which results in effective desiccation of flying insects trapped within. As they flies desiccate, as opposed to drown as in conventional prior art fly traps, there is almost no odour being produced and the resultant desiccated fly material can readily be removed from the trap by unscrewing the bait compartment section 20 from the trap compartment section 15 over a suitable waste disposal container, the insect trap 10 preferably being held at approximately 45° - 60° to the horizontal so that on removal of the bait compartment section 20 the desiccated fly material can easily escape from the trap compartment section 15 without touching a users hand.

[0040] From the above, and the figures, certain features of the present invention can be seen, such as:

[0041] • An insect trap including a separate bait / attractant compartment and entrapment chamber having an open bottom end and a closed top end, for entrapping insects, the bait / attractant compartment includes an opening having a screen covering the opening, the screen sized to prevent the passage of insects from the entrapment chamber through to the interior of the bait / attractant compartment.

[0042] • The bait / attractant compartment and the entrapment chamber being removably secured to each other.

[0043] • The bait / attractant compartment and the entrapment chamber being removably secured to each other by threaded engagement of the bait / attractant compartment to the open bottom end of the entrapment chamber.

[0044] • The entrapment chamber being made from a translucent material.

[0045] The entrapment chamber being made from an opaque material. • The entrapment chamber including a top section at least one tapered opening to provide access to the entrapment chamber, the at least one opening having a tapered configuration that narrows in a direction toward an interior of the entrapment chamber, thereby facilitating ingress of insects and impeding egress.

[0046] • The top section of the entrapment section includes a weather shield positioned above the at least one tapered opening.

[0047] • The bait / attractant compartment is removably secured by threaded engagement to the main trap compartment section / entrapment chamber.

[0048] • The bait / attractant compartment is the base of the insect trap.

[0049] • The bait / attractant compartment being in fluid communication with the entrapment chamber.

[0050] • The insect trap comprising a bait / attractant compartment; an entrapment chamber distinct from the bait / attractant compartment, wherein the bait / attractant compartment and the entrapment chamber define at least two separate chambers within the trap; a screen disposed between the bait / attractant compartment and the entrapment chamber, the screen sized and configured to prevent insects from entering the bait / attractant compartment while permitting passage of attractant vapour’s or other attractant substances from the bait / attractant compartment into the entrapment chamber.

[0051] • The entrapment chamber includes a top section, the top section including at least one opening therethrough to provide access to the entrapment chamber, the at least one opening having a tapered configuration that narrows in a direction toward an interior of the entrapment chamber, thereby facilitating ingress of insects and impeding egress.

[0052] • At least a portion of a wall of the entrapment chamber is translucent, permitting light to enter the entrapment chamber to promote desiccation of insects trapped therein.

[0053] The entrapment chamber is detachably connected to the bait compartment by a screw- threaded connection or other separable coupling, enabling the entrapment chamber to be removed and emptied without spilling the contents of the bait compartment. While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, modifications can be made and other embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An insect trap including a separate bait / attractant compartment and entrapment chamber having an open bottom end and a closed top end, for entrapping insects, the bait / attractant compartment includes an opening having a screen covering the opening, the screen sized to prevent the passage of insects from the entrapment chamber through to the interior of the bait / attractant compartment.

2. The insect trap of claim 1, wherein the bait / attractant compartment and the entrapment chamber are removably secured to each other.

3. The insect trap of any one of the above claims, wherein the bait / attractant compartment and the entrapment chamber are removably secured to each other by threaded engagement of the bait / attractant compartment to the open bottom end of the entrapment chamber.

4. The insect trap of any one of the above claims, wherein the entrapment chamber is made from a translucent material.

5. The insect trap of any one of the above claims, wherein the entrapment chamber is made from an opaque material.

6. The insect trap of any one of the above claims, wherein the entrapment chamber includes a top section at least one tapered opening to provide access to the entrapment chamber, the at least one opening having a tapered configuration that narrows in a direction toward an interior of the entrapment chamber, thereby facilitating ingress of insects and impeding egress.

7. The insect trap of any one of the above claims, wherein the top section of the entrapment section includes a weather shield positioned above the at least one tapered opening.

8. The insect trap of any one of the above claims, wherein the bait / attractant compartment is removably secured by threaded engagement to the main trap compartment section / entrapment chamber.

9. The insect trap of any one of the above claims, wherein the bait / attractant compartment is the base of the insect trap.

10. The insect trap of any one of the above claims, wherein the bait / attractant compartment in fluid communication with the entrapment chamber.

11. An insect trap comprising:• a bait / attractant compartment;• an entrapment chamber distinct from the bait / attractant compartment, wherein the bait / attractant compartment and the entrapment chamber define at least two separate chambers within the trap;• a screen disposed between the bait / attractant compartment and the entrapment chamber, the screen sized and configured to prevent insects from entering the bait / attractant compartment while permitting passage of attractant vapour’s or other attractant substances from the bait / attractant compartment into the entrapment chamber.

12. The insect trap of claim 11, wherein the entrapment chamber includes a top section, the top section including at least one opening therethrough to provide access to the entrapment chamber, the at least one opening having a tapered configuration that narrows in a direction toward an interior of the entrapment chamber, thereby facilitating ingress of insects and impeding egress.

13. The insect trap of claim 11 or 12, wherein at least a portion of a wall of the entrapment chamber is translucent, permitting light to enter the entrapment chamber to promote desiccation of insects trapped therein.

14. The insect trap of any one of claims 11 -13, wherein the entrapment chamber is detachably connected to the bait compartment by a screw-threaded connection or otherseparable coupling, enabling the entrapment chamber to be removed and emptied without spilling the contents of the bait compartment.

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