Rodent trap

Abstract

The present invention relates to a rodent trap with a killing means comprising a circular, semi-circular, or parabolic front end or edge adapted for striking a rodent.

Description

[0001] Rodent trap

[0002] Technical field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of rodent traps.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Rodent control in sewers presents a unique set of challenges due to the complexity of the environment and the adaptability of the rodents. The harsh conditions within sewers, characterized by moisture and corrosion, can quickly degrade traps and bait stations. The presence of water, waste, and other debris can obstruct traps or make their placement difficult. Additionally, access to sewers is often restricted, making it challenging to monitor and maintain traps effectively.

[0006] Rodents in sewers are highly agile, able to run along the sides of the sewer pipes. The abundance of food sources in sewers also reduces the effectiveness of baited traps, as rodents do not need to seek out the bait. Moreover, sewers offer numerous hidden and hard-to-reach nesting sites, making it difficult to locate and eradicate entire rodent populations.

[0007] Existing traps face several specific problems. Most traps are designed to be placed at the bottom of sewer pipes, targeting rodents running along the base. This leaves rodents running along the sides unaffected, limiting the overall effectiveness of the traps. Additionally, debris or water flow can render traps ineffective, requiring constant adjustments to maintain their functionality.

[0008] W02010101481 (A1 ) discloses an animal trap powered by compressed gas and which includes a trigger mechanism and kill mechanism. The trap is preferably self-resetting. The trap is particularly suited to applications where low- maintenance traps are required, because it uses a simple, reliable mechanism which can kill a number of animals over a long period of time without requiring maintenance or manual resetting. The kill mechanism comprises a cylindrical piston with rectangular front end in the actuation / motion plane and a circular front end in the normal plane.

[0009] Object of the Invention

[0010] The objective of the present invention is to provide a rodent trap for rodent control in sewers that is more effective and durable. This will reduce the overall rodent population and associated health risks.

[0011] Description of the Invention

[0012] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a rodent trap comprising:

[0013] - a housing; and

[0014] - a killing mechanism adapted for killing a rodent, and comprising a killing means adapted for being in a retracted position and an extended position relative to said housing; wherein the killing means comprises a front end or edge adapted for striking a rodent; and wherein the front end or edge of the killing means is semicircular or parabolic.

[0015] A second aspect relates to a rodent trap comprising:

[0016] - a housing comprising a bottom; and

[0017] - a killing mechanism adapted for killing a rodent, and comprising a killing means adapted for being in a retracted position and an extended position relative to the bottom of said housing; wherein the killing means is adapted for striking a rodent; wherein the killing means comprises a front tool mounted to a rod, wherein the rod extends through the bottom of said housing and is adapted for translating mechanical energy to the front tool, wherein the front tool is positioned below the bottom of said housing when the killing means is in both its retracted position and extended position.

[0018] By integrating a semi-circular or parabolic killing means, it increases the likelihood of hitting a rodent running along the sides of the sewer pipes.

[0019] A third aspect relates to a rodent trap comprising:

[0020] - a housing; and

[0021] - a killing mechanism adapted for killing a rodent, and comprising a killing means adapted for being in a retracted position and an extended position relative to said housing; wherein the killing means comprises a front end or edge adapted for striking a rodent.

[0022] Preferably, the killing mechanism is rechargeable. Advantageously the killing mechanism is a gas cartridge operated device or an electrically operated device. Other types of killing devices may however also be used without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the housing is adapted for being mounted in a well or manhole. Preferably, the well or manhole comprises a channel or invert forming part of the well or manhole bottom that contains the flow path for sewage or stormwater.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the front end or edge of the killing means is adapted for entering the channel or invert in its extended position. The front end or edge of the killing means may also be positioned within the channel or invert in its retracted position but is moved further therein when in its extended position. The retracted position is used for the situation where the trap is charged, and the extended position is the position of the front end or edge of the killing means after the trap has fired.

[0025] In the present context, the term “front end” or “front edge” may be used interchangeably. However, “front edge” is preferably used when the killing means is shaped as a blade or plate, while “front end” may describe a situation where the killing means is relatively thicker than a blade or plate.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the killing means comprises a blade or plate mounted to a rod, which acts as the support and part of a movement mechanism. The blade or plate is typically made from durable, corrosion-resistant materials, such as stainless steel, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or other suitable composites. The dimensions of the blade or plate depend on the size of the sewage pipe, channel, or invert. The width of the blade or plate is preferably slightly less than the internal diameter of the sewage pipe, channel, or invert to allow for smooth movement.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the front end or edge of the killing means is specifically contoured to match the curvature and dimensions of said channel or invert.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the channel or invert comprises an inlet and an outlet, and wherein the housing comprises means adapted for being anchored to said inlet or to said outlet, preferably to the top wall of said inlet or outlet. This embodiment makes it possible to precisely position the trap above a channel, or invert in a well or manhole. The trap may e.g., be mounted with a method as disclosed in EP2685015. Basically, the trap housing with the anchor means mounted thereto is attached to a flexible member and lowered down the well or manhole by means of a pole, while keeping the free end of the flexible member above the well or manhole. The barrier is then inserted into the side branch pipe (i.e., inlet or outlet) by means of the pole. The flexible member is tightened along the inner wall and above the branch pipe of the well or manhole, providing a substantially vertical upwards force on the trap housing. After tightening, the free end of the flexible member is fastened inside the well or manhole. The anchor means may e.g., comprise one or more anchoring hooks.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, the housing comprises a rod wiper adapted for cleaning the surface of the rod during movement from its extended position to its retracted position. The primary function of the rod wiper is to prevent external contaminants like dirt, mud, ice, and other debris from entering the housing and damaging internal components. As the rod moves through the wiper, any contaminants on the rod’s surface are scraped off, ensuring that the internal environment of the housing remains clean and protected.

[0030] Rod wipers come in various types to suit different applications and environmental conditions. Standard wipers feature a simple lip that contacts the rod’s surface, effectively scraping off contaminants. These wipers may be used for general- purpose applications where moderate protection is sufficient. For more challenging environments, heavy-duty wipers are designed with a more robust and aggressive lip to handle significant contamination. These are ideal for use in harsh conditions, such as those found in a sewer. Double-lip wipers offer an additional level of protection by incorporating two sealing lips. The primary lip scrapes off contaminants, while the secondary lip provides an extra seal to prevent fluid leakage, making these wipers suitable for applications that demand heightened protection and fluid sealing, such as those found in a sewer.

[0031] In situations where mechanical damage is a concern, metal-encased wipers may be used. These wipers combine a rubber or elastomer wiper lip with a metal case, providing added strength and stability.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, the housing is adapted for being mounted in a well or manhole, said well or manhole comprising a channel or invert forming part of the well or manhole bottom that contains the flow path for sewage or stormwater, and wherein the front tool is adapted for entering said channel or invert in its extended position.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the channel or invert comprises an inlet and an outlet, and wherein the housing comprises means adapted for being anchored to said inlet or to said outlet, preferably to the top wall of said inlet or outlet.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the front tool comprises one or more spikes, spears, blades, blocks, and / or plates extending from a base part, e.g., a base plate, and / or a rod connection part adapted for releasably fastening to the rod. The spikes, spears, blades, blocks, and / or plates may preferably be shaped to form a front end of the front tool that is circular or parabolic.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the housing is adapted for being mounted in a well or manhole, said well or manhole comprising a channel or invert forming part of the well or manhole bottom that contains the flow path for sewage or stormwater, and wherein the front tool is adapted for entering said channel or invert in its extended position, wherein said spikes, spears, blades, blocks, and / or plates are specifically contoured to match the curvature and dimensions of said channel or invert.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, the killing means is adapted for being in its extended position by the aid of a spring-operated loading mechanism adapted for storing potential energy when the killing means is in its retracted position.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, the spring-operated loading mechanism comprises a spring, and an actuation plate or actuation base mounted to the killing means’ rod, and wherein the actuation plate or actuation base is adapted for providing a supporting surface for the spring. In one or more embodiments, the bottom of the housing comprises a dampener adapted for receiving the actuation plate or actuation base when the killing means is in its extended position to absorb and dissipate some of the kinetic energy during the spring’s expansion.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, the front end or edge of the killing means is shaped to create a barrier that extends only partway up the height of said channel or invert. In case of malfunction, this embodiment will prevent clogging of the sewer pipes.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, the front end or edge of the killing means is shaped as a sickle.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, the front end or edge of the killing means is crescent-shaped.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, the front end or edge of the killing means spans 50-95% of the diameter of said channel or invert, such as 55-90%, e.g., 60-85%, such as 65-80%, e.g., 70-75% of the diameter of said channel or invert.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the killing means further comprises a top end or top edge, and wherein the distance between the top end or top edge and front end or front edge is less than the channel or invert’s full height, thereby allowing water to overflow the top end or top edge when the killing means is in its extended position.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, the front end or edge of the killing means, when the killing means is in its extended position, is adapted avoid contact with the channel or invert, e.g., adapted to form a gap, preferably of within the range of 1 - 10 mm, between the front end or edge of the killing means and the channel or invert, such as within the range of 2-9 mm, e.g., 3-8 mm, such as 4-6 mm between the front end or edge of the killing means and the channel or invert.

[0044] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" or "approximately" one particular value and / or to "about" or "approximately" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about", it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

[0045] It should be noted that embodiments and features described in the context of one of the aspects of the present invention also apply to the other aspects of the invention.

[0046] Brief description of the figures

[0047] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rodent trap in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.

[0048] Figure 2 shows a killing means in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.

[0049] Figure 3 shows a part of a killing means in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.

[0050] Figure 4 shows four different types of blades suitable for a killing means in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.

[0051] Figure 5 shows a side view of a type of tool suitable for a killing means in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. References

[0052] 100 Rodent trap

[0053] 110 Housing

[0054] 112 Bottom

[0055] 114 Dampener

[0056] 122 Rod

[0057] 123 Actuation plate

[0058] 124 Plate

[0059] 125 Spear

[0060] 126 Front end

[0061] 127 Base plate

[0062] 128 Top end

[0063] 129 Rod connection part

[0064] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0065] In the present context, the term “in general” when used when mentioning a feature relating to the present invention, it must be understood that the feature may be used with all embodiments of the invention, even if the mentioning is made in the detailed part of the document.

[0066] Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a rodent trap 100 according to the invention. In general, the rodent trap 100 comprises a housing 110 that encloses most of the electrical and mechanical parts. The housing 110 is designed to protect the different mechanisms from tampering and environmental factors.

[0067] The killing mechanism within the trap 100 is of a piston type, designed to move swiftly and with enough force to ensure a quick and humane kill. The killing mechanism comprises a killing means adapted for being in a loaded configuration (retracted position), and an extension state (extended position). In the loaded configuration, the piston is retracted and held in place by a loading mechanism (see parts thereof in Figure 2). The trap is set and ready to be triggered. When a rodent passes below the trap and activates a trigger mechanism (e.g., activating sensors), the trigger releases the tension in the loading mechanism. Upon release, the stored energy in the loading mechanism propels the piston from the retracted state to the extended state. The swift movement of the piston strikes the rodent, causing immediate death.

[0068] In this specific non-limiting embodiment, the piston type killing means (see Figures 2 and 3) comprises a plate 124 mounted to a rod 122, which acts as the support and part of a movement mechanism. Only one end of the rod 122 is shown in Figure 1 . A plate, in this context, is a flat, broad surface, which may have some sharpness but is generally not as thin or sharp-edged as a blade. It is more akin to a blunt instrument with a larger impact area. In general, multiple (such as two or three) plates or blades may be mounted to the rod, each plate or blade defined as discussed in general within the description.

[0069] In general, the loading mechanism is responsible for holding the killing means in a retracted (loaded) state. It may include a spring 132 (as seen in Figure 2) or similar tension device that stores potential energy when the killing means is in the retracted position.

[0070] The entire plate 124 is positioned below the housing in the killing means’ retracted position. This is to minimize the opening into the housing, thereby reducing the risk of water and or dirt ingress.

[0071] The killing means comprises a front end 126 or edge adapted for striking a rodent. Here, the front end or front tool of the killing means is the plate 124, which front end or front tool defines the killing means’ front edge 126. In general, the front end or front tool of the killing means is preferably circular, semi-circular, or parabolic in the actuation / motion plane as exemplified in the figures. By integrating a circular or parabolic killing means, it increases the likelihood of hitting a rodent running along the sides of the channel or invert.

[0072] The shown rodent trap comprises a housing adapted for being mounted in a well or manhole with a channel or invert formed in its bottom. The channel or invert contains the flow path for sewage or stormwater. The front end 126 of the plate 124 is adapted for entering the channel or invert in its extended position and is specifically contoured to match its curvature and dimensions.

[0073] When the killing means is in its extended position, the front end, here the plate 124, is shaped to create a barrier that extends only partway up the height of the channel or invert to allow water to flow over, thereby avoiding clogging the channel. The shown plate 124 is shaped as a circular arch. In general, other shapes are suitable, such as the shapes A-D shown in Figure 4. Shape A may be defined as a semicircle. Shape B may be defined as a pie slice shape, shape C as an elliptical arch, and shape D as a sickle shape. Hence, these examples embody a killing means with a top end 128 and a front end 126 and where the distance between the top end 128 and front end 126 is less than the channel or invert’s full height, thereby allowing water to overflow the top end of the killing means when in its extended position.

[0074] In general, the front end or front tool may also have other shapes than a plate, such as comprising one or more spikes, spears 125 (as shown in Figure 5, multiple rows of spears may in general be present), blades, blocks, and / or plates extending from a base part, e.g., a base plate 127, and / or a rod connection part 129 adapted for releasably fastening to the rod. The plates 124 disclosed in Figure 4 may in general also be provided with a rod connection part, e.g., as the one shown in Figure 5. The spears 125 shown in Figure 5 are shaped to form a front end of the front tool that is parabolic, or at least specifically contoured to match the curvature and dimensions of a channel or invert. Returning to Figure 2, a central embodiment of the trap’s operation is the loading mechanism, which includes a spring 132 and an actuation plate 123, which in general may also be an actuation base, such as protrusions mounted to, or formed in, the rod, and extending radially away from the rod centre. The spring 132 is here shown in compressed (loaded) state, storing potential energy. The actuation plate 123 provides a stable surface within the housing where the spring 132 rests, offering necessary support and stability.

[0075] A trigger mechanism (not shown) is activated when a rodent interacts with it, typically by activating one or more sensors. This activation results in a release of the spring 132 from its loaded state, allowing the spring 132 to expand and propel the rod 122 forward. Beneath the actuation plate 123, a dampener 114 is integrated at the bottom 112 of the housing 110. This shock-absorbing component, generally made from materials, such as rubber, silicone, or specialized polymers, absorbs and dissipates some of the kinetic energy during the spring’s expansion. This reduces mechanical stress on the housing and other components, contributing to a smoother operation.

[0076] When setting the trap, the rod 122 and the mounted front tool is retracted, compressing the spring 132, which rests on the actuation plate 123. The dampener 114 minimizes the impact forces, when the spring 132 is released upon activation, thereby reducing wear and tear on the trap, and ensuring quieter operation by absorbing some of the noise generated during actuation.

[0077] The actuation plate 123 ensures that the spring 132 remains properly directed, and the dampener 114 helps manage the energy transfer process, reducing recoil and vibration. In general, the dampener 114 may alternatively be mounted below the actuation plate 123 but is here shown mounted to the bottom 112 of the housing 110.

Claims

Claims1 . A rodent trap (100) comprising:- a housing (1 10); and- a killing mechanism adapted for killing a rodent, and comprising a killing means adapted for being in a retracted position and an extended position relative to said housing (1 10); wherein the killing means comprises a front end (124,126) or edge adapted for striking a rodent; characterized in that the front end (124,126) or edge of the killing means is circular, semi-circular, or parabolic.

2. The rodent trap (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the housing (110) is adapted for being mounted in a well or manhole, said well or manhole comprising a channel or invert forming part of the well or manhole bottom that contains the flow path for sewage or stormwater, and wherein the front end (124,126) or edge of the killing means is adapted for entering said channel or invert in its extended position.

3. The rodent trap (100) according to claim 2, wherein the front end (124,126) or edge of the killing means is specifically contoured to match the curvature and dimensions of said channel or invert.

4. The rodent trap (100) according to any one of the claims 2-3, wherein the channel or invert comprises an inlet and an outlet, and wherein the housing (1 10) comprises means adapted for being anchored to said inlet or to said outlet, preferably to the top wall of said inlet or outlet.

5. The rodent trap (100) according to any one of the claims 2-4, wherein the front end (124,126) or edge of the killing means is shaped to create a barrier that extends only partway up the height of said channel or invert.

6. The rodent trap (100) according to any one of the claims 1 -5, wherein the front end (124,126) of the killing means is shaped as a circular arch, semicircle, pie slice shape, elliptical arch, or a sickle.

7. The rodent trap (100) according to any one of the claims 1 -6, wherein the killing means comprises a plate (124) mounted to a rod (122).

8. The rodent trap (100) according to claim 7, wherein the plate (124) further comprises a top end (128), and wherein the distance between the top end (128) and front end (126) or front edge is less than the channel or invert’s full height, thereby allowing water to overflow the top end (128) when the killing means is in its extended position.

9. The rodent trap (100) according to any one of the claims 2-8, wherein the front end (124,126) or edge of the killing means, when the killing means is in its extended position, is adapted avoid contact with the channel or invert, e.g., adapted to form a gap, preferably of within the range of 1 -10 mm, between the front end (124,126) or edge of the killing means and the channel or invert.

10. The rodent trap (100) according to any one of the claims 2-9, wherein the front end (124,126) or edge of the killing means spans 50-95% of the diameter of said channel or invert.1 1 . The rodent trap (100) according to any one of the claims 1 -10, wherein the front end (124,126) or edge of the killing means is circular, semi-circular, or parabolic in the in the actuation / motion plane.

12. The rodent trap (100) according to any one of the claims 1 -1 1 ; wherein the housing (1 10) comprises a bottom (1 12); wherein the killing means is adapted for being in a retracted position and an extended position relative to the bottommeans is mounted to a rod (122), wherein the rod (122) extends through the bottom (1 12) of said housing (1 10) and is adapted for translating mechanical energy to the front end (124,126) or edge of the killing means, and wherein the front end (124,126) or edge of the killing means is positioned below the bottom (1 12) of said housing (1 10) when the killing means is in both its retracted position and extended position.

13. The rodent trap (100) according to claim 12, wherein the housing (1 10) comprises a rod wiper adapted for cleaning the surface of the rod (122) during movement from its extended position to its retracted position.

14. The rodent trap (100) according to any one of the claims 12-13, wherein the front end (124,126) or edge of the killing means comprises one or more spikes, spears (125), blades, blocks, and / or plates extending from a base part, e.g., a base plate (127), and / or a rod connection part (129) adapted for releasably fastening to the rod.

15. The rodent trap (100) according to any one of the claims 1 -14, wherein the killing means is adapted for being in its extended position by the aid of a spring- operated loading mechanism adapted for storing potential energy when the killing means is in its retracted position.

16. The rodent trap (100) according to claims 12 and 15, wherein the spring- operated loading mechanism comprises a spring, and an actuation plate or actuation base mounted to the killing means’ rod, and wherein the actuation plate or actuation base is adapted for providing a supporting surface for the spring.

17. The rodent trap (100) according to claim 16, wherein the bottom of the housing comprises a dampener adapted for receiving the actuation plate oractuation base when the killing means is in its extended position to absorb and dissipate some of the kinetic energy during the spring’s expansion.

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