WO2017040540A1

WO2017040540A1 - Insect trap

Info

Publication number: WO2017040540A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/049519
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dennis DARNELL; Joylyn DARNELL; John Paul GRIMM
Original assignee: Keil Innovations, Llc
Priority date: 2015-08-31
Filing date: 2016-08-30
Publication date: 2017-03-09

Abstract

An insect trap for use with containers, including garbage receptacles. An insect trap is attached or molded to or otherwise integrated with a container and relies on the contents within the container to attract or lure insects into a trap compartment designed to effectively entrap insects therein. Used trap compartments are discarded into the container using release mechanisms, sliding mechanisms, and other mechanisms that allow the used trap compartment to be discarded without coming in direct contact with the used trap compartment.

Description

TITLE OF INVENTION: Insect Trap

INVENTORS: Dennis Darnell, Joylyn Darnell, and John Paul Grimm Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Pat. App. No. 14/840,300 filed on August 31, 2015, U.S. Prov. Pat. App. No. 62/249,041 filed on October 30, 2015, and U.S. Prov. Pat. App. No. 62/297,003 filed on February 18, 2016, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Field of the invention: This invention relates to the general field of insect population control, and more specifically toward an insect trap for use with containers, including garbage receptacles. An insect trap is attached or molded to or otherwise integrated with a container and relies on the contents within the container to attract or lure insects into a trap compartment designed to effectively entrap insects therein. Used trap compartments are discarded into the container using release mechanisms, sliding mechanisms, and other mechanisms that allow the used trap compartment to be discarded without coming in direct contact with the used trap compartment.

[0003] Trash is typically kept in trash cans or other receptacles of various shapes and sizes. However, garbage has a strong tendency to attract flies and other undesirable insects that not only cause a nuisance but transport harmful bacteria or viruses. Garbage is usually kept in garbage receptacles or other containers for extended periods of time waiting for later disposal. During the time that the garbage is kept in the garbage receptacles, insects are presumably kept out by a lid or cover on the receptacle. However, the effectiveness of the garbage receptacle lid is questionable, especially when the receptacle is routinely opened to add more garbage. Thus, despite the lid, a multitude of insects, such as flies, continue to be attracted and gain entry to the interior of the garbage receptacle. Furthermore, even if the insects do not gain entry, the odors emanating from the container nonetheless attract the flies, causing them to at least congregate about the container.

[0004] There is a need for an insect trap that can be attached, retrofitted, or otherwise integrated into a container, such as the lid to a trash receptacle, that traps insects attracted by the odors emanating therefrom. There is a further need for an insect trap that allows users to dispose of the trapped insects without the need to have physical contact therewith.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The current disclosure provides just such a solution by having an insect trap for use with containers, including garbage receptacles. An insect trap is attached, molded or otherwise integrated with a container and relies on the contents within the container to attract or lure insects into a trap compartment designed to effectively entrap insects therein. Used trap compartments are discarded into the container using release mechanisms, sliding mechanisms, and other mechanisms that allow the used trap compartment to be discarded without coming in direct contact with the used trap compartment. The insect trap is incorporated into various containers, including garbage cans, dumpsters, garbage trucks, and other containers that may attract unwanted insects. The lid of the container is a convenient place to integrate the aforementioned insect trap as it is commonly accessible by users; however, it may be integrated into other portions of the container as well without departing from the scope of the current disclosure.

[0006] It is an object of the current disclosure to provide a device to trap flies and other insects that are attracted by odors emanating from a container.

[0007] It is another object of the current disclosure to provide an insect trap device to trap flies and other insects that are attracted by odors emanating from a garbage receptacle.

[0008] It is a further object of the current disclosure to provide a device to trap flies and other insects that are attracted by odors emanating from a dumpster. [0009] It is an additional object of the current disclosure to provide an insect trap affixed to a container that lures insects into a trap containment cartridge using odors emanating from materials within the container.

[0010] It is yet another object of the current disclosure to provide an insect trap that is integrated into the lid of a container.

[0011] It is a further object of the current disclosure to provide an insect trap that is integrated into the lid of a garbage can.

[0012] It is an additional object of the current disclosure to provide an insect trap with a quick release mechanism for discarding used trap containment cartridges into an associated trash receptacle.

[0013] A particular embodiment of the current disclosure is an insect trap for a receptacle comprising a housing having a top plate with a plurality of shaft holes; an actuator to which a plurality of shafts is attached, where each shaft has a bottom end, where the bottom ends of the plurality of shafts are passed downwardly through the shaft holes; a release plate, where the release plate is attached to the bottom end of the plurality of shafts; a post, where the post has a top end that is attached to the top plate of the housing, where the post has a hole that extends longitudinally, where the post has a bottom end opposite of the top end; and a trap compartment, where the trap compartment is releasably attached to the bottom end of the post; where displacing the actuator causes the release plate to push against the trap compartment thereby detaching the trap compartment from the post. The housing has external threads, where the insect trap further comprises a nut, where the nut comprises internal threads, where the internal threads of the nut mate with the external threads of the housing thereby enabling the attachment of the insect trap to the receptacle. The insect trap further comprises a plurality of springs, where the plurality of springs is within the housing, and where the plurality of springs provides a restorative force between the release plate and the top plate of the housing. The post has a ring that radially protrudes outward.

[0014] Another embodiment of the current disclosure is an insect trap for a receptacle comprising a housing having a top plate with a hole therethrough; an actuator, where the actuator comprises a post, where the post has a bottom end, where the bottom end of the post passes through the hole of the housing, where the post has a hole therein extending longitudinally; a release plate, where the release plate is attached to the bottom end of the housing, where the release plate has a hole, where the post of the actuator extends through the hole of the release plate; a trap compartment, where the trap compartment is releasably attached to the bottom end of the post; where displacing the actuator causes the release plate to push against the trap compartment thereby detaching the trap compartment from the post.

[0015] A further embodiment of the current disclosure is an insect trap comprising a trap body, where the trap body comprises a cartridge post; a retaining ring, where the retaining ring mates with the trap body; a spring; a plunger, where the plunger mates with the trap body, where the spring resides between the plunger and the trap body, where the spring provides a restorative force between the plunger and the trap body; a push button, where the push button comprises legs, where each leg comprises a tab, where the plunger resides between the push button and the trap body, where the legs of the push button mate with the trap body, where the tab of each leg resists removal of the push button from the trap body thereby preventing removal of the plunger from the trap body; and a cartridge, where the cartridge is secured to the cartridge post; wherein the plunger, when engaged by the push button, comes in contact with the cartridge. The trap body comprises a plurality of ridges, where the retaining ring mates with the ridges of the trap body. The cartridge post of the trap body comprises a lip, where the lip resists removal of the cartridge from the cartridge post. The insect trap further comprises a cover, where the cover removably resides over the push button, and where the cover restricts access through the trap body to the cartridge. The cartridge comprises a cartridge body and a lid. The lid comprises a plurality of holes. The cartridge body comprises an opening with a plurality of relief cuts extending outward therefrom. The cartridge further comprises an adhesive, where the adhesive is secured to an inner surface of the cartridge body, the lid, or both the cartridge body and the lid. The cartridge may also or in the alternative comprise an adhesive on an outer surface of the lid. The plunger has an opening, where the opening provides access from above the plunger into the trap body. The cartridge post has an opening, where the opening provides access from the trap body to the cartridge. There is a gap between the push button and the plunger, where the gap provides access to a volume between the push button and the plunger. The plunger comprises a plurality of legs, where the trap body comprises a plurality of openings, where the plurality of legs mates with and extends through the plurality of openings in the trap body.

[0016] An additional embodiment of the current disclosure is a method of trapping insects, comprising the steps of: securing an insect trap to a container, where the insect trap comprises a trap body, where the trap body comprises a cartridge post; a spring; a plunger, where the plunger mates with the trap body, where the spring resides between the plunger and the trap body; a push button, where the push button comprises legs, where the plunger resides between the push button and the trap body, where the legs of the push button mate with the trap body; and a cartridge, where the cartridge is secured to the cartridge post; and placing odorous material within the container. The method further comprises the step of depressing the push button, whereby the plunger engages the cartridge to remove the cartridge from the cartridge post. The method further comprises the step of placing a cover over the insect trap, whereby the cover resists odors from exiting the container through the insect trap, and whereby the cover resists fluids and other materials from entering the container through the insect trap. The container is a garbage receptacle. The odorous material comprises garbage.

[0017] Yet another embodiment of the current disclosure is an insect trap comprising a top plate, where the top plate comprises an opening in its middle; a cover plate, a plurality of spacers, where the cover plate is secured to the top plate with the plurality of spacers therebetween, where the plurality of spacers maintain a minimum distance between the cover plate and the top plate; a bottom plate, where the bottom plate comprises an opening in its middle, where the bottom plate is secured to the top plate, and where the bottom plate comprises a track; a trap compartment, where the trap compartment comprises a rail, where the rail of the trap compartment mates and releasably engages with the track of the bottom plate. The trap compartment comprises an adhesive panel. The adhesive panel is perpendicular to the bottom plate. The cover plate consists of a translucent or transparent material. The track of the bottom plate comprises a tab. The rail of the trap compartment comprises a divot, where the tab of the track releasably engages the divot of the rail.

[0018] Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term "including" should be read as meaning "including, without limitation" or the like; the term "example" is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms "a" or "an" should be read as meaning "at least one," "one or more" or the like; and adjectives such as "conventional," "traditional," "normal," "standard," "known" and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such

technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future. Furthermore, the use of plurals can also refer to the singular, including without limitation when a term refers to one or more of a particular item; likewise, the use of a singular term can also include the plural, unless the context dictates otherwise.

[0019] The presence of broadening words and phrases such as "one or more," "at least," "but not limited to" or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent.

Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described in terms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives can be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular architecture or configuration.

[0020] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will also form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. The features listed herein and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. Brief Description of the Figures

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this invention.

[0022] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an insect trap in its assembled state according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0023] Fig. 2 is an exploded view of an insect trap according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0024] Figs 3 a and 3b are perspective views of a housing according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0025] Figs. 4a and 4b are perspective views of a sleeve according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0026] Figs. 5a and 5b are perspective views of a release plate according to selected

embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0027] Figs. 6a and 6b are perspective views of an actuator according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0028] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a post according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0029] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an insect trap installed to a garbage receptacle according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0030] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an insect trap installed to a garbage receptacle with the actuator displaced according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure. [0031] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an insect trap installed to a lid of a container according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0032] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of another insect trap according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0033] Fig. 12 is an exploded view showing certain components of the insect trap shown in Fig. 11.

[0034] Fig. 13 is a side view of the insect trap shown in Fig. 11.

[0035] Fig. 14 is an exploded view of yet another insect trap according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0036] Figs. 15a and 15b are perspective views of a trap body according to selected

embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0037] Figs. 16a and 16b are perspective views of a push button according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0038] Figs. 17a and 17b are perspective views of a plunger according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0039] Figs. 18a and 18b are perspective views of a cartridge lid according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0040] Figs. 19a and 19b are perspective views of a cartridge body according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0041] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a retaining ring according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0042] Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with the references made to the drawings below. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed upon clearly illustrating the components of the present invention. Moreover, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts through the several views in the drawings.

[0043] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the insect trap 100 in its assembled state as it would be attached to a garbage receptacle 200 or a container to trap flies and other insects. The insect trap 100 according to selected embodiments comprises a housing 10, a release plate 20 (not shown in Fig. 1), a sleeve 30, a post 40, an actuator 50, a retaining nut 60, and a trap

compartment 70. Fig. 2 shows an exploded view of the insect trap 100 to depict in greater detail the various components that comprise the insect trap 100.

[0044] As shown in Figs. 3a and 3b, the insect trap 100 has a housing 10 that is cylindrical in shape and having a sidewall 11, the exterior of which has external threads 12. Said sidewall 11 extends downwardly to define a downwardly open cavity 13. Said housing 10 also has a top surface 14 that has a center hole IS and a plurality of shaft holes 16.

[0045] As shown in Figs. 4a and 4b, the insect trap has a sleeve 30 having at least one annular sidewall 31 that extends downwardly to define a downwardly open cavity 32. Furthermore, the sleeve 30 has a top surface 33 from which a recessed surface 34 is recessed downwardly.

Additionally, said recessed surface 34 has a center hole 35 and a plurality of shaft holes 36.

[0046] As shown in Figs. 5a and 5b, the release plate 20 is a plate that fits within the cavity 32 of the sleeve 30 and has a center hole 21. Furthermore, the release plate 20 has a top surface 22 from which a recessed surface 23 is recessed downwardly. Additionally, said top surface 22 has a plurality of shaft cavities 26 into which the shafts 80 are attached, for example, through press fit, gluing, or vibration welding. In addition, the release plate 20 has a bottom surface 24 from which a recessed surface 25 is recessed upwardly.

[0047] As shown in Figs. 6a and 6b, the actuator 50 is a plate smaller in size than the release plate 20 and without any holes. Furthermore, the actuator 50 has a bottom surface 51 from which a recessed surface 52 is recessed upwardly. In addition, the bottom surface 51 has a plurality of shaft cavities 53 into which the shafts 80 are attached, for example, through press fit, gluing, or vibration welding.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 7, the post 40 is an annular tube with a hole 42 that extends

longitudinally. The post 40 is sized to be press fit or glued into the center hole 15 of the housing 10. Additionally, the lowermost end of the post 40 has a ring 41 that protrudes radially outward.

[0049] For the assembly of the insect trap 100 of the present invention, a plurality of shafts 80 are attached to the bottom side SI of the actuator SO. The shafts 80 are then inserted through the shaft holes 16 in the housing 10. A spring 90 is then slipped around each shaft 80 within the cavity 13 of said housing 10. The sleeve 30 is then attached underneath the housing 10 such that the lowermost end of the housing 10 is pressed fit or glued into the recess of the sleeve 30 and the shafts 80 are passed through the shaft holes 36 of the sleeve 30. With the lowermost ends of the shafts 80 extending into the cavity 32 of the sleeve 30, the release plate 20 is attached thereto. Thus, the release plate 20 is attached to the shafts 80 and normally sits within the cavity 32 of the sleeve 30. The actuator SO can then be displaced downward toward the housing 10 such that the release plate 20 is displaced by the shafts 80 downward to extend out of the cavity 32. However, displacement of the actuator 50 can only occur with sufficient force that overcomes the compressive force of the springs 90. As the actuator 50 is displaced downward, the springs 90 are compressed within the cavity 13 of the housing 10. When the actuator 50 is released, the compressive force of the springs 90 push the actuator 50 back upward so as to retract the release plate 20 back into the cavity 32 of the sleeve 30.

[0050] Then, the post 40 is inserted through the center hole 21 of the release plate 20, then through the center hole 35 of the sleeve 30, and pressed fit or glued into the center hole 15 of the housing 10. Thus, the lowermost end of the post 40 extends downward past the cavity 32 of the sleeve 30 and past the release plate 20, as shown in Fig. 8. When the actuator 50 is displaced downward, as discussed above, the release plate 20 is displaced downward to the lowermost end of the post 40, as shown in Fig. 9.

[0051] The assembly of the insect trap 100 of the present invention as discussed above is expected to be completed by the manufacturer prior to the distribution or sale of the insect trap 100 to a consumer. Installation of the insect trap 100 of the present invention requires attachment of the trap compartment 70 to the lowermost end of the post 40 such that it is held in place by the ring 41, as shown in Fig. 8. The insect trap 100 is installed to a garbage receptacle 200 by inserting the housing 10 through a hole in the garbage receptacle lid 210. The retaining nut 60 is then used to secure the insect trap 100 to the garbage receptacle lid 210 by attaching it to the external threads 12 in the housing 10 such that the garbage receptacle lid 210 is pressed in between the retaining nut 60 and the sleeve, as shown in FIG. 8.

[0052] Once installed, flies and insects in the vicinity of the garbage receptacle 200 are lured into the trap compartment 70 by the natural odor emanating from the garbage. The hole 41 in the post 40 allows the odor emanating from the garbage to flow out of the garbage receptacle 200. The trap compartment 70 that is attached to the lowermost end of the post 40 has a screen 71 attached to the bottom surface 72. Said screen 71 allows the odor from the garbage to flow through and out the hole 42 in the post 40, as shown by Fig. 10. The flies and other insects are lured by the odor into the hole 42 in the post 40. Once inside, flies and other insects proceed following the odor down through the hole 42 until they enter the trap compartment 70 in which they are trapped.

[0053] When desired or when the trap compartment 70 is full of trapped flies or other insects, the actuator 50 is displaced downward to induce the downward displacement of the release plate 20 that pushes and dislodges the trap compartment 70 from the post 40. The compressive force of the springs 90 then allows the actuator 50 and release plate 20 to retract to their original positions. In essence, pushing the actuator 50 results in the release or dislodgment of the trap compartment 70 from the insect trap 100 of the present disclosure without having to physically touch or be in contact with the trap compartment 70. Since the insect trap 100 is attached to a garbage receptacle lid 210, pushing the actuator 50 results in releasing the trap compartment 70 into the garbage receptacle 200. Thereafter, a fresh new trap compartment 70 can be reattached to the post 40 for further entrapment of flies and insects without having to remove or disassemble the insect trap 100 from the garbage receptacle 200.

[0054] An alternative embodiment of the present disclosure comprises the insect trap 100 being incorporated or molded directly onto the garbage receptacle lid 210. In essence, the housing 10 is molded or incorporated as part of the garbage receptacle lid 210 and the other components are assembled to the housing 10 in a similar fashion as described above.

[0055] Similarly, another alternative embodiment of the present disclosure comprises the insect trap 100 being incorporated or molded directly to the sidewall of the garbage receptacle rather than the lid 210. In this embodiment, the post 40 would be placed in a horizontal position.

[0056] In addition, other alternative embodiments of the present disclosure allow for different types of release mechanisms to release the trap compartment 70. Although a particular embodiment includes an actuator 50 that is pushed in against the resistive force of the springs 90, an alternative embodiment utilizes an actuator 50 that is pulled out rather than pushed in. In this embodiment, the actuator 50 is pulled out to release the trap compartment 70 from the insect trap 100 of the present invention. Thus, when the actuator 50 is pulled up, the trap compartment 70 is raised up such that it is pressed against the release plate 20 until the trap compartment 70 is released.

[0057] Yet another alternative embodiment comprises the insect trap 100 of the present invention with an actuator 50 that rotates. Said actuator 50 is rotatably attached to the housing 10 and can be rotated so as to displace the post 40 a sufficient distance to release the trap compartment 70. In this embodiment, the post 40 has external threads that mate or interact with some internal threads in the center hole 15 of the housing 10. When the post 40 is rotated in one direction, the post 40 is displaced upward to push the trap compartment 70 against the release plate 20 until it is released. Then the post 40 can be rotated in the opposite direction to displace the post 40 downward so that a new trap compartment can be attached for more insect trapping.

[0058] A further embodiment of the current disclosure comprises the insect trap 100 with a release mechanism that can be controlled remotely by a remote control unit so that the trap compartment 70 can be released without ever having to touch or be near the garbage receptacle 200.

[0059] Other embodiments of the current disclosure include a rod assembly where the release plate and associated shafts are manufactured as one continuous element. Alternatively, the actuator and associated shafts are manufactured as one continuous element. This reduces the total number of parts and simplifies manufacturing. Furthermore, the total number of shaft elements between the actuator and release plate may also be reduced to less than four. For example, three rods may be used, with three corresponding springs, to provide the same functional response. In fact, a rod assembly with a single shaft and corresponding spring may be used. The single shaft may sit coaxially about the post to which the trap compartment is secured. Portions of the single shaft may be cut out to provide appropriate support to the post from the remaining structure of the insect trap.

[0060] As discussed above, the trap compartment 70 includes a screen through which odors from the container pass through, with sidewalls that are solid, such that odors, insects, and light cannot pass therethrough. This screen may be located at the bottom of the trap. Alternatively, the screen may be located in the side walls of the trap compartment. In this embodiment, the odors pass through the screen located on the side wall to attract insects. The bottom surface of the trap compartment is solid to provide support for an adhesive, as discussed below.

[0061] Particular embodiments of the current disclosure provide for the use of adhesives to trap insects within the trap compartment. Adhesives, such as those used on fly paper and similar products, are applied to one or more solid walled surfaces of the trap compartment. For example, if the trap compartment has screens on the side of the trap compartment, with a bottom surface that is solid, the adhesive is applied to the bottom surface. Thus, when an insect enters the trap compartment and lands on the bottom surface, the insect is stuck to the bottom surface and is unable to fly away. The adhesive may also be applied to the side walls should the bottom surface include the screen.

[0062] In yet another embodiment, the trap compartment includes side walls that are perforated, slatted, or otherwise partially open to allow insects to pass through. Such an embodiment may or may not include sidewalls with screened portions. While this does potentially allow some insects that travel into the trap compartment through the post to escape into the container, it also provides an opening for insects already in the container to enter the trap compartment. In addition to being attracted to odors from garbage, many insects are attracted to light. Some light is allowed to enter the trap compartment through the post structure, which may attract insects already within the container to fly into the trap compartment. [0063] A further embodiment of the current disclosure includes a trap compartment with screened sidewalls. The bottom surface of the trap compartment is substantially solid except for one or more small, screened openings. Both sides of the bottom surface of the trap container have adhesives applied thereto. Thus, insects that enter the trap compartment from above through the post adhere to the bottom surface when they land (except, of course, if they land on the one or more small screened openings). likewise, insects that are already in the container may be attracted to the light passing through the one or more small screened openings. Should these insects land on the bottom side of the bottom surface, they too will be stuck to the trap due to the adhesive applied to that side. Therefore, such a trap compartment may be used to trap insects from both within and outside of the container.

[0064] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art and after reading this disclosure, an insect trap is provided that includes a trap compartment with openings, particularly screened openings, that allow for odors to pass from within the container and through the trap

compartment and out through an opening. In other words, the trap compartment is translucent or transparent to airflow, whereby air (including odors) are allowed to pass through the trap compartment. The odors attract insects into the trap compartment where the insects are trapped, for example, by an adhesive. A mechanical structure is provided for releasing or dislodging the trap compartment from the remaining structure of the insect trap such that it may be disposed of into the container without direct contact by a user.

[0065] As discussed above, the retaining nut is used to secure the insect trap to the lid of a container by attaching it to the external threads in the housing such that the lid resides between the retaining nut and the sleeve, as shown in Figs. 8, 9, and 10. Insects may land some distance away form the insect trap and choose to walk as opposed to fly into the insect trap. Thus, while a retaining nut with vertical side walls is shown in the figures, alternative embodiments provide for a retaining nut with angled sidewalls. These angled sidewalls act as a ramp for insects, thereby providing a more natural walking path to the opening of the insect trap.

[0066] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of another insect trap according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure. The insect trap 300 is mounted to a lid of a container (not shown in this figure), such as, for example, the single walled lid of a garbage dumpster. The insect trap 300 includes a top plate 302 and a bottom plate 303, each of which has an opening therein. A cover plate 301 is secured to the top plate 302 via screws and spacers, discussed in more detail below. A trap compartment 304 is secured to and below the bottom plate 303.

[0067] Fig. 12 is an exploded view showing certain components of the insect trap shown in Fig. 11. The cover plate 301 of the insect trap is secured to the top plate 302 by screws 305. Spacers 306 maintain a minimum distance between the cover plate 301 and the top plate 302. The top plate 302 is secured to the bottom plate 303 via screws 307 and nuts 308. The bottom plate 303 includes a track 311, and the track includes tabs 312. The track 311 and tabs 312 mate with a rail 313 and divot 314, respectively, of the trap compartment 304.

[0068] Fig. 13 is a side view of the insect trap shown in Fig. 11. The cover plate 301 sits above the rest of the insect trap. The cover plate 301 protects unwanted elements from unnecessarily going into the trap, and thus is a solid piece of material. In a particular embodiment, the cover plate 301 is made from a translucent or transparent material to let light pass through, but not water, or other elements. Insects already within the container are attracted to the light allowed to pass through by the cover plate 301. Therefore, both insects outside of and within the container may be attracted to the insect trap.

[0069] The insect trap is secured to a portion of the container, such as the lid. While the following description discusses securing the insect trap to the lid, the same steps may be applied to other portions of the container, including the container's side walls. The lid of the container has a hole cut therein. The lid is placed between the top plate 302 and bottom plate 303 and the two plates are secured together via screws and nuts. This provides a foundation for the remaining parts of the insect trap. The cover plate 301, discussed above, is secured to the top plate 302. As can be seen in Fig. 13, the track 311 of the bottom plate 303 extends downwards, away from the lid of the container.

[0070] To attach or install the trap compartment to the insect trap, the trap compartment 304 slides into the bottom plate 303, where the rail 313 of the trap compartment 304 slides along the track 311 of the bottom plate 303. As the trap cartridge slides along the track, tabs 312 in the track 311 mate with divots 314 in the rails 313. When the tabs mate with the divots, further movement of the trap cartridge is resisted. However, should a sufficient force be applied, the trap cartridge can nonetheless be slid away from the bottom plate.

[0071] The trap compartment includes one or more adhesive sheets or plates. These plates rest within the trap cartridge. Each adhesive plate has adhesive applied thereto, either on one or both sides. The adhesive plate is a relatively inflexible material, such as cardboard, plastic, or metal, that supports the adhesive. Insects that come in contact with the adhesive become stuck to the adhesive plate. Various orientations of the adhesive plates are contemplated. In a particular embodiment, the adhesive sheets are perpendicular to the top plate and bottom plate. Stated another way, if the lid and thus the top plate and bottom plate are horizontal, the adhesive plates are vertical. In an alternative embodiment, the adhesive plates are parallel to the top plate and bottom plate. These horizontal adhesive plates should have openings or be offset such that insects may travel between the several adhesive plates. In yet another embodiment, the adhesive plates are at an angle between zero and ninety degrees, and more particularly, between 30 degrees and 60 degrees, inclusive. Particular embodiments provide for adhesive plates that are one-quarter inch thick, and are placed between one-half and one-inch apart, inclusive. Other embodiments provide for adhesive plates or panels that are less than one-quarter inch thick, and are placed between one-half and one-inch apart, inclusive. Additional embodiments provide for a series of adhesive panels or plates that are a part of one long, continues adhesive sheet that is bent in multiple locations as to produce a plurality of parallel adhesive plates, with gaps therebetween.

[0072] During use, odors from within the container are allowed to pass through the insect trap, which attract insects. Insects enter the trap between the cover plate 301 and the top plate 302. The insects then travel through the top plate 302 and the bottom plate 303 into the trap cartridge 304. While travelling through the trap cartridge, the insect will most likely come in contact with the surface of at least one of the adhesive plates, and in doing so become stuck. Insects that are already within the container are attracted to the light passing through the insect trap. As the insects travel towards the light, they enter the trap cartridge, and as stated before, become stuck to an adhesive plate when the insect contacts the adhesive plate. The spacing between the adhesive plates, discussed above, provides enough space for the insects to travel into the trap compartment, but close enough such that the insects are likely to come in contact with a surface of an adhesive plate.

[0073] Another embodiment of the current disclosure provides an insect trap similar to that in Fig. 11, except that it is sized to be integrated into a double walled lid of a dumpster. Such an insect trap needs to allow for a larger distance between the top plate and the bottom plate to fit the double walled lid therebetween. In such instances, a portion of the trap compartment, or even the entire trap compartment may reside within the space between the two walls of the double walled lid.

[0074] A further embodiment provides for a quick release mechanism for the trap compartment integrated with the insect trap disclosed in Fig. 11, instead of the track and rail sliding system. Such an insect trap has one or more posts extending downward from the bottom plate, onto which the trap compartment is secured. Similar to the embodiments described in Figs. 8 - 10, an actuator is displaced downward to induce the downward displacement of a release plate via one or more shafts that push and dislodges the trap compartment from the one or more posts. The compressive force of springs then allows the actuator and release plate to retract to their original positions. Such a release mechanism is particularly useful in double walled lids, wherein the insect trap is secured to the upper of the two walls of the lid, and the trap compartment is at least partially contained within the double walled lid.

[0075] Fig. 14 is an exploded view of yet another insect trap according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure. The insect trap 330 includes a trap body 335 that is secured to the lid of a trash can (not shown) using ridges on the trap body along with retaining ring 336. A push button 332 is secured to and over a plunger 333. A spring 334 resides between the plunger 333 and trap body 335. The spring 334 provides a restoring force against the plunger 333 and trap body 335 pushing the two elements apart. The push button 332 includes tabs on each of its legs that mate with the trap body 335, and prevent the push button 332 and plunger 333 from being removed from the trap body 335. A cartridge body 337 is secured to a cartridge post 340. Relief cuts in the top of the cartridge body 337 allow for the cartridge body to slide onto and off of the cartridge post 340. A lip in the cartridge post 340 retains the cartridge body 337. A cartridge lid 338 mates with the cartridge body 337 to create an enclosed cartridge. A cover 331 may be placed over the push button 332 when not in use to prevent water, odors, or other elements to pass through the insect trap.

[0076] Figs. 15a and 15b are perspective views of a trap body according to selected

embodiments of the current disclosure. The trap body 335 includes a plurality of ridges 341 on its outer surface. These ridges 341 snap into an appropriately sized hole in the lid of a garbage can (or other surface) to secure the trap body 335 thereto. The ridges are also used to mate with the retaining ring (not shown in this figure) to secure the insect trap to the lid of a trash can or other surface.

[0077] Figs. 16a and 16b are perspective views of a push button according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure. The push button 332 includes four legs, each with a push button tab 339 at the end of each leg. These tabs mate with the trap body (not shown in this figure) to prevent the removal of the push button from the trap body.

[0078] Figs. 17a and 17b are perspective views of a plunger according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure. The plunger 333 includes four legs 342 that mate with and extend through four holes in the trap body (not shown in this figure). The spring (not shown in this figures) resists movement of the plunger towards the trap body. However, when a force is applied to the plunger (via the push button), the legs 342 of the plunger 333 extend through the trap body and come in contact with and remove the cartridge body, as explained in more detail below.

[0079] Figs. 18a and 18b are perspective views of a cartridge lid according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure. The cartridge lid 338 includes a plurality of holes through its surface.

[0080] Figs. 19a and 19b are perspective views of a cartridge body according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure. The cartridge body 337 includes an opening in the middle with a plurality of relief cuts extending outward therefrom.

[0081] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a retaining ring according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure. The retaining ring 336 includes a lip 344 that mates with the ridges of the trap body (not shown in this figure). [0082] To assemble the insect trap shown in Fig. 14, a spring is placed between the plunger and the trap body, and the push button is placed over the plunger and mated with the trap body. The trap body is then placed within a cut out hole in the lid of a trash can (or other surface). The size of the hole is greater than the main portion of the trap body, but less than the lip that extends outward from the top of the trap body. The main portion of the trap body extends through the opening in the lid and the ridges of the trap body help secure the trap body to the lid, while the retaining ring is slid over the main portion of the trap body until it engages with the ridges of the trap body and is proximate to the bottom surface of the lid. The cartridge lid is secured to the cartridge body to form the cartridge. The cartridge is then secured to the trap body via the cartridge post.

[0083] As discussed above, the trap cartridge is removably secured to the cartridge post of the trap body. Relief cuts in the cartridge body allow for it to slide over a ridge of the cartridge post thereby allowing it to slide on and off only when a sufficiently large force is applied to cause the cartridge to bend over the ridge of the cartridge post. While the cartridge can be removed from the trap body manually, that is by using one's hands to pull it off, the push button may be used to achieve the same result. To remove a used cartridge, the user pushes down on the push button. The push button causes the plunger to move downward, overcoming the force of the spring. As the plunger moves downward, the legs of the plunger pass through the trap body and come in contact with the cartridge body. As the plunger continues to move downward, it pushes on the cartridge causing it to pass over the ridge on the cartridge post of the trap body and slide off of the cartridge post. If the insect trap is installed in the lid of a trash can, the used cartridge then falls into the trash without requiring the user to touch the used cartridge.

[0084] The insect trap attracts insects using the natural odors emanating from the trash can or other container to which it is affixed. Odors pass through the openings in the cartridge lid, through the cartridge body, up through an opening in the cartridge post, through an opening in the plunger, and then out beneath the push button. Insects then follow the odor along the opposite path. The insects travel under the push button and through the plunger, through the opening in the trap body and cartridge post, and into the cartridge. An adhesive placed on the surface of the cartridge lid, walls of the cartridge body, or both, traps the insects when they contact those surfaces. When not in use, a cover is placed over the push button to resist water from entering a trash can through the trap as well as to resist odors from escaping through the trap.

[0085] Indeed, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art how alternative functional

configurations can be implemented to implement the desired features of the present invention. Additionally, with regard to flow diagrams, operational descriptions and method claims, the order in which the steps are presented herein shall not mandate that various embodiments be implemented to perform the recited functionality in the same order unless the context dictates otherwise.

[0086] Although the invention is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

Claims

That which is claimed: 1. An insect trap for a receptacle comprising

a housing having a top plate with a plurality of shaft holes;

an actuator to which a plurality of shafts is attached, where each shaft has a bottom end, where the bottom ends of the plurality of shafts are passed downwardly through the shaft holes; a release plate, where the release plate is attached to the bottom end of the plurality of shafts;

a post, where the post has a top end that is attached to the top plate of the housing, where the post has a hole that extends longitudinally, where the post has a bottom end opposite of the top end; and

a trap compartment, where the trap compartment is releasably attached to the bottom end of the post;

where displacing the actuator causes the release plate to push against the trap

compartment thereby detaching the trap compartment from the post.

2. The insect trap of claim 1, wherein the housing has external threads, where the insect trap further comprises a nut, where the nut comprises internal threads, where the internal threads of the nut mate with the external threads of the housing thereby enabling the attachment of the insect trap to the receptacle.

3. The insect trap of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of springs, where the plurality of springs is within the housing, and where the plurality of springs provides a restorative force between the release plate and the top plate of the housing.

4. The insect trap of claim 1 , wherein the post has a ring that radially protrudes outward.

5. An insect trap for a receptacle comprising

a housing having a top plate with a hole therethrough;

an actuator, where the actuator comprises a post, where the post has a bottom end, where the bottom end of the post passes through the hole of the housing, where the post has a hole therein extending longitudinally;

a release plate, where the release plate is attached to the bottom end of the housing, where the release plate has a hole, where the post of the actuator extends through the hole of the release plate;

where displacing the actuator causes the release plate to push against the trap

compartment thereby detaching the trap compartment from the post.

6. An insect trap comprising

a trap body, where the trap body comprises a cartridge post;

a retaining ring, where the retaining ring mates with the trap body;

a spring;

a plunger, where the plunger mates with the trap body, where the spring resides between the plunger and the trap body, where the spring provides a restorative force between the plunger and the trap body;

a push button, where the push button comprises legs, where each leg comprises a tab, where the plunger resides between the push button and the trap body, where the legs of the push button mate with the trap body, where the tab of each leg resists removal of the push button from the trap body thereby preventing removal of the plunger from the trap body; and

a cartridge, where the cartridge is secured to the cartridge post;

wherein the plunger, when engaged by the push button, comes in contact with the cartridge.

7. The insect trap of claim 6, wherein the trap body comprises a plurality of ridges, where the retaining ring mates with the ridges of the trap body.

8. The insect trap of claim 6, where the cartridge post of the trap body comprises a lip, where the lip resists removal of the cartridge from the cartridge post.

9. The insect trap of claim 6, further comprising a cover, where the cover removably resides over the push button, and where the cover restricts access through the trap body to the cartridge.

10. The insect trap of claim 6, wherein the cartridge comprises a cartridge body and a lid.

11. The insect trap of claim 10, wherein the lid comprises a plurality of holes.

12. The insect trap of claim 10, wherein the cartridge body comprises an opening with a plurality of relief cuts extending outward therefrom.

13. The insect trap of claim 10, wherein the cartridge further comprises an adhesive, where the adhesive is secured to an inner surface of the cartridge body, the lid, or both the cartridge body and the lid.

14. The insect trap of claim 10, wherein the cartridge urther comprises an adhesive on an outer surface of the lid.

15. The insect trap of claim 6, wherein the plunger has an opening, where the opening provides access from above the plunger into the trap body.

16. The insect trap of claim 6, wherein the cartridge post has an opening, where the opening provides access from the trap body to the cartridge.

17. The insect trap of claim 6, wherein there is a gap between the push button and the plunger, where the gap provides access to a volume between the push button and the plunger.

18. The insect trap of claim 6, wherein the plunger comprises a plurality of legs, where the trap body comprises a plurality of openings, where the plurality of legs mates with and extends through the plurality of openings in the trap body.

19. A method of trapping insects, comprising the steps of:

securing an insect trap to a container, where the insect trap comprises a trap body, where the trap body comprises a cartridge post; a spring; a plunger, where the plunger mates with the trap body, where the spring resides between the plunger and the trap body; a push button, where the push button comprises legs, where the plunger resides between the push button and the trap body, where the legs of the push button mate with the trap body; and a cartridge, where the cartridge is secured to the cartridge post; and

placing odorous material within the container.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of

depressing the push button, whereby the plunger engages the cartridge to remove the cartridge from the cartridge post.

21. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of

placing a cover over the insect trap, whereby the cover resists odors from exiting the container through the insect trap, and whereby the cover resists fluids and other materials from entering the container through the insect trap.

22. The method of claim 19, wherein the container is a garbage receptacle.

23. The method of claim 19, wherein the odorous material comprises garbage.

24. An insect trap comprising

a top plate, where the top plate comprises an opening in its middle;

a cover plate,

a plurality of spacers, where the cover plate is secured to the top plate with the plurality of spacers therebetween, where the plurality of spacers maintain a minimum distance between the cover plate and the top plate;

a bottom plate, where the bottom plate comprises an opening in its middle, where the bottom plate is secured to the top plate, and where the bottom plate comprises a track;

a trap compartment, where the trap compartment comprises a rail, where the rail of the trap compartment mates and releasably engages with the track of the bottom plate.

25. The insect trap of claim 24, wherein the trap compartment comprises an adhesive panel.

26. The insect trap of claim 25, wherein the adhesive panel is perpendicular to the bottom plate.

27. The insect trap of claim 24, wherein the cover plate consists of a translucent or transparent material.

28. The insect trap of claim 24, wherein the track of the bottom plate comprises a tab.

29. The insect trap of claim 28, wherein the rail of the trap compartment comprises a divot, where the tab of the track releasably engages the divot of the rail.