WO1997010709A1

WO1997010709A1 - Insect trap

Info

Publication number: WO1997010709A1
Application number: PCT/AU1996/000592
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard Charles Cumming; Douglas James Cumming
Original assignee: Richard Charles Cumming; Douglas James Cumming
Priority date: 1995-09-19
Filing date: 1996-09-19
Publication date: 1997-03-27

Abstract

An insect trap comprising a housing (111) having an inlet (119) and an outlet, an illumination means (114) adapted to attract insects mounted proximate the inlet (119), and an insect collection means (121) at the outlet, a fan (120) mounted in the housing (111) and adapted to generate an air flow from the inlet (119) to the outlet, and a valve means (124) provided to prevent captured insects from escaping from the insect collection means (121) through the outlet.

Description

Title: INSECT TRAP

The present invention relates to an insect trap.

In some residential areas, especially those close to lakes and the like, the inhabitants can have problems with large numbers of insects. Mosquitoes in particular are a common problem in such areas, and in extreme cases can prevent residents from entertaining outdoors after sunset. It is desirable therefore to provide an insect trap which is able to capture such unwanted insects to assist in reducing the number of insects.

Accordingly, the present invention resides in an insect trap comprising a housing having an inlet and an outlet, an illumination means adapted to attract insects mounted proximate the inlet, and an insect collection means at the outlet, a fan mounted in the housing and adapted to generate an air flow from the inlet to the outlet, and a valve means provided to prevent captured insects from escaping from the insect collection meaπst roughthe outlet.

According to a preferred feature of the invention, the valve means comprises an air flow control means arranged to allow air to flow into the insect collection means from the outlet and to prevent air from flowing from the insect collection means into the outlet.

According to a preferred feature of the invention, the insect collection means compπses a flexible bag formed of a porous material and having an opening which is engagable with the outlet. According to one embodiment valve is located within the opening of the bag. According to another embodiment the valve is located in the outlet. In both embodiments the valve comprises a butterfly valve which is biased to the closed position and is able to be opened by the air flow generated by the fan According to a preferred feature the insect collection means comprises an enclosure supported within the housing downstream from the fan having an entry having said valve located adjacent the outlet. It is preferred that at least a portion of the wall of the enclosure is porous to permit air flow from the enclosure. It is also preferred that the enclosure is removable from the housing

According to one embodiment the housing has a front wall which is provided with the inlet and a rear wail, said fan being located to the rear of the front wall, said outlet opening into a plenum space between the fan and the rear wall, said valve being mounted across the outlet, and at least a portion of said rear wall being formed of a mesh or a like pervious medium. In one form the plenum chamber supports a removable container which is shaped to be snugly received between the outlet and the rear wall, said container supporting the valve and being adapted to permit the passage of air to the rear wall. In another form the plenum chamber is provided with a closure which is capable of being opened. According to a preferred feature the closure comprises a removable drawer slidably received across the lower portion of the housing.

According to a further feature of the invention the illumination means comprises a lamp mounted across the inlet.

According to an altemative feature of the invention the illumination means comprises a lamp accommodated within a cowl located adjacent the inlet where a portion of the wall of space immediately adjacent the inlet is light transmissive.

According to a preferred form ihe portion of the wall is substantially transparent.

According to a further preferred feature cowl has an annular configuration and surrounds the inlet. According to one embodiment the portion of the wall of the cowl comprises the radial inner face of the cowl and the outer axial face of the cowl is substantially translucent.

According to a preferred feature ofthe invention, the illumination means and fan are jointly controlled by a timer switch in order to be capable of being activated for a period of time. According to an alternative preferred feature of the invention, the illumination means and fan are jointly controlled by a light-sensitive switch to be activated under low ambient light conditions. The light-sensitive device can take the form of a photo-electric device and associated circuitry, which will activate the illumination means and fan when ambient light conditions levels fall below a predetermined threshold.

According to a preferred feature the housing accommodates a sound generation means adapted to emit a sound to which insects are attracted.

The invention will be more fully understood in the light of the following description of several specific embodiments. The description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 is a side plan view of the first embodiment according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a front view of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an isometric view of the second embodiment;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment;

Figure 5 is an isometric view ofthe third embodiment; and

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the third embodiment.

The first embodiment as shown at Figures 1 and 2 comprises an insect trap for capturing insects such as mosquitoes and the like.

In the drawings, there is shown an insect trap 10 comprising a housing 12, a light 14, a sound generation means 16, a motor 18 and an insect collection means 20. The housing 12 includes an inlet 22 and an outlet 24. The light 14 comprises an incandescent light globe which preferably is of a colour which will attract mosquitoes and is mounted in a fitting 26 attached to the housing 12. The fitting is disposed such that the light globe projects over the inlet 22.

The sound generation means 16 comprises an electric circuit and a sound emitting device such as a speaker or piezo-electric device. The sound generation means produces a signal at a frequency which is attractive to the mosquitoes. Preferably, the speaker or piezo-electric device is mounted adjacent the inlet 22, in order that mosquitoes attracted by the sound will approach the inlet 22.

The motor 18 is supported by the housing and drives a fan 28 which is located within the housing 12 in the region of the inlet 22. A duct 30 is provided within the housing 12 and is configured to surround the fan and extend between the inlet and the outlet 24. The outlet comprises a tubular extension of the duct and extends from one side of the housing. The duct serves in directing the air flow generated by the fan 28 from the inlet to the outlet 24.

The insect collection means 20 comprises a bag 34 having an opening which is adapted to be received over the outer end of the outlet. A rib 32 is formed around the periphery of the outer end of the outlet 24 and is intended to cooperate with the opening in the bag to ensure the bag is sealingly retained onto the outlet. A suitable clamping means (not shown) may be provided to retain the bag in position over the outer end of the outlet. The outer end of the outlet is provided with a butterfly valve 36 to control the flow of material into and from the bag through the opening. The butterfly valve 36 is biased to a closed position, whereby air flow between the bag 34 and the housing 12 is prevented. The bag 34 is preferably formed of an air pervious material, such as canvas or cloth provided that the material from which the bag 34 is formed of a close knit to prevent the mosquitoes from escaping from the bag. According to an alternative embodiment the butterfly valve 36 can be located within the outlet 24 at its inner end the housing 12 or within the opening into the bag.

In use, the insect trap 10 is preferably located in a position whereby mosquitoes can see the light 14 from a distance. Mosquitoes will be attracted to the insect trap 10 by the light 14 and the sound generated by the sound generation means 16. Typically, the insects including mosquitoes will collect around the light 14 and the sound generation means 16, close to the aperture 22 and since the fan 28 produces a suction at the inlet 22 the insects will be drawn into the housing through the inlet 22. The air flow generated by the fan 28 will bias the butterfly valve 36 into an open position and as a result once the insects are within the housing 12, they are carried by the air flow through the outlet 24, into the bag 34, where they are retained by the air flow from the fan 28. Since the bag 34 is air permeable, air can escape the bag 34 leaving the insects contained within the bag 34 where they will die from starvation. Should the fan be deactivated, the butterfly valve 36 will close, thereby preventing insects within the bag 34 from escaping. The insect collection means 20 can be removed from the housing 12 and replaced or cleaned as desired.

If desired, the insect trap can be controlled by a timer or a light-sensitive device in order that it can be activated during the period when mosquitoes are most likely to be active. In this manner, the insect trap can operate during the hours it will be most effective, without inconveniencing the user by requiring that the trap be manually activated.

The second embodiment as shown at Figures 3 and 4 comprises an insect trap having a generally box-shaped housing 111 with a front face 112 and a rear face 113 provided with a suitable mesh material. The front face 112 is provided with a central first opening 119 which provides the inlet and the front face supports an annular shaped fluorescent lamp 114 which is overlaid by a protective cover 115 which surrounds the first opening 119. The portion of the cover which defines the outer axial face 116 and the outer radial face 117 of the cover is formed to be substantially translucent while the inner radial face 118 is substantially transparent. The cover 115 cooperates with the front face 112 of the housing to define an enclosed space in which the lamp 114 is accommodated to prevent the entry of insects into the space accommodating the lamp 114.

The interior of the housing 111 accommodates a suitable fan and electrical drive motor 120 which is located inward of the first opening 119.

In addition the housing 111 supports a box-shaped cartridge 121 which is removably supported in the housing to be located rearward of the fan 120 between the fan 120 and the rear face 113. The forward face of the box-shaped cartridge is located in close abutting relationship with the outlet of the fan 120 and is provided with a second opening 122. The rear face 123 of the box-shaped cartridge is formed of a suitable mesh which will prevent the escape of insects from the cartridge 121. The second opening 122 is controlled by a flap vaive member 124 which is formed of a suitably flexible resilient material whereby on a flow being generated within the housing 111 by the fan 120 in the direction from the first opening 119 to the second opening 122 the valve member 124 will be opened to allow passage of air into the cartridge 121 through the second opening 122. The box shaped cartridge 121 is slidably supported within the housing such that it can be readily removed from the housing 111 when required. Suitable seals are provided between the forward face ofthe cartridge 121 and the outlet of the fan in order to prevent the entry of insects from the area in the region of the fan into the interior of the housing 111.

If desired the box-shaped housing 111 can be provided with a sound generation means (not shown) located in the region of the inlet which is adapted to be able to emit a sound which is attractive to insects and in particular mosquitos and which is intended to complement the attractive characteristics ofthe lamp 114.

Suitable control switches 125 serve to control the operation of the fan 120, the lamp 114 and the sound generation means as desired. ln use it is intended that the second embodiment be located in a region where it is desired to collect insects such as mosquitoes. At the appropriate time the lamp 114 and/or sound generation means are activated together with the fan 120. The function of the lamp 114 and/or the sound generation means is to attract insects to the entry into the box-shaped housing 111 provided by the first opening 119 and on being attracted to that area the forced air flow generated by the fan 120 will cause the insects to be directed into the interior of the cartridge 121. Once located in the cartridge 121 the insects are unable to escape from the cartridge 121. Upon the fan being deactivated, valve 124 will close to entrap the insects.

The third embodiment as shown at Figures 5 and 6 comprises a variation of the second embodiment and in the light of such the same reference numerals have been used in the drawings for corresponding components. The difference in the third embodiment relates to the absence of a box shaped enclosure between the outlet of the fan 120 and the rear wall 113 of the housing 111. Instead the outlet of the fan opens into a plenum chamber 126 located between the outlet of the fan and the rear wall 113. The outlet of the fan is provided with a flap vaive 124 which is formed of a suitably flexible resilient material whereby on a flow being generated within the housing 111 by the fan 120 in the direction from the first opening 119 to the plenum chamber 126 the valve member 124 will be opened to allow passage of air into the plenum chamber 126. In addition the lower portion of the plenum chamber 126 is provided with a removable drawer which is received through the side wall 127. When the drawer is in position within the housing as shown in solid lines in Figure 5 the drawer occupies the lower portion of the plenum chamber and will collect the insects drawn into the plenum chamber after they have died. To empty the drawer it is withdrawn from the sidewall 127 as shown in broken lines at Figure 5.

In all other respects the third embodiment is the same as the second embodiment in its activation and operation. The insect trap of each of the embodiments provide a convenient method of capturing insects which is clean and efficient.

It should be appreciated that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope of the particular embodiments described above.

Claims

The Claims defining the invention are as follows:-

1. An insect trap comprising a housing having an inlet and an outlet, an illumination means adapted to attract insects mounted proximate the inlet, and an insect collection means at the outlet, a fan mounted in the housing and adapted to generate an air flow from the inlet to the outlet, and a valve means provided to prevent captured insects from escaping from the insect collection means through the outlet.

2. An insect trap as claimed at claim 1 wherein the valve means comprises an air flow control means arranged to allow air to flow into the insect collection means from the outlet and to prevent air from flowing from the insect collection means into the outlet.

3. An insect trap as claimed at claim 1 or 2 wherein the insect collection means comprises a flexible bag formed of a porous material and having an opening which is engagable with the outlet.

4. An insect trap as claimed at claim 3 wherein the valve is located within the opening of the bag.

5. An insect trap as claimed at claim 3 wherein the valve is located in the outlet.

6. An insect trap as claimed at any one of claims 3, 4 or 5 wherein the valve comprises a butterfly valve which is biased to the closed position and is able to be opened by the air flow generated by the fan.

7. An insect trap as claimed at claim 1 or 2 wherein the insect collection means comprises an enclosure supported within the housing downstream from the fan said closure having an entry having said valve located adjacent the outlet.

8. An insect trap as claimed at claim 7 wherein at least a portion of the wall of the enclosure is pervious to permit air flow from the enclosure.

9. An insect trap as claimed at claim 7 or 8 wherein the enclosure is removable from the housing

10. An insect trap as claimed at any one of claims 1 or 2 wherein the housing has a front wall which is provided with the inlet and a rear wall, said fan being located to the rear of the front wall, said outlet opening into a plenum space between the fan and the rear wall, said valve being mounted across the outlet, and at least a portion of said rear wall being formed of a mesh or a like pervious medium.

11. An insect trap as claimed at claim 10 wherein the plenum chamber supports a removable container which is shaped to be snugly received between the outlet and the rear wall, said container supporting the vaive and being adapted to permit the passage of air to the rear wall.

12. An insect trap as claimed at claim 10 wherein the plenum chamber is provided with a closure which is capable of being opened.

13. An insect trap as claimed at claim 12 wherein the closure comprises a removable drawer slidably received across the lower portion of the plenum chamber.

14. An insect trap as claimed at any one of claims 1, 2 and 7 to 13 wherein the valve comprises a flap valve which is biased to sealingly overlie the outlet and is able to be opened by the air flow generated by the fan.

15. An insect trap as claimed at any one of the preceding claims wherein the illumination means comprises a lamp mounted across the inlet.

16. An insect trap as claimed at any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the illumination means comprises a lamp accommodated within a cowl located adjacent the inlet where a portion of the wall of cowl immediately adjacent the inlet is light transmissive.

17. An insect trap as claimed at claim 16 wherein the portion of the wall is substantially transparent.

18. An insect trap as claimed at claim 16 or 17 wherein the cowl has an annular configuration and surrounds the inlet.

19. An insect trap as claimed at claim 16 or 17 or 18 wherein the portion of the wall of the cowl comprises the radial inner face of the cowl and the outer axial face of the cowl is substantially translucent.

20. An insect trap as claimed at any one of the preceding claims wherein the illumination means and fan are jointly controlled by a timer switch in order to be capable of being activatedt r a period of time.

21. An insect trap as claimed at any one of the preceding claims wherein the illumination means and fan are jointly controlled by a light-sensitive switch to be activated under low ambient light conditions.

22. An insect trap as claimed at claim 18 wherein the light-sensitive device comprises a photo-electric device and associated circuitry, which will activate the illumination means and fan when ambient light conditions levels fall below a predetermined threshold.

23. An insect trap as claimed at any one of the preceding claims wherein the housing accommodates a sound generation means adapted to emit a sound to which insects are attracted.

24. An insect trap as claimed at claim 23 wherein the sound generation means is adapted to emit a sound attractive to mosquitos.

25. An insect trap substantially as herein described.