AU692137B2 - Bait dispenser - Google Patents

Description

~r~lll~BI~L~ILISS OPI DATE 12/04/94 APPLN. ID 48115/93 I llllilll 1111111 f1 ill11111 lill I1111 li AOJP DATE 07/07/94 PCT NUMBER PCT/AU93/00485 11 iil 1 I 1111 l li l AU9348115

ST)

(51) International Patent Classification 5 (11) International Publication Number- WO 94/06286 A01M 25/00 A (43) International Publication Date: 31 March 1994 (31.03.94) (21) International Application Number: PCT/AU93/00485 Published With international search report.

(22) International Filing Date: 20 September 1993 (20.09.93) Priority data: PL 4820 18 September 1992 (18.09.92) AU (71)(72) Applicant and Inventor: McFARLANE, Barry, Keith [AU/AU]; Lot 21, Mitchell Highway, Wellington, NSW 2820 (AU).

(74) Agent: SHELSTON WATERS; 55 Clarence Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 (AU).

(81) Designated States: AU, CA. US, European patent (AT, BE, CH, DE, DK, ES, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE).

(54)Title: BAIT DISPENSER /7 eo- (57) Abstract A bait dispenser for rodents constructed from a single cardboard sheet is folded along lines 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) to define a chamber (ll) having a base walls (13, 14) and a lid Two openings (16, 17) allow a rat to enter either end of chamber (II) while bait hopper (18) makes available a predetermined quantity of bait to the rat. A threshold in the form of a cardboard section (20) is included around each of opening (16, 17) to prevent leakage of bait from chamber Base (12) is flat and much wider than lid (15) so that considerable energy will be required to overturn dispenser to further decrease the likelihood of bait leaking from chamber (11).

~--sge~p L-t- -~ea~a L C~slY- WO 94/06286 PCT/AU93/00485 1 Title: "BAIT DISPENSER" TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a bait dispenser and in particular to a bait dispenser for rodents.

The invention has been developed primarily for use as a bait dispenser for rats and will be described hereinafter with reference to that application.

However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to that particular field of use and is also suitable for dispensing bait to mice and other vermin.

BACKGROUND ART Hitherto, the dispensing of baits for rats has included the opening of bags or tins which are then placed or mounted in locations frequented by the rats.

However, such locations are also generally accessible to domestic pets and other animals which can be fatally poisoned if bait is consumed. Furthermore, this open I~a-w UI 1- WO 94/06286 PCT/AU93/00485 2 style of dispensing can allow children to come into contact with the bait.

Once left exposed the bait often becomes wet and ineffective or more likely fouled and scattered around by the rats increasing the likelihood of consumption by other animals or children.

In partial answer to these problems a dispenser has been provided in the form of a hollow plastic tube into which a rat or other rodent can enter. A second tube for containing bait extends upwardly at right angles from within the first tube and acts as a bait reservoir. As the rodents remove bait made available to them, the reservoir presents further bait for consumption.

This dispenser suffers a number of disadvantages.

Due to its size and shape it is bulky and difficult to pack but more importantly, it is difficult to attach to objects, for example, a rafter where rats are known to frequent. This large and bulky construction restricts the dispenser to placement on open flat surfaces.

Furthermore, when placed on an inclined surface the bait tends to escape from the downhill end of the tube therefore becoming available to other animals. The presence of rats within the tube disturbing the bait adds to this problem. Moreover, the plastic construction is relatively costly.

-sl -I I-~lc"9~ DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention, at least in its preferred embodiment, to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of these deficiencies of the prior art.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a bait dispenser for rodents constructed from one or more cardboard sheets, the one or more sheets when assembled defining: a chamber; an opening for allowing at least partial entry of a rodent into the chamber; a bait hopper for making available to the rodent in the chamber a predetermined 10 quantity of bait; and a thresh3ld disposed in or adjacent to the chamber for preventing a leakage of bait from the chamber.

o* Preferably, the bait dispenser is constructed from a single folded cardboard sheet oo having a plurality of fold lines for facilitating assembly of the dispenser.

15 Preferably also, the bait hopper includes means for indicating the quantity of bait contained therein, the indicating means extending from the bait hopper to the outside of the chamber.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a package for a rodent bait container, the package constructed from one or more cardboard sheets, the one or more sheets being foldable for defining: a chamber; -~L~PP~PI I I 31b~~c-- WO 94/06286 PC/A U93/00485 4 an opening for allowing at least partial entry of a rodent into the chamber; a mounting for retaining the bait container whereby to make available in the chamber a predetermined quantity of bait; and a threshold disposed in or adjacent to the chamber for preventing leakage of bait from the chamber.

Preferably, the package includes a plurality of bait containers, each in turn being pierced or broken along perforations and presented to said mounting to replenish the supply of bait to the chamber.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a cardboard blank foldable to define: a chamber; an opening for allowing at least partial entry of a rodent into the chamber; a bait hopper for making available to the rodent in the chamber a predetermined quantity of bait.

Preferably, the blank includes a plurality of fold lines to facilitate folding of the blank into a bait dispenser.

Preferably also, the blank includes tabs which are inserted through respective slots in the blank for maintaining the blank in a folded configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the IP~PIIP I 81 1---11 WO 94/06286 PCT/AU93/00485 5 accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an assembled bait dispenser according to a first aspect of the invention; Figure 2 is the bait dispenser of Figure 1 in an unassembled configuration; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a package for two bait containers according to a second aspect of the invention.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the package of Figure 3 configured as a bait dispenser.

Figure 5 is a sectional view of the package of Figure 4.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, a bait dispenser 1 for rodents constructed from a single cardboard sheet 2, is folded along lines 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 to define a chamber 11 having a base 12, walls 13 and 14 and a lid Two openings 16 and 17 allow a rat to enter either end of chamber 11 while bait hopper 18 makes available a predetermined quantity of bait to the rat. A threshold in the form of a cardboard section 20 is included around each of openings 16 and 17 to prevent leakage of bait from chamber 11. Base 12 is flat and much wider than lid 15 so that considerable energy will be required to overturn dispenser 1 to further decrease the likelihood of bait leaking from chamber 11.

i Ip m_ I WO 94/06286 PC/AU93/0485 6 Hopper 18 is filled with suitable granular or powdered bait, the predetermined quantity of which enters chamber 11 through apertures 22. As the rat in chamber 11 removes or consumes some bait, further bait will move from hopper 18 through apertures 22 to maintain the predetermined quantity in chamber 11i.

Consequently, a rat in chimber 11 will only have access, at any given time, to a limited quantity of bait. As a result the rats ability to scatter or foul the bait is greatly reduced.

Dispenser 1 when assembled has a length of approximately 50cm and a height of approximately 9cm.

The cardboard construction is sufficiently light weight to be easily installed on rafters or other surfaces.

The use of adhesive tape, nails, wire or other ;ttachment means allow suitable retention of dispenser 1 in otherwise inaccessible locations. If the dispenser is mounted on an inclined surface, or is moved by a rat or other aniiEal.s such that it assumes an inclined disposition then a larger quantity of bait may move into chamber 11. However, cardboard section 20 prevents any bait from leaving the chamber to become available to other animals which would otherwise be prevented access to such.

Lid 15 includes two spaced apart indeats 26 for engaging in an interference fit complementary projecting tabs 27 on wall 13. Once hopper 18 is filled with bait,

I

I

WO 94/06286 PCT/AU93/00485 7 lid 15 is retained in a closed position by engagement of indents 26 and tabs 27 for preventing availability of bait in the hopper to domestic animals and the like.

Furthermore, lid 15 prevents rats accessing the large store of bait in hopper 18 thereby preventing fouling or scattering. However, hopper 18 is easily replenished by opening lid The level of bait in hopper 18 is easily monitored by opening lid 15 and examining the quantity of bait remaining. Other preferred embodiments include indication means for displaying to a remote viewer a signal indicative of the bait remaining in hopper 18.

One such indication means (not illustrated) includes a lever extending through and pivoted at wall 13 which at one end contacts the bait in hopper 18 and at the other supports a brightly coloured banner in the form of a plastic square. As the level of bait in hopper 18 drops the banner will be lifted toward a fully raised position. Subsequently, when hopper 18 is empty the banner will clearly indicate to a viewer that all the bait has been removed. It will be appreciated that many similar indication means are available.

Referring in particular to Figure 2, dispenser 1 is formed from a single cardboard sheet 2 and as such can be easily cut or pressed from a suitably dimensioned piece of cardboard by methods well known to those skilled in the art. Sheet 2 includes tabs 30, 31 and 32 WO 94/06286 PC/AU93/00485 -8which allow construction of dispenser 1 to be effected.

The tabs can be stapled, glued or adhered to associated walls by any convenient method, and some preferred embodiments would include pre-applied adhesive strips.

Other embodiments would alternately incorporate slits for receiving and retaining tabs 30, 31 and 32 or their equivalent.

Dispenser 1 can be produced and sold in the folded configuration, however, it is preferable that a plurality of dispensers are packaged in an unassembled form and the consumer assembles the dispensers as required. In the unassembled form transportation and storage are simplified.

Sheet 2 is water resistant to prevent the ingress of water and/or moisture into hopper 18. Other waterproofing methods are also envisaged, such as applying a water resistant coating to the dispenser following assembly.

When a dispenser ends its useful lifespan it can be easily disposed or destroyed. A new dispenser, if required, can then replace the original, alleviating the necessity to clean and handle dispensers which have been in continued contact with rats and other vermin.

Referring to a second embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 3, a package 40 for rodent bait containers 41 and 42 is constructed from a single cardboard sheet 43 which is foldable along lines 45, 46, IQs~ P~Y-a WO 9)4/06286 PC~/AU93/0485 9 47, 48, 49 and 50 to define a bait dispenser. Package and associated containers 41 and 42 are generally wrapped in plastic or paper for transportation, storage and display. Containers 41 and 42 are generilly rectangular and of square cross-section and contain a granulated or powered bait.

When required for use, containers 41 and 42 are removed from package 40. The package is then folded as illustrated in Figure 4 and Figure 5 to define two triangular cross-sectional chambers 51 and 52. The chambers both include a flat base 53 and walls 54, and 56. Each wall 55 includes three circular openings for allowing a rat's head to enter a respective chamber, the openings being spaced from base 53 to prevent leakage of bait from chambers 51 and 52.

Walls 54 each include four semi-circular indents 61 on their free edge which align to form apertures through which bait enters chambers 51 and 52 when these free edges are presented to each other on base 53, Furthermore, the length of base 53 results in walls 54 being inclined from each other by an angle of substantially 900 to form a mounting for containers 41 and 42. Walls 56 prevent longitudinal displacement of a container mounted on walls 54.

Containers 41 and 42 each include four removable tabs 65 spaced along a common edge of respective containers. Tabs 65 are in the form of two adjoining

Y.

WO 94/06286 PC/AU3/00485 10 semi-circular portions defined by perforations 66 which extend in opposite directions from the common edge along two adjacent walls. The shape of tabs 65 can be varied as required and the perforations can be replaced with other lines of weakness or the like. For example, the container can be simply marked where appropriate cuts should be made.

When required for use, one of the containers, in this case container 41, is opened by removing tabs and then placed between inclined walls 54 such that the holes formed by removal of tabs 65 are presented to indents 61 and the walls of container 41 rest on inclined walls 54, while the ends of container 41 are adjacent walls 56. In this way, bait leaving through the holes will enter either chamber 51 or 52 through indents 61. However, due to the size and position of indents 61 only a predetermined quantity of bait will enter chambers 51 and 52, this quantity being replenished as the bait is consuLted.

Once the supply of bait has been depleted, container 41 is removed from the dispenser, and container 42 is then opened and similarly placed. If required more or less than two such containers can be supplied per package.

Walls 56 include tabs 66 that are folded and adhered to walls 55 to effect the assembly of a dispenser. Many other possible variations of tabs are -q l* elllP~ -L II OMWOMOMa ra r a ra a pa~ WO 94/06286 PC/AU93/00485 11 also available and can be used in conjunction with suitable slits in appropriate walls. For example, each wall 54 can include tabs which longitudinally extend beyond the wall and are received by complementary slits in walls 56.

Again, it would be preferred that the cardboard sheet 43 is water proof or water resistant to prevent moisture reaching the bait. However, if preferred, only the containers 41 and 42 need be water resistant. For example, the bait can be contained in a plastic bag within the container.

Openings 60 allow a rat or other rodent reasonably free access to the bait but prevent total entry of the animal into the chamber. As a result, it is difficult for the bait to be scattered around and fouled.

Furthermore, wide base 53 facilitates a stable disposition of th6 dispenser.

If required, the container placed on the dispenser can be attached by suitable means to prevent inadvertent removal. For example, some embodiments would include a resilient restraining strap extending from one wall over the container, to the other wall Alternatively, walls 56 can include tabs which are received in appropriate slits formed in the respective ends of a bait container.

In other embodiments of the invention, the bait dispenser of Figures 3, 4 and 5 is configured to include I ~-II -pSB~-Syl ~IB~glR~L~Slr~ Ir-u a c .I- WO 94/06286 PCT/A U93/00485 -12 a lid which, in use, extends between fold lines 47 and 48 to define a chamber of triangular cross-section.

This embodiment preferably utilises plastic bait packages which are complimentarily shaped for accommodation with the chamber.

This configuration has the advantage that the rodents will chew through the plastic exposed by indents 61 to access the bait. The plastic package can be appropriately placed, the lid secured and the dispenser left in a suitable location without the need for any human contact with the bait.

Although all the aspects of the invention have been described as being produced with a single cardboard sheet, less preferred embodiments would include more than one sheet. Such arrangements would require suitable additional construction, but can require less cardboard to produce.

Although the invention has been described with reference to particular examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

~c a~ P~eB

Claims (10)

1. A bait dispenser for rodents constructed from one or more cardboard sheets, the one or more sheets when assembled defining: a chamber; an opening for allowing at least partial entry of a rodent into the chamber; a bait hopper for making available to the rodent in the chamber a predetermined quantity of bait; and a threshold disposed in or adjacent to the chamber for preventing a leakage of bait from the chamber. S: 10 2. A dispenser according to claim I being constructed from a single folded cardboard sheet having a plurality or fold ines for facilitating assembly of the dispenser. S" 3. A dispenser according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said hopper includes means for indicating the quantity of bait contained therein, said indicating means extending from the bait hopper to the outside of the chamber. 15 4. A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said chamber is 9 refined by a longitudinally extending base, two sidewalls upwardly and inwardly extending from said base and a roof supported by said sidewalls, wherein said dispenser includes two openings disposed at opposite longitudinal ends of said chamber. A dispenser according to claim 4 wherein said hopper is centrally disposed within said chamber and said roof is configured to selectively allow access to said hopper.

6. A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said one or more cardboard sheets are treated to provide water resistance. 1 ;2 I I S-14-

7. A package for a rodent bait container, the package constructed from one or more cardboard sheets, the one or more sheets being foldable for defining: a chamber; an opening for allowing at least partial entry of a rodent into the chamber; a mounting for retaining the bait container whereby to make available in the chamber a predetermined quantity of bait; and a threshold disposed in or adjacent to the chamber for preventing leakage of bait S Sfrom the chamber.

8. A package according to claim 7 including a plurality of bait containers, each in turn being pierced or broken along perforations and presented to said mounting to replenish the supply of bail to the chamber.

9. A package according to claim 7 constructed from a single cardboard sheet including six transversely spaced apart longitudinally extending fold lines configured S. such that folding of the sheet along said lines will define a base, two first sidewalls *o. 15 extending from opposite edges of said base, and two second sidewalls extending from respective first sidewalls, wherein the free end of said second sidewalls are brought into abutment with each other and said base to define two adjacent longitudinally extending chambers, said mounting being defined by said second sidewalls. A package according to claim 9 wherein said second sidewalls include indents for allowing passage of bait from said rodent bait container into said chambers.

11. A cardboard blank foldable to define: a chamber; an opening for allowing at least partial entry of a rodent into the chamber; L I-~I 1-15- a bait hopper for making available to the rodent in the chamber a predetermined quantity of bait.

12. A blank according to claim 11 including a plurality of fold lines to facilitate folding of the blank into a bait dispenser.

13. A blank according to claim 11 or claim 12 including tabs which are inserted through respective slots in the blank for maintaining the blank in a folded configuration.

14. A bait dispenser for rodents constructed from one or more cardboard sheets o substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 or Figures 3, 4 and A package for a rodent bait container substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 3.

16. A cardboard blank substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 or Figures 3, 4 and DATED this 14th Day of February BARRY KEITH MCFARLANE Attorney: JOHN B. REDFERN Fellow Institute of Patent Attorneys of Australia of SHELSTON WATERS