WO2020016592A1

WO2020016592A1 - A vermin capture device

Info

Publication number: WO2020016592A1
Application number: PCT/GB2019/052019
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mike Hughes
Original assignee: Mike Hughes
Priority date: 2018-07-19
Filing date: 2019-07-19
Publication date: 2020-01-23
Also published as: GB201811802D0; EP3809842A1

Abstract

A vermin capture device (99; 100) comprising a base (2; 102) having an angular range, a bait receiving means (9; 104) and a plurality of catchers (1; 106) on the base. Each catcher is operable between an armed condition and a triggered condition. Each catcher has a trigger (8; 128) defining a catching section which covers a portion of the angular range, and a vermin immobilising means (3, 4, 10, 11; 130) having an outer end (132) dimensioned to cover the portion of the angular range of the corresponding catching section when in the trigged condition, so that the plurality of vermin immobilising means (3, 4, 10, 11; 130) together covers or substantially covers the entire angular range.

Description

A VERMIN CAPTURE DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a vermin capture device, in particular a device for catching multiple vermin, particularly rodents, at any one time.

Background

Increasing numbers of rodents are present in many societies, living alongside humans.

This can be problematic particularly in presence of a large rodent infestation in any particular area, where multiple traps may require setting. Even in a small infestation current snap traps are only able to catch one rodent, and rodents often avoid setting off the trap as they sneak through or around gaps to reach the bait without stepping on the pressure pad.

Prior Art

US 5 329 724 (SALEMAN) discloses a rodent trap for capture, confinement, and disposal of one or more rodents comprising: a lower member having a continuous upright side wall and a closed bottom which define an interior volume, said lower member side wall upwardly extending to define an open upper end of said lower member; two opposing spaced apart bait posts positioned centrally atop said bottom, said bait posts defining a plurality of generally horizontal, vertically spaced bait support planes formed therebetween spaced above said bottom and structured to support a rigid piece of bait of various sizes such as a cracker and a peanut whereby the bait may be supported between said bait posts along one said bait support plane; at least on entrance hole formed through said lower member side wall sized and positioned relative to said bottom to permit a rodent to freely pass through said entrance hole into said interior volume; an upper member separate from said lower member and having an upright continuous side wall and a top, said upper member side wall downwardly extending to define an open lower end of said upper member; said upper member sized to freely slide vertically within said lower member, said upper member side wall closing off said entrance hole when said upper member is in a downward closed position resting atop said bottom; an upright trip rod connected at an upper end thereof to and downwardly extending from a central point of said top, a free distal lower end of said trip rod aligned between said bait posts when said upper member is engaged within said lower member; said trip rod distal end being supported against the bait and, supporting said upper member in an armed position above said bottom a vertical distance sufficient for the rodent to enter into said interior volume through said aperture; said upper member falling by gravity to said closed position when the rodent consumes a sufficient portion of the bait to allow said trip rod to pass downwardly between said bait posts.

US 4 129 958 (CONIBEAR) discloses an improved trigger mechanism of the push-pull type which is particularly useful for a rotating frame animal trap, the present trigger mechanism causing the trap to be sprung on contact therewith by the animal regardless of the direction from which such contact occurs. The present trigger mechanism is slidably mounted on a frame member of the trap, the free ends of spaced prongs extending from the frame member toward the interior of the trap. A body member of the trigger mechanism mounts the spaced prongs, the anterior ends of the spaced prongs extending into overlapping engagement with the frame member and being movable relative thereto. The body member has an arcuate recess on an upper surface portion thereof, the recess loosely receiving at least a portion of the frame member therein. PH 22 015 000 685 (TIU) discloses a mouse catching device comprising a lower jaw, an upper jaw pivotally mounted thereof, an elongated bait holder pivotable in between said lower jaw and upper jaw, and a spring biased wound around said lower jaw and upper jaw, wherein said lower jaw and upper jaw, each being provided with respective plurality of associated serrated members, said upper jaw having an angled tab at the rear portion thereof, and an elongated bait holder disposed in between said lower and upper jaws, said elongated bait holder having a circular bait container on one end and an angled actuator at the opposing end, whereby when setting therefore, said upper jaw is opened, the angled tab of said upper jaw presses downwardly said angled actuator which causes the lifting of the circular bait container. When a rodent tries to get the bait, the weight of the rodent will cause the angled actuator to toss the angled tab thereby snapping the upper jaw to said lower jaw, and catching the rodent therefore.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vermin capture device comprising: a base having an angular range, a bait receiving means and a plurality of catchers on the base, each catcher operable between an armed condition and a triggered condition, each catcher having a trigger defining a catching section which covers a portion of the angular range, and a vermin immobilising means having an outer end dimensioned to cover the portion of the angular range of the corresponding catching section when in the triggered condition, so that the plurality of vermin immobilising means together covers or substantially covers the angular range.

As the vermin immobilising means effectively covers the whole angular range or extent of the base, there is almost guaranteed success in capturing a vermin that is on the device, as it would inevitably get caught by one of the vermin immobilising means regardless of the direction from which the vermin approaches the bait receiving means. The plurality of catchers provides multiple rodent trapping opportunities in a single device, thus increases the effectiveness and efficiency of the device. With only one bait receiving means for multiple catchers, reloading of the device with bait is less time consuming and more cost effective compared with having multiple conventional vermin trap. Furthermore, the vermin would likely be caught before taking the bait, enabling the bait to be reused for the next capture. The device will work equally well with a base of a variety of shapes, thus providing great design flexibility without comprising on functionality.

The angular range may be 360 degrees such that the device can cover all directions.

The plurality of catchers may surround or substantially surround the bait receiving means. This further prevents the likelihood of the vermin taking the bait before being capture by one of the catchers.

Preferably, the plurality of catchers may be independently operable from one another, such that the device may continue to be used after one or more catchers are actuated to the triggered condition.

Advantageously, the catchers may be equidistantly or substantially equidistantly angled on the angular range. Thus, the catchers have equal likelihood of capturing a vermin. Four catchers may be provided on the base. The plurality of catching sections together may cover or substantially cover the angular range. This further ensures one of the catchers will be triggered when the vermin is present, regardless of where the vermin is on the base.

The triggers of the plurality of catchers may surround or substantially surround the bait receiving means and an outer end of each trigger may be adjacent or substantially adjacent the outer end of its neighbouring trigger. This prevents any‘blind spot’ on the device where the presence of the vermin goes undetected by the triggers.

The outer ends of the trigger may be at, adjacent or proximate an edge of the base, such that the vermin would step onto one of the triggers as soon as the vermin enters the device, thereby improving the capture rate.

Each trigger may be pivotably connected to the base at or adjacent its inner end. Each trigger may be spring biased away from the base, such that a force applied thereto would force the trigger towards the base. Advantageously, the trigger may include a trigger platform which triggers the vermin immobilising means upon receipt of a weight of a vermin.

Each trigger may have a vermin-immobilising-means-engagement element and each vermin immobilising means may have a trigger-engagement element for the trigger and the vermin immobilising means to be engaged therewith, such that movement of the trigger can be communicated to the vermin immobilising means.

Each vermin-immobilising-means-engagement element may be rotatably and/or releasably engagable with the corresponding trigger-engagement element. This allows the two conditions to be achieved, whereby each trigger and vermin immobilising means are engaged when in the armed condition and when each vermin immobilising means is actuated to the triggered condition, the two parts are rotated to be disengaged.

The vermin-immobilising-means-engagement element of each trigger may be spaced away from a pivotable connection between the base and the trigger. Each vermin-immobilising-means-engagement element may have an arcuate surface to engage with each trigger-engagement element to allow smooth transition between the armed and triggered conditions.

The outer end of each vermin immobilising means in the triggered condition may be adjacent or substantially adjacent to the outer end of its neighbouring vermin immobilising means in the triggered condition. This prevents any significant gaps from forming which would allow the vermin to escape.

Preferably, a portion of a lateral extent of each vermin immobilising means in the armed condition may overlap with and extend across a portion of the lateral extent of its neighbouring vermin immobilising means in the armed condition. In this way, the two neighbouring portions of the vermin immobilising means are spaced apart in a plane parallel or substantially parallel to the base so as to avoid the neighbouring catchers obstructing one another when actuating at least one of them to the triggered condition. Each vermin immobilising means may have a hammer pivotable relative to the base, the hammer being pivoted away from the base in the armed condition and being pivoted towards the base upon in the triggered condition. This prevent the hammer from spooking the vermin when in the armed condition, as well as keeping the trigger clear to enable access thereto by the vermin.

Each vermin immobilising means may be spring biased to pivot towards the base, such that, if unobstructed, the vermin immobilising means would automatically spring close onto or towards the base.

When in the armed position, each vermin-immobilising-means-engagement element may serve as a stop to prevent movement of each vermin immobilising means relative to the base.

The trigger-engagement element of each vermin immobilising means may be spaced away from a pivotable connection between the base and each vermin immobilising means, such that rotation of the vermin immobilising means relative to the base would engage or disengage connection of the vermin immobilising means and the trigger.

A contour of an outer end of each hammer may correspond or substantially correspond with a contour of the outer end of its corresponding trigger, and when in the triggered condition, the outer end of the hammer member may be at or adjacent the outer end of the trigger. This ensures the hammer contacts the vermin when the catcher is actuated, regardless of the vermin’s position on the trigger platform.

Preferably, the bait receiving means may be at the centre of the base. The bait receiving means may include a bait holder to help retaining the bait thereto even if the device is positioned on an uneven or non-horizontal surface the bait holder may be releasably connected to the base to allow replacement or cleaning. The base may be circular or substantially circular.

The vermin capture device may further comprise fastening means for securing the rodent capture device to a support surface. This allows the device to be placed on an uneven or non-horizontal surface, as well as to deter or prevent theft, unintentional removal of the device by animals or weather.

The fastening means may include a screw fastener and a corresponding aperture through the base the fastening means may be at the centre of the base so as to not obstruct the catchers. This also allows the fastening means to be covered or hidden by the bait receiving portion.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a rodent catcher device comprising a base configured for maintaining a rodent attraction target and a plurality of catchers configured so as to catch rodents approaching the target from a plurality of directions.

It may be envisaged that the target is a perishable food target, which may be envisaged to be replaced periodically. Accordingly the target may be envisaged to comprise a holder or hook or catch for the food. In this way device of the present invention allows for multiple rodents to be caught from the same trap, wherein the multiple catchers and/or a circular design increases the device success rate by making it difficult for the rodent to obtain the target without triggering a catcher.

The device may be envisaged to utilise a same catcher mechanism as used in known or standard mousetraps.

In some embodiments the catchers may be humane catchers, for example comprising holding areas for the rodents.

In some embodiments the catchers may be envisaged to kill the rodent. In some such embodiments the catchers may comprise jaws, wherein the jaws or a jaw is/are arranged to close onto or over the rodent in use.

In some embodiments the catchers comprise sprung jaws spring biased to close over the rodent when triggered. The spring jaws may thereby comprise spring mechanisms, which operate on the base to move the jaws or jaw arms.

The device may comprise a trigger or triggers, which triggers are configured to trigger the catchers. In some embodiments the triggers comprise the target.

The triggers may comprise mechanical displacement mechanisms of an arm release part, for example wherein the displacement of the trigger downwards displaces a part such as a pivoted substantially horizontal member, that in turn displaces a release lock for the sprung arm mechanism located central to the base. In order to reload the mechanism for subsequent use, the user may thereby lift the arm and catch the arm back into the release lock.

The trigger may thereafter be held in place on the base until released by pressure of weight of the rodent.

The jaws may comprise a pivoting arm which is arranged to be released by the trigger so as to spring-close onto the base. The base may comprise a pad onto or against or around which the arm closes. The rodent may thereby be pushed against the base or pad by the arm, and the arm may provide a killing surface.

The jaw arm may be envisaged to be curved so as to reflect the base curvature.

In some embodiments the catchers, jaws or arms may be envisaged to be located with their spring mechanisms central to the base, such that the mechanisms and/or jaws may be arranged to overlap so as to avoid interference with one another, particular when the catchers are opened and the jaws open.

In embodiments where the pad is smaller than the arm such that the arm closes around the pad it may be envisaged that the comer of the pad may advantageously further provide a killing surface.

In some embodiments the device may be provided at any one time with more than one target. In this way the device may be enabled to capture more than one rodent at any one time. In some embodiments the trigger may be distal the target, such that the rodent is never able to reach the target, thereby enabling the target to be applicable or operable or available to more than one rodent, and more than one catcher.

In some embodiments a trigger mechanism may comprise a trigger and a displaceable base, or part thereof, wherein displacement of the base or part thereof releases the trigger and/or a spring and thereby comprises a part of a trigger mechanism.

In some embodiments the device may comprise a weighted base, so as to limit displacement with reference to the floor during use. In other embodiments the base may be arranged to connect with a subordinate surface.

In order to provide protection for the target from multiple directions it may be envisaged that three catcher mechanisms are used to allow for three kill arms. Three may be used instead of four, due to interference of parts, as well as allowing for the cheaper manufacture.

The device may comprise four catchers, facing in orthogonal directions. The catchers may comprise steel arms. The catchers may comprise base pads. The base pads may be displaceable and form a part of a trigger mechanism. The catchers may comprise torsion springs. The device may comprise a trigger mechanism having displaceable base pads and a trigger which is displaced by displacement of the base pads to release a sprung arm.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a first embodiment of a vermin capture device according to the present invention, with catchers open;

Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the base of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a side view of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figures 4a and 4b show plan views from below of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, and of the base of the first embodiment shown in Figure 2, respectively;

Figures 5a and 5b show plan views from above of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 from above with catchers open, and of the base of the first embodiment shown in Figure 2 only, respectively;

Figure 6 shows a reverse isometric view of the first embodiment as shown in Figure 1; Figure 7 shows an exploded isometric view of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 8 shows an exploded reverse isometric view of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 9 shows an isometric view of the second trigger of the vermin immobilising means from the first embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 10 shows a perspective view from above or isometric view of a second embodiment of the vermin capture device according to the present invention, with the plurality of the catchers in an armed condition;

Figure 11 shows a perspective view from above of the vermin capture device of Figure 10, with the plurality of catchers in a triggered condition; and

Figure 12 shows an exploded perspective view of the vermin capture device of Figure 10.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference generally to the embodiment shown in the Figures 1 to 9 there is shown a vermin capture device, and in this specific embodiment, a rodent catcher device 99 comprising a base 2 configured for maintaining a vermin attraction target, in this embodiment a rodent attraction target (not shown), and a plurality of catchers 1 configured so as to catch vermin, most commonly rodents such as rats or mice, approaching the target from a plurality of directions.

In particular reference to the embodiment pictured the embodiment comprises four catchers 1 arranged to face in orthogonal directions on a circular base 2.

The target is located in use in a bait receiving means, in this embodiment a holder 9, comprising a circular indentation in the centre of the base 2.

Each of the catchers 1 comprise a vermin immobilising means, which in this embodiment includes a bent steel wire arm 10, 11, which arms are configured with a curved laterally extending upper part and two legs. Although the use of steel for the arms 10, 11 is advantageous due to its high tensile strength and durability, other material may also be suitable, such as other metal for example brass, or plastics.

Each of the four catchers 1 comprises a first trigger, in this embodiment a catcher pad 8, which have arcuate outer edges to match the curvature of the catcher arms and which are extended from the holder 9 the distance of the leg lengths. The catcher pads are formed as a continuous mould with the central target holder 9 but are discontinuous with the base at the end distal.

In this way the pads comprise trigger pads, whereby the pad is enabled to displace under weight of the rodent.

The legs are configured to be pulled horizontal by a spring 4, which forms part of the vermin immobilising means. The spring 4 is held back by a thermoplastics second trigger 3, which also forms part of the vermin immobilising means and which is located below the base and has an end that is elevated above the pad through an aperture 7. Although the trigger is preferably made of thermoplastics, other materials may also be used, such as metal.

In this embodiment, the second trigger 3 is held in place above the pad 8 by clipping through the aperture 7 and onto its edge nearest the spring 4.

The second trigger pivots to release the spring, when weight of a rodent pushes the pad down distal the spring and allows the second trigger 3 to displace from the aperture 7.

In this way separate triggers are arranged in a circular formation and the bait target set in the middle, meaning there is no way the rodent can get to the bait without setting off the trap. The catchers comprise four kill arms 10, 11 each connected to a different pressure pad second trigger 3 so that multiple rodents can be caught at any one time.

Adjacent catcher arms 10, 11 may be dimensioned differently, so as to not overlap prior to triggering. In this embodiment, two of the catcher arms 11 are shorter, and two arms 10 are longer, such that when the catchers are all open, or waiting to be activated the catchers are able to substantially occupy the same central space of the circular base.

As shown in Figure 7, each catcher comprises a:

Kill bar arm 10, 11

Second trigger 3

Base pad 8

Torsion spring 4

Spring pivot 61

Trigger pivot 62

The base comprises a four such catchers and a single bait pot target.

In use, the following steps may be envisaged: i Trigger has weight placed on it

ii Trigger drops, releasing trigger latch

iii Trigger latch releases sprung kill arm

iv Kill arm snaps down

The arm is activated by a rodent pushing the second trigger, which sits vertically when set up and spring loaded. The bottom end of each arm is held by the second trigger below the base. The second trigger is fixed by pushing towards the rear edge of the aperture. When the pad is pushed down, its edge is moved down and the tension at arm’s end pivots the second trigger and pushes the second trigger’s distal end upwards so as to release the arm. Referring now to Figures 10 to 12, there is provided a second embodiment of vermin capture device 100 in accordance with the present invention, comprising a base 102, and a bait receiving means 104 and a plurality of catchers 106 on the base 102.

The base 102 has a first surface 108 on which the bait receiving means 104 and the catchers 106 are provided. The base 102 has an angular range which, in this embodiment, is 360 degrees, and is thus endless. The first surface 108 preferably has a central region 110 which is planar or substantially planar, and an outer region 112 which extends away from the central region 110 at a reflex angle, which can serve as a ramp. Such an inclined ramp can aid access to the base 102 for a vermin, as well as prevent the base from obstructing the catchers 106 in use, which will be described in more detail below. However, it will be appreciated that in a simpler alternative, the base may be planar or substantially planar throughout, thus dispensing the inclined outer region altogether.

The base 102 provides an edge or outer edge 114 which extends from and around the outer region 112. In this embodiment, the outer edge 114 has an axial extent, which effectively forms a skirt around the outer region 112. The skirt is preferably at a right angle or substantially a right angle relative to the central region 110. However, it will be appreciated that for both embodiments, the axial extent of the outer edge of the base may be kept to a minimum such that no skirt is provided.

In this embodiment, the bait receiving means 104 is provided on the centre of the base 102. The bait receiving means 104 preferably includes a bait holder 116 that is releasably secured to a bait-holder receiver 118. The bait-holder receiver 118 has a bait-holder-receiver body 120 which extends outwardly from the first surface 108 of the base 102 and defines a recess 122 therein for receiving at least part of the bait holder 116. The bait holder 116 has a bait-holder body 124 sized to be securable in the recess 122 of the bait-holder receiver 118. In this embodiment, corresponding screw threads are provided on an inner surface of the bait-holder- receiver body 120 and the bait-holder body 124 to enable positive and releasable engagement of the bait- holder receiver 118 and the bait holder 116. A bait platform 126 is provided at one end of the bait-holder body 124 for a bait to be received thereon. The bait platform 126 is thus raised above the first surface 108 of the base 102, which allows the bait to be more visible to the rodent across the catchers 106. The bait platform may be recessed to help retaining the bait thereon. The bait-holder receiver 118 is preferably integrally formed with the base 102. The bait holder 116 is preferably releasable from the base 102 to aid cleaning.

Similar to the first embodiment, the catchers 106 in this embodiment are angled equidistantly or substantially equidistantly around the bait receiving means 104 and the base 102, thus each having approximately equal likelihood of capturing a vermin as a result. As there are four catchers 106, the catchers 106 are positioned at right or orthogonal angles to each other. It will be appreciated that the device 100 may be provided with fewer or more catchers so as to surround or substantially surround the bait receiving means 104.

In this embodiment, a divider 127 is provided on the base 102 to demarcate a border between neighbouring catchers 106. However, it will be appreciated that such dividers may be dispensed with or simply be replaced with a gap. Each catcher 106 includes a trigger 128 and a vermin immobilising means 130 activatable by the trigger 128. Each catcher 106 is operable between an armed condition as illustrated in Figure 10, whereby the trigger 128 is available for a vermin to activate or actuate and the vermin immobilising means 130 is ready to capture the vermin, and a triggered condition as illustrated in Figure 11, whereby the trigger has actuated or activated the vermin immobilising means 130 and will require resetting to the armed condition before a new vermin can be captured.

Each trigger 128 of the first and second embodiment defines a catching section which covers a portion of the angular range. The second embodiment provides four equidistantly angled trigger 128, and the portion of the angular range covered by each catching section is the same, which is 90 degrees or substantially 90 degrees. The portion of the angular range covered by the catching section is illustrated by a solid line with double arrows referenced 131 in Figure 10.

In this embodiment, the plurality of the catching sections together substantially covers the angular range. In this embodiment a small insubstantial area of clearance, including the divider 127 is provided between the catchers 106 to prevent the catchers 106 from obstructing each other when in use. However, it will be appreciated that such area of clearance may be dispensed with such that the plurality of catching sections covers the angular range completely.

Although the catchers 106 are all shown in the same condition in Figure 10 or 11, the catchers are preferably independently operable such that the device 100 may have a mix of catchers in the armed and triggered conditions at any one time. Thus, even if one of the catchers have successfully captured a vermin, the remaining catchers may still remain in the armed condition to capture further vermin.

An outer end of each vermin immobilising means 130, which in this embodiment (as well as the first embodiment) is also a distal end 132, is dimensioned to cover the portion 131 of the angular range of the corresponding catching section. Thus together, the plurality of the vermin immobilising means also substantially covers the angular range. Should the area of clearance and the divider be dispensed with, the plurality of vermin immobilising means would cover the angular range completely.

The outer ends or distal ends 132 of each vermin immobilising means 130 when in the triggered condition is adjacent or substantially adjacent to the outer end or distal end 132 of its neighbouring vermin immobilising means 130 when in the triggered condition. The vermin immobilising means 130 of the plurality of catchers 106 thus surround or substantially surround the bait receiving means 104.

In this embodiment, the triggers 128 also surround or substantially surround the bait receiving means 104. An outer end of each trigger 128, which in this embodiment is also a distal end 134, is adjacent or substantially adjacent the outer end, also the distal end 134, of its neighbouring trigger 128. In this embodiment, the distal ends of the triggers 128 are at, adjacent or proximate the outer edge 114 of the base 102. Thus, the triggers 128 follow the whole perimeter or substantially the whole perimeter of the outer edge 114 of the base 102. Thus, regardless of where the rodent enters the base 102, the rodent will step on at least one of the trigger 128 and triggers the corresponding vermin immobilising means 130. As illustrated in Figure 10, when neighbouring catchers 106 are in the armed condition, a portion of a lateral extent of each vermin immobilising means 130 overlaps and extends across the lateral extent of its neighbouring vermin immobilising means 130. In this way, the two neighbouring portions of lateral extents are spaced apart in a plane parallel or substantially parallel to the base 102 so as to avoid neighbouring catchers 106 obstructing one another when at least one of them are being actuated to the triggered condition. It will be appreciated that an alternative arrangement may be provided, for example, the two sides of each immobilising means maybe folded back when in the armed condition and are deployed when in the triggered condition.

Each trigger 128 is preferably pivotable connected to the base at or adjacent its proximal end 136, which is also an inner end, and is spring biased away from the base 102 at its outer end. In this embodiment, each trigger 128 includes a trigger platform 138a, 138b which is pivotably connected to the base 102 via a trigger- base connector 140. In this embodiment, distal and proximal ends of the trigger platform l38a, l38b coincide with the distal and proximal ends 134, 136 of the trigger 128 respectively. Each trigger platform l38a, l38b spans across and covers the catching section, i.e. the portion 131 of the angular range, of its trigger 128.

The trigger-base connector 140 includes a pin 142 which rotatably connects a first connector part 144 and a second connector part (not visible in the figures) protruding outwardly from the first surface 108 of the base 102 and an underside of the trigger platform 138a, 138b respectively.

Each first connector part 144 may be integrally formed with the base 102 and/or each second connector part may be integrally formed with the trigger platform 138a, 138b.

Preferably, each trigger-base connector 140 further comprises a spring 146 which serves to bias the trigger platform 138a, 138b away from the base 102 and to a position that is parallel or substantially parallel the first surface 108 of the base 102, which is the trigger platform’s l38a, l38b armed condition. A spring locating means, in this embodiment an indentation 148, is preferably provided on the base 102 and/or each trigger platform 136 to locate and retain each spring 146.

In view of the trigger-base connector 140 discussed above, the trigger platform l38a, l38b is sensitive to weight and would pivot about the pin 142 of the trigger-base connector 140 towards the base 102 upon receipt of a weight of the vermin, which would trigger or actuate the vermin immobilising means 130. The inclined outer region 112 of the base 102 is angled such that it does not obstruct the trigger platforms l38a, 138b when they are actuated by the vermin.

In this embodiment, the trigger platforms 138a, 138b are provided in two different distal end shapes. The distal end of one shape 138a is convex or arcuate, which follows or compliments the contour of the outer edge 114 of the base, whereas either sides of the distal end of the other shape l38b are stepped inwardly. The significance of having two variants of trigger platforms 138a, 138b will be described in further detail below. The vermin immobilising means 130 preferably includes a hammer which is pivotable relative to the base 102, the hammer being pivoted away from the base 102 when in the armed condition and pivoted towards the base 102 when in the triggered condition. In this embodiment, the hammer includes a base connector 150 pivotable relative to the base 102 and an elongate immobilising bar l52a, l52b which extends from the base connector 150. The base connector 150 has a main body 154 that is preferably U-shaped and a further pin 156 provided through two arms of the U-shaped main body 154.

In this embodiment, a vermin-immobilising-means connector 158 extending outwardly from the first surface 108 of the base 102 is provided and the further pin 156 rotatably connect the vermin-immobilising-means connector 158 and the base connector 150. Each vermin-immobilising-means connector 158 is preferably integrally formed with the base 102. A further spring 160 is provided on each further pin 156 to bias the vermin immobilising means 130 to the triggered condition.

Preferably, each vermin immobilising means 130, in particular the base connector 150 in this embodiment, has a trigger-engagement element 162 which extends radially outwardly from one of the arms of the main body 154 towards the trigger platform l38a, l38b. Each trigger 128, in particular the trigger platform l38a, 138b in this embodiment, has a corresponding vermin-immobilising-means-engagement element 164 for the trigger 128 and the vermin immobilising means 130 to be engaged therewith. The engagement is preferably rotatable and releasable, although other alternatives may be provided whereby the engagement is permanent and/or not rotatable. The trigger-engagement element 162 may be integrally formed with the main body 154.

The trigger-engagement element 162 provides a point of contact with the trigger 128 that is spaced away from the pivotable connection between the base connector 150 and the base 102. In this embodiment, the trigger-engagement element 162 has a first contact surface 166 that is preferably flat or planar or substantially flat or planar for contacting the vermin-immobilising-means-engagement element 164 when in the armed condition. The trigger-engagement element 162 has a second contact surface 168 that is convex or arcuate for contacting the vermin-immobilising -means-engagement element 164 when transitioning from the triggered condition to the armed condition.

In this embodiment, the vermin-immobilising-means-engagement element 164 is provided on an outward facing surface of and the proximal end of the trigger 128 and is in the form of an elongate cylindrical member 170 to provide an arcuate surface for the trigger-engagement element 162 to be engaged thereto. The arcuate surface allows smooth movement of the vermin immobilising means between the armed and triggered conditions. It will be appreciated that other arrangement of the vermin-immobilising-means-engagement element maybe provided, such as simply providing an arcuate surface on the trigger platform.

Each immobilising bar l52a, l52b has first and second arms 172, 174 which extend outwardly from either side of an outer end, which is also a distal end in this embodiment, of the base connector 150. The first and second arms 172, 174 then diverge before converging again to meet each other. Similar to the trigger platforms l38a, l38b, there is preferably provided two different shapes of immobilising bar l52a, l52b, one having a convex or arcuate outer end, which is also a distal end in this embodiment, which corresponds or substantially corresponds to the outer, also the distal, end of the trigger platform 138a, and the other shape having a top hat shaped distal end which corresponds or substantially corresponds to the outer, also the distal, end of the trigger platform 138b shape. The outer or distal end of each immobilising bar l52a, l52b is effectively the distal end 132 of its vermin immobilising means 130. Furthermore, the outer or distal end of each immobilising bar l52a, l52b spans across the same catching section, i.e. the portion 131 of the angular range, of its corresponding trigger 128.

Each trigger 128 and vermin immobilising means 130 are designed such that when in the triggered condition, each distal end of the immobilising bar l52a, l52b is at or adjacent the distal end of the trigger platforms l38a, l38b. The matching of shapes of the distal ends of each trigger 128 and each vermin immobilising means 130 is advantageous as it prevents the activation of the trigger 128 when the vermin is located outside an area coverable by the vermin immobilising means when in the triggered condition. The two different immobilising bar shapes prevent neighbouring vermin immobilising means 130 from crashing into and obstructing each other when in triggered condition, as already discussed above. The aperture defined by each immobilising bar also provides a convenient means for multiple devices to be stored and/or transported easily when in the armed condition, for example, multiple devices can be interlinked/or strung together through the apertures.

In this embodiment, the device 100 further comprises fastening means for securing the device to a support surface, and the fastening means is preferably releasable. This may be provided at the centre of the base 102. This may be in the form of a screw fastener and a corresponding aperture through the base 102. The aperture may be provided at the bottom of recess 122 of the bait-holder-receiver body 120.

In use, the device 100 is placed at a location known or suspected to have issues with vermin and the device 100 can be secured to a supporting surface using the fastening means. A bait is placed on the bait receiving means 104 to attract the vermin.

The catchers 106 are positioned in the armed condition, whereby each vermin immobilising means 130 is pivoted away from the base 102 such that each immobilising bar l52a, l52b and each base connector 150 are at right angle or substantially right angle relative to the base 102. Each spring 146 biases each trigger platform 138a, 138b away from each base 102 at an angle parallel or substantially parallel to the said base 102. Each trigger engagement element 162 engages on the first surface 166 of each vermin-immobilising- means-engagement element 164, each vermin-immobilising-means-engagement element 164 serving as a stop to prevent each further spring 160 from rotating each vermin immobilising means 130 towards each base 102. It will be appreciated that each immobilising bar may be at an angle more or less than 90 degrees relative to the base in the armed condition, as long as each trigger platform is made available for the vermin to step on.

The immobilising bars l52a, l52b, and the trigger platforms l38a, l38b, are positioned such that each has neighbours with a shape different to itself. Such an arrangement provides a clearance between overlapping portions of neighbouring immobilising bars l52a, 152b. The clearance is sufficient that the two portions do not obstruct each other when rotating to the triggered condition.

When a vermin steps onto one of the trigger platforms 138a, 138b, its weight forces the trigger platform 138a, 138b against the spring 146 and pivot towards the base 102, thus disengaging the connection between the associated trigger-engagement element 162 and the associated vermin-immobilising-means-engagement element 164. The associated further spring 160 is thus allowed to rotate and snap the associated vermin immobilising means 130 towards the base 102 to the triggered condition, which traps or immobilises the vermin between the vermin immobilising means 130 and the trigger 128. Thus, spring jaws are provided whereby each vermin immobilising means 130 can spring-close onto each trigger platform 138a, 138b.

As the vermin is likely to have been immobilised before reaching the bait, the device 100 can thus continue to be used until all the catchers 106 are activated to the triggered condition.

To reset each catcher 106 to the armed condition, the immobilised vermin is removed by pivoting the vermin immobilising means 130 away from to the base 102, the vermin-immobilising-means-engagement element 164 acting along the arcuate second surface 168 of the trigger-engagement element 162, rotating the trigger platform 138a, 138b to give way. Once the vermin immobilising means 130 is positioned beyond right angle to the base 102, the planar first surface 166 of the trigger-engagement element 162 can then locate on the vermin-immobilising-means-engagement element 164 to lock the vermin immobilising means 130 in the armed condition once again.

The device as exemplified in the first and second embodiments can immobilise not only rodents, but also other mammals, vertebrates, insects and other animals considered to be a vermin, such as cockroaches, as long as their weight is sufficient to trigger the trigger. The trigger sensitivity may therefore be adjustable.

The device as exemplified in the first and second embodiments is designed to kill the vermin quickly and humanely, and without penetrating the vermin to reduce the amount of clean up required afterwards. However, it will be appreciated that the vermin immobilising means may be adapted to simply trap the vermin without killing it. For example, the force of the further spring acting on the vermin immobilising means may be reduced, or the vermin immobilising means may be in the form of an enclosure to enclose the vermin therein.

In both embodiments, the bait receiving means are provided at the centre of the base. However, it will be appreciated that the bait receiving means may be offset from the centre, for example if space on the base is required to fasten the catcher to a supporting surface. It may also be possible to provide the bait receiving means adjacent to a side of the base, such that the bait receiving means is not surrounded by the trigger and/or the vermin immobilising means.

In both embodiments, the base is circular or substantially circular. However, it will be appreciated that other shapes may be provided, such as oval, square, rectangular, or polygonal. It is further possible to provide a base of other shapes, such as a sector of a circle, e.g. semi-circle.

It is thus possible to provide a base whereby the angular range is not 360 degrees, such as a semi-circular base which has an angular range of 180 degrees. If two catchers of the same size are to be provided, each catcher would have a catching section covering 90 degree or substantially 90 degrees. Such an arrangement would allow the device to abut a wall. As a further example, a base with an angular range of less than 180 degrees may be provided so that the device may be placed at a comer of a room. In the second embodiment, securing means other than screw threads may be provided to secure the bait holder to the bait-holder receiver, such as a push fit or bayonet engagement arrangement. Instead of providing a platform on the bait holder to receive the bait, other means may be provided, such as a protrusion for protruding into the bait. Alternatively, the bait holder may be dispensed with and the bait may be placed in the recess of the bait-holder receiver. In another alternative, the bait receiving means may simply be provided by designating a region on the base for receiving the bait, and the region may be raised or indented, or a protrusion may extend therefrom for protruding into the bait.

Whilst both embodiments have four catchers equidistantly angled around the bait receiving means, it will be appreciated that the device may be provided with fewer or more catchers. Furthermore, one catcher may be provided such that only one vermin immobilising means is required to surround or substantially surround the bait receiving means. The catchers may not be equidistantly angled around the bait receiving means, such that one or more catcher will occupy a larger segment of the base, in order words a larger catching section. Furthermore, as demonstrated in the first embodiment, although the catchers are equidistantly angled, they may not be equidistantly spaced from one another as one or more of the catchers are spaced inwardly from their neighbouring catchers to avoid obstruction.

Whilst the catchers are preferably independently operable, it will be appreciated that the device may be adapted such that actuation of one catcher may cause one or more further catcher to be simultaneously actuated. This will be advantageous for catching bigger vermin, such as a rat, where it may span across more than one catcher.

Whilst in both embodiments, the vermin immobilising means or hammer is designed to pivot radially away from the bait receiving means to arrive at the triggered condition, it will be appreciated that alternative arrangements may be provided, such as positioning the vermin immobilising means to one side of the trigger platform such that it is between two neighbouring trigger platforms. Likewise, the pivot connection between the trigger platform and the base may also be provided at one side, rather than at one end of the trigger platform.

In both embodiments, although springs are utilised for rotating the vermin immobilising means and the trigger to interchange between the armed and triggered conditions, it will be appreciated that other mechanisms may be provided to replace the spring. For example, the trigger may utilise sensing means to sense presence of the vermin to trigger the vermin immobilising means, such as a weight sensor, motion sensor, or infrared sensor, which may negate the use of a spring and/or the trigger platform altogether. The vermin immobilising means may utilise gravitational force to arrive at the triggered condition. The trigger and/or the vermin immobilising means may be electrically operated.

It will be appreciated that although it will be preferable to have contours of the distal end of the trigger platform and the distal end of the vermin immobilising means matching or substantially matching, it will be appreciated that this need not be the case. It will be appreciated that although in the second embodiment a base connector and an elongate immobilising bar are provided for each hammer, it will be appreciated that the base connector may be dispensed with and the immobilising bar may be further extended to directly connect with the base and to engage with the trigger platform. It will also be appreciated that the immobilising bars provided in the first and second embodiments may be replaced with other immobilising means, such as a surface or mesh designed to overlap the whole or substantially the whole trigger platform. It will also be appreciated that the vermin immobilising means may be provided in a form other than a hammer, which may not be pivotable relative to the base, for example, an immobilising enclosure operable by gravity.

It will be appreciated that fastening means other than screw fastener may be utilised, such as adhesive or hook-and-loop fasteners. Alternatively, the fastening means may be dispensed with altogether.

The base and at least part of the bait receiving means, such as the bait holder, is preferably made of plastics, which are durable, easy to clean and cost effective. Furthermore, the trigger platform of the trigger, main body and trigger-engagement element of the base connector of the vermin immobilising means may also be made of plastics for the same reasons. The two pins and the vermin-immobilising-means-engagement element are preferably made of metal, such as steel, for its durability. However, it will be appreciated that other materials may be used.

It is therefore possible to provide a vermin capture device with an increased success rate of capture compared to conventional vermin or rodent traps, particularly as the plurality of vermin immobilising means covers or substantially covers the angular range of the base. Thus, regardless of where the vermin is on the device, one of the vermin immobilising means will likely capture the vermin when the corresponding catcher is actuated. The multiple catchers allows the device to be used multiple times until all the catchers have been triggered, and the device can then be reset to be reused again. The device also allows efficient use of bait, as the plurality of catchers all share the same bait receiving means.

The words‘comprises/comprising’ and the words‘having/including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims

1. A vermin capture device (99; 100) comprising:

a base (2; 102) having an angular range;

a bait receiving means (9; 104) and a plurality of catchers (1; 106) on the base;

each catcher operable between an armed condition and a triggered condition, each catcher having a trigger (8; 128) defining a catching section which covers a portion of the angular range, and a vermin immobilising means (3, 4, 10, 11; 130) having an outer end (132) dimensioned to cover the portion of the angular range of the corresponding catching section when in the triggered condition, so that the plurality of vermin immobilising means (3, 4, 10, 11; 130) together covers or substantially covers the entire angular range.

2. A vermin capture device (99; 100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the angular range is 360 degrees.

3. A vermin capture device (99; 100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the plurality of catchers (1; 106) surround or substantially surround the bait receiving means (9; 104).

4. A vermin capture device (99; 100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of catchers (1; 106) are independently operable from one another.

5. A vermin capture device (99; 100) as claimed in any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the plurality of catchers (1; 106) are equidistantly or substantially equidistantly angled on the angular range.

6. A vermin capture device (99; 100) as claimed in any one of the proceeding claims, wherein four catchers (1; 106) are provided on the base (2; 102).

7. A vermin capture device (99; 100) as claimed in any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the plurality of catching sections covers or substantially covers the angular range.

8. A vermin capture device (99; 100) as claimed in any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the triggers (8; 128) of the plurality of catchers (1; 106) surround or substantially surround the bait receiving means (9; 104) and an outer end (134) of each trigger (8; 128) is adjacent or substantially adjacent the outer end of its neighbouring trigger (8; 128).

9. A vermin capture device (99; 100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the outer ends (134) of the trigger (8; 128) are at, adjacent or proximate an edge of the base (2; 102).

10. A vermin capture device (100) as claimed in any one of the proceeding claims, wherein each trigger (8; 128) is pivotably connected to the base (2; 102) at or adjacent its inner end.

11. A vermin capture device (99; 100) as claimed in any one of the proceeding claims, wherein each trigger (128) is spring biased away from the base (102).

12. A vermin capture device (99; 100) as claimed in any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the trigger (8; 128) includes a trigger platform (8; l38a, l38b) which triggers the vermin immobilising means (3, 4, 10, 11; 130) upon receipt of a weight of a vermin.

13. A vermin capture device (99; 100) as claimed in any one of the proceeding claims, wherein each trigger (8; 128) has a vermin-immobilising-means-engagement element (164) and each vermin im mobilising means (3, 4, 10, 11; 130) has a trigger-engagement element (3; 162) for the trigger (8; 128) and the vermin immobilising means (3, 4, 10, 11; 130) to be engaged therewith.

14. A vermin capture device (99; 100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein each vermin-immobilising- means-engagement element (164) is rotatably and/or releasably engagable with the corresponding trigger-engagement element (3; 162).

15. A vermin capture device (99; 100) as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14 when dependent on claim 10, wherein the vermin-immobilising-means-engagement element (164) of each trigger (8; 128) is spaced away from a pivotable connection between the base (2; 102) and the trigger (8; 128).

16. A vermin capture device (100) as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein each vermin- immobilising -means-engagement element (164) has an arcuate surface to engage with each trigger- engagement element (162).

17. A vermin capture device (99; 100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer end (132) of each vermin immobilising means (3, 4, 10, 11; 130) in the triggered condition is ad jacent or substantially adjacent to the outer end (132) of its neighbouring vermin immobilising means (3, 4, 10, 11; 130) in the triggered condition.

18. A vermin capture device (99; 100) as claimed in in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a portion of a lateral extent of each vermin immobilising means (3, 4, 10, 11; 130) in the armed condition overlaps with and extends across a portion of the lateral extent of its neighbouring vermin immobilising means (3, 4, 10, 11; 130) in the armed condition.

19. A vermin capture device (99; 100) as claimed in any one of the proceeding claims, wherein each vermin immobilising means (3, 4, 10, 1 1; 130) having a hammer pivotable relative to the base (2; 102), the hammer being pivoted away from the base (2; 102) in the armed condition and being pivoted towards the base (2; 102) upon in the triggered condition.

20. A vermin capture device (99; 100) as claimed in any one of the proceeding claims, wherein each vermin immobilising means (3, 4, 10, 11; 130) is spring biased to pivot towards the base (2, 102).

21. A vermin capture device (99; 100) as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein when in the armed position, each vermin-immobilising-means-engagement element (164) serves as a stop to prevent movement of each vermin immobilising means (3, 4, 10, 11; 130) relative to the base (2; 102).

22. A vermin capture device (99; 100) as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 21 when dependent on claim 13, wherein the trigger-engagement element (3; 162) of each vermin immobilising means (3, 4, 10, 11; 130) is spaced away from a pivotable connection between the base (2; 102) and each vermin immobilising means (3, 4, 10, 1 1; 130).

23. A vermin capture device (99; 100) as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 22 when dependent on claim 8, wherein a contour of an outer end of each hammer corresponds or substantially corre sponds with a contour of the outer end of its corresponding trigger (8; 128), and when in the trig gered condition, the outer end of the hammer is at or adjacent the outer end of the trigger (8; 128).

24. A vermin capture device (99; 100) as claimed in any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the bait receiving means (9; 104) is at the centre of the base (2; 102).

25. A vermin capture device (100) as claimed in any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the bait receiving means (104) includes a bait holder (116).

26. A vermin capture device (100) as claimed in any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the bait holder (116) is releasably connected to the base (102).

27. A vermin capture device (99; 100) as claimed in any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the base (2; 102) is circular or substantially circular.

28. A vermin capture device (99; 100) as claimed in any one of the proceeding claims, further com prising fastening means for securing the rodent capture device (99; 100) to a support surface.

29. A vermin capture device (99; 100) as claimed in claim 28, wherein the fastening means including a screw fastener and a corresponding aperture through the base (2; 102).

30. A vermin capture device (99; 100) as claimed in claim 28 or claim 29, wherein the fastening means is at the centre of the base (2; 102).