Tiltable Platform Patents (Class 43/69)
  • Patent number: 11957119
    Abstract: Pest-management apparatuses (e.g., stations), such as, for example, that can be configured to permit a rodent to enter and retrieve a bait and/or become trapped (e.g., via adhesive or a snap-trap).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: VM PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Eric Snell, Ethan Vickery, Larry Covington
  • Patent number: 11582966
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding a bait for rodents, the apparatus has a housing, a bait platform in the housing, and a passage opening for rodents to access the bait platform. The apparatus can be inserted into a manhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Inventor: Jürgen Buchstaller
  • Patent number: 11369097
    Abstract: A bait container that is attached to inside of a trap, the bait container having a sidewall that forms an enclosure along with a cover that may open and close, a first connector that connects the cover to a door on the trap and a second connector that has some elasticity and that connects the cover to a lower or bottom portion of the container or the trap, the second connector securing the cover in a closed position when the trap door is closed and the first connector opening the cover when the trap is open such that the cover to the bait container is opened or closed as a user opens and closes the door to the trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Inventor: Patricia Brawn
  • Patent number: 11140892
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for mounting a lure (2), in particular a lure for rodents, comprising: —a housing part (3) that has at least one through-opening (9), in particular an axial through-opening, through which an access into an interior of the housing part is possible; and —at least one closing element (15) which has a main part and at least one lure receiving region, in particular on the main-part side, for receiving at least one lure (2), said closing element (15) being mounted in a movable manner relative to the housing part (3). The closing element (15) is moved away from the housing part (3) in an open position such that the at least one through-opening (9) is released and is moved towards the housing part (3) in a closed position such that the at least one through-opening (9) is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Inventors: Wolfgang Bittlinger, Jürgen Buchstaller
  • Patent number: 11116201
    Abstract: A mouse trap for use with a bucket having an upper rim, a side wall, and a bottom edge includes a top portion having a ledge for seating adjacent or over the upper rim of the bucket and a spiral ramp coupled to an outer edge of the top portion. The top portion has an opening with a movable roller disposed across the opening and the ledge substantially surrounds the opening of the top portion. The spiral ramp when in use extends down the side wall of the bucket from an area near or at the upper rim of the bucket to the bottom edge of the bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Inventors: Douglas F. Melville, Jr., John David Niel
  • Patent number: 11102963
    Abstract: The species specific fish trap selectively captures a specific species of fish. The species specific fish trap lures a fish into the species specific fish trap. The species specific fish trap identifies that the captured fish is the specific species the species specific fish trap is configured to capture. The species specific fish trap closes when the lured fish is identified as the specific species that the species specific fish trap is configured to capture. The species specific fish trap comprises a transparent shell, a lure net, and a control system. The lure net and the control system mount in the transparent shell. The transparent shell is the structure that lures and captures the specific species of fish. The lure net lures a fish into the transparent shell. The control system identifies the species of the lured fish. The control system controls access into the transparent shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Inventor: James Williams
  • Patent number: 10264780
    Abstract: A system for catching mice includes an improved mousetrap system. The improved mousetrap system includes an unstable platform configured to rest upon a flat surface and extend over an edge of the flat surface and bait situated at an end of the unstable platform. Instability in the unstable platform is configured to cause a mouse to fall and be trapped. In one embodiment, the system includes an unstable platform configured to rest upon a tabletop surface and extend over an edge of the tabletop surface, bait upon an end of the unstable platform, and a mouse catching receptacle located below the unstable platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Inventor: Forest Geesey
  • Patent number: 10028500
    Abstract: A trap for catching animals, in particular muridae, is provided with a tank and a passageway, which extends above the tank from an entry and has, at the end, a container for a bait; the floor of the passageway is defined by a gangway, which opens to let an animal fall into the tank and is provided with two trapdoors hinged to one another; the first of said trapdoors is hinged about a horizontal axis, so as to tilt from a substantially horizontal position during the opening of the gangway, and has a counterweight to reclose the gangway; the gangway has an attach device which connects the second trapdoor to a fixed retaining device, so as to support the first trapdoor in its substantially horizontal position even when the first trapdoor is subject to a weight; the attach device is releasable when the weight rests on the second trapdoor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Inventor: Thomas Pecoraro
  • Patent number: 9961892
    Abstract: An example mouse and rodent trap includes a base with an opening formed therein. A plank is formed in the base and extending at least partially across the opening formed in the base. A shaft is supported below the plank. A catch basin is provided below the base. The plank bends under weight of a mouse or rodent on the plank reaching down toward bait on the shaft causing the mouse or rodent to fall from the plank into a catch basin below the plank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Inventor: Gary Chism
  • Patent number: 9826729
    Abstract: A mouse trap device for non-lethally trapping mice and other rodents. The mouse trap includes a housing defining an interior volume, wherein the housing can resemble a building, rocket ship, or other decorative structure. The interior volume of the housing is accessed via an opening on a lower end thereof that allows a mouse to fit therethrough. A trapping structure having one or more sidewalls and an open upper end removably covered by a trap door is disposed within the housing, wherein the trapping structure is used to trap the mouse within an interior volume thereof. The mouse trap further includes a pathway and a platform, wherein the pathway leads a mouse to the platform that is disposed adjacent to the trap door. The platform can support bait thereon so as the mouse moves towards the bait, it will be required to step on the trap door and fall therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Inventor: William Albaugh
  • Publication number: 20150128480
    Abstract: A trap for assisting in controlling pest populations, in particular rodents, and especially rats and/or mice, including: a lower housing, and a false floor including a trapdoor, and a ramp, wherein the lower housing has a lower end that sits on the ground and an upper end. The false floor is attached to the upper end of the lower housing. The trapdoor is triggered to suddenly collapse when the rodent places a sufficient amount of its body weight onto the trapdoor. The ramp leads up from ground level to the false floor so that when in use, a suitable liquid or gas is contained within the lower housing, and a suitable bait is placed on the false floor to attract a rodent and maneuver it onto the trapdoor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Daryl PINDER
  • Patent number: 8499488
    Abstract: A rodent trap includes a box having one or more entrance tubes provided therein. The entrance tubes are in communication with a mouse hole in the side wall of the box. Within each tube is a tilt ramp that tilts in response to a weight of 4 grams at a distance of one and 5/16 inches from the pivot axis to the tilt ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Kness Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Harry E. Knuppel, Kathy J. Wauson, Edward J. Yarkosky
  • Patent number: 8438777
    Abstract: A live catch animal trap has a trap floor positioned above an animal holding cage, a bait station positioned adjacent to the trap floor, and a mechanical trigger mechanism. The trap floor is rotatably moveable between a generally horizontal closed position and a downwardly inclined open position. The trap floor is normally biased toward its closed position by a return spring and/or its center of gravity location relative to its pivot point. The trigger mechanism is arranged to be tripped by an animal standing on the trap floor as the animal attempts to access the bait station. The trigger mechanism has a trip plate connected to a locking element that engages a spring-loaded latch on the trap floor. The trip plate and the locking element are arranged to automatically return the trigger mechanism to an untripped condition as the trap floor returns from its open position to its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Matthew J. Uhlik
  • Patent number: 8336251
    Abstract: A trapping system includes an enclosure with a one way entry which allows the pest to enter the enclosure, but prevents the pest from exiting through the entry. An attractant is positioned at the entry. The attractant is a video screen arranged relative to the trap door, such that a pest jumping at the video screen is deflected at a downward angle onto the trap door, and is specific to the pest which is to be trapped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: Stanley A. Orchard
  • Publication number: 20120180378
    Abstract: A humane repeating animal trap having multiple points of entry and redundant mechanisms which prevent an animal reaching the storage section of the trap from escaping. The trap permits selective viewing of the contents without opening the trap and indicators signaling not only the presence of animals within the trap, but also which of multiple points of entry were used by the animals to enter the trap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: Gardner Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce R. Studer, Timothy M. Jones
  • Patent number: 8205377
    Abstract: A trash can has an open top, a recipient surface supporting a closed bottom, and a side wall. A ramp has a first end positioned on the recipient surface and a second end positioned on the top of the trash can. A pivotable member having upper and lower surfaces is pivotally supported at the second end of the ramp. The interior end of the pivotable member is located above the ramp and the exterior end is located above the trash can. The pivotable member is positionable in an attracting orientation with the interior end in contact with the ramp and the exterior end in a raised horizontal orientation. The pivotable member is positionable in a capturing orientation with the interior end raised above the ramp and the exterior end in a lowered angled orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventor: Russell L. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8186098
    Abstract: An upper bucket has a closed top, an open bottom and a side wall. A lower opening is cut into the side wall of the upper bucket. The lower opening has a lower slit at a lower extent of the side wall. The lower opening has an arcuate slit. The slit extends upwardly from the lower slit. A flat, generally circular plate has laterally extending pivot pins. Pivot apertures extend through the upper bucket at diametrically opposed locations adjacent to the lower slot. The pivot apertures rotatably receive the pivot pins for effecting movement of the plate between a horizontal orientation and a pivoted orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: Russell L. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20120117852
    Abstract: A repeating animal capture and containment system includes a housing defined by a set of peripheral walls. An opening is formed in one of the peripheral walls and a removable, ramped trapping device is removably mounted within the housing and aligned with the opening in the peripheral wall. The ramped trapping device allows an animal, such as a rodent, to enter into the housing yet prevents the captured animal from exiting the housing. The housing is sized to include a containment area that communicates with the trapping device by a passageway. The containment area provides a living space for the captured animal until it can be set free. The removability of the ramped trapping device allows the device to be removed for cleaning and maintenance as needed. The system further includes features that prevent lateral and/or vertical displacement of the ramped trapping device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Benjamin Baker
  • Patent number: 8053261
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a light emitting device includes forming a plurality of light emitting elements on light emitting element mounting regions, respectively, of a substrate, forming lens supports on the light emitting element mounting regions, respectively, are raised relative to isolation regions of the substrate located between neighboring ones of the light emitting element mounting regions, and forming lenses covering the light emitting elements on the lens support patterns, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yu-Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 7913447
    Abstract: The Smart and Multiple Mouse Trap uses two ascendant walls that lead to the top of the mouse trap. On the top of the trap, there is a cylinder shaped wheel that will contain food. In order for the mouse to get the food, it must maneuver upward from one of the two ascendant walls. Then it will go through a one way door. Then as it tries to grab the food from the wheel, it will face the problem of the wheel spinning as well as no room to stand on, providing no stability due to gravity. Then the mouse will have to drop into the mouse trap. The removal of the contents inside the trap will be simply to open the right side door and dump it wherever. The mouse trap does not need to be reset when it traps a mouse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Bahjat S. Jabro
  • Publication number: 20110047858
    Abstract: A trap includes a cage defining a capture space having an opening in an upper end of the cage. A cover is pivotable about a pivot axis between a closing position closing the opening and a revealing position revealing the opening. The cover includes a first end and a second end having a spacing to the pivot axis smaller than the first end of the cover. A counterweight device is mounted to the second end of the cover to bias the cover to the closing position. The cover moves to the revealing position when an animal moves to the first end of the cover, such that the animal falls into the capture space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Chang-Cheng Wu
  • Publication number: 20110016769
    Abstract: A live trap is provided for trapping rodents. The live trap includes a housing having an interior space and at least one opening through which rodents enter the interior space of the housing. A first trap mechanism is provided that is positionable in the live trap for trapping rodents within the live trap. A second trap mechanism is provided that is different from the first trap mechanism and positionable in the live trap for trapping rodents within the live trap. The live trap and trap mechanisms are configured for selective releasable securement of each of the respective first and second trap mechanisms in the live trap to permit interchangeable use of the first and second trap mechanisms in the live trap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: BASF CORPORATION
    Inventors: James H. Cink, Jonathan D. Berger, Brian James Mann, Edward Francis Marshall, Henry Wayne Moran, James David Poling
  • Patent number: 7814702
    Abstract: A trap having a housing and an entrance, a trigger plate pivotally coupled to the housing, and when triggered by an animal, the trigger plate pivots towards the housing to thereby trap the animal against the housing. The trap may further include a biasing element to bias the trigger plate towards the housing. The trap may further include blunt fingers extending from the back wall. When the trap is triggered, an animal may be trapped between the trigger plate and the blunt fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: SMG Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Nathan, Matthew L. Phillips, Lynn Briggs, Thomas Paul Danniger, Richard Gene Foster
  • Publication number: 20090205245
    Abstract: A trapping system includes an enclosure with a one way entry which allows the pest to enter the enclosure, but prevents the pest from exiting through the entry. An attractant is positioned at the entry. The attractant is specific to the pest which is to be trapped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Stanley A. ORCHARD
  • Patent number: 7134237
    Abstract: An animal trap is provided with an enclosure, inside of which a pivoting member, referred to herein as a “Confinement Activating Teeter-totter” (CAT), is pivotally disposed so that its front end pivots downward when an animal enters the trap and steps on it. A blocking member on the front of the CAT then blocks the entrance, forcing the animal to go toward a bait near the exit at the back of the trap. The CAT then pivots under the weight of the mouse, thereby resetting. If, instead of exiting, the animal goes back toward the front, the CAT will again pivot and block the entrance. The animal will also step on a shelf projecting from the front of the pivoting member, ensuring that the CAT will not pivot again until the animal again proceeds toward the exist. The trap is composed of only one moving part (excluding a door flap, and one access part), namely the CAT on its pivot. It is easily molded from plastic such that only two parts are needed: a base and a CAT. After molding a door flap may be attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Inventor: Bruce Plucknett
  • Patent number: 6938368
    Abstract: A rodent trap includes a housing having bottom and top walls and defining an interior space. A ramp extends between top and bottom walls and defines an entry opening through which a rodent may enter the housing. A bait container mounted inside the housing lures a rodent to enter. A platform extends from the entry opening into the interior space and includes a selectively positionable metallic element. A trip board is pivotally mounted within the housing and is movable between set and tripped configurations. A magnet is selectively positioned on the trip board so as to bias the trip board toward the set configuration until a rodent's weight on another portion thereof causes it to rotate to the second configuration. A container is positioned in the housing for receiving a rodent that is deposited at the second configuration. A plurality of probes prevent a rodent from reversing course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Gary D. Guidry
  • Patent number: 6691452
    Abstract: A rodent trap includes a box having one or more entrance tubes provided therein. The entrance tubes are in communication with a mouse hole in the side wall of the box. Within each tube is a tilt ramp that tilts in response to a weight of 4 grams at a distance of one and {fraction (5/16)} inches from the pivot axis to the tilt ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Kness Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Harry E. Knuppel, Kathy J. Wauson, Edward J. Yarkosky
  • Publication number: 20040020103
    Abstract: An animal trap we do provide, Which has an enclosure, and in which inside,
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Bruce Plucknett
  • Patent number: 6631582
    Abstract: A low profile tilt-ramp trap includes a tube providing entrance into the trap. Within the tube is a tilt ramp that has a flap on its exit end to prevent mice from moving beneath the tilt ramp. Once a mouse enters the tilt ramp, the ramp pivots to provide the mouse access to the interior of the trap. A counter weight causes the tilt ramp to move back to its initial position after the mouse has entered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Kness Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Harry E. Knuppel, Kathy J. Wauson
  • Patent number: 6557295
    Abstract: A rodent trap device for catching and holding rodents. The rodent trap device includes a housing having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall. A rotatable rod extends through the peripheral wall and bisects the housing. A lid having a top and bottom side covers an opening in a top side of the housing. The bottom side of the lid is attached to the rod and is pivotable in the housing. The lid has a first half and a second half with respect to the rod. The first half has a greater weight than the second half. A first stop is attached to the peripheral wall and is positioned over the second half of the lid. Bait is positioned on the top side of the second half such that a rodent pivots the lid and falls into the housing as it nears the bait.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Humberto Alonso
  • Publication number: 20030041504
    Abstract: A low profile tilt-ramp trap includes a tube providing entrance into the trap. Within the tube is a tilt ramp that has a flap on its exit end to prevent mice from moving beneath the tilt ramp. Once a mouse enters the tilt ramp, the ramp pivots to provide the mouse access to the interior of the trap. A counter weight causes the tilt ramp to move back to its initial position after the mouse has entered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Harry E. Knuppel, Kathy J. Wauson
  • Patent number: 6510647
    Abstract: A live animal trap includes only two basic parts, an elongate hollow tube and a pivot support stand on which the tube is pivotally mounted. The tube has a first, closed end for holding bait and a second, open end. The tube is pivotally mounted on the stand for rotation about a horizontal pivot axis transverse to the tube axis. The pivot axis is located closer to the first end of the tube than the second end. When the stand is placed on a support surface, the longer end of the tube will be slightly heavier, so that the second end of the tube will pivot downwardly into a set position in which the tube is inclined upwardly with the second end contacting the support surface. An animal can enter the open second end of the tube and move towards the bait. When the animal passes the pivot axis, the first end of the tube becomes heavier and pivots downwardly, moving the second end upwardly, until the tube reaches a vertical, actuated position with the animal trapped in the first, bottom end of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: James L. Cairns
  • Publication number: 20020184813
    Abstract: A molded plastic base has a rodent runway which extends from two inlet openings to a single rodent containment compartment. Pivotable ramps are positioned in the rodent runway adjacent each inlet opening. A plastic lid is slidingly engaged with the base, and is movable along the axis of the rodent runway. The lid has downwardly extending tabs which have inclined inside and outside surfaces, and barriers extending between each pair of tabs. The inclined surfaces of the tabs engage inclined protrusions which project upwardly from the ramps when the lid is slid open and closed, the engagement between the inclined surfaces causes the ramps to pivot out of the way of the barriers, facilitating smooth and uninterrupted opening and closing of the lid on the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Daniel C. Johnson, James R. Walsh, Scott J. Collins
  • Patent number: 6484436
    Abstract: A prey trap comprises a body having two supporting frames; two gates arranged on the supporting frames of a body; an actuating plate; a hanging frame connected to another side of the actuating plate; and two ropes. Each gate is connected with one end of a rope, and another end of the rope is arranged to be across the supporting frame. Each bead at the end of the rope and the hanging frame are confined by one another, and thus are in a steady position. When the actuating plate is lifted upwards to a predetermined height; the gate is at an upper end of the supporting frame. When the actuating plate is pressed and is released from the confinement of the hanging frame, the gate then drops downs rapidly and freely and further the gate and the body forms a closing condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: T. S. Chang
  • Patent number: 6481151
    Abstract: A molded plastic base has a rodent runway which extends from two inlet openings to a single rodent containment compartment. Pivotable ramps are positioned in the rodent runway adjacent cacti inlet opening. A plastic lid is slidingly engaged with the base, and is movable along the axis of the rodent runway. The lid has downwardly extending tabs which have inclined inside and outside surfaces, and barriers extending between each pair of tabs. The inclined surfaces of the tabs engage inclined protrusions which project upwardly from the ramps when the lid is slid open and closed, the engagement between the inclined surfaces causes the ramps to pivot out of the way of the barriers, facilitating smooth and uninterrupted opening and closing of the lid on the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Bell Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel C. Johnson, James R. Walsh, Scott J. Collins
  • Publication number: 20020139039
    Abstract: A live animal trap includes only two basic parts, an elongate hollow tube and a pivot support stand on which the tube is pivotally mounted. The tube has a first, closed end for holding bait and a second, open end. The tube is pivotally mounted on the stand for rotation about a horizontal pivot axis transverse to the tube axis. The pivot axis is located closer to the first end of the tube than the second end. When the stand is placed on a support surface, the longer end of the tube will be slightly heavier, so that the second end of the tube will pivot downwardly into a set position in which the tube is inclined upwardly with the second end contacting the support surface. An animal can enter the open second end of the tube and move towards the bait. When the animal passes the pivot axis, the first end of the tube becomes heavier and pivots downwardly, moving the second end upwardly, until the tube reaches a vertical, actuated position with the animal trapped in the first, bottom end of the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: James L. Cairns
  • Patent number: 6016623
    Abstract: A rodent trap which includes a central housing interior into which a rodent is lured by bait and enters on a rodent entry ramp and inside which is located a rotating trap door that is operated by a high speed DC motor which is actuated by an infrared sensor positioned inside the housing, the motor is engaged to rotate the trap door and timed by a cam switch to return to a closed position and ready to operate for the entry of the next rodent. When the rodent falls through the trap door, it falls into a rodent box which is received by an insertion in the housing lower section and which includes a spring biased sliding cover that automatically slides to an opened position when the box is inserted into the housing and automatically closes when removed from the housing. The rodent box also includes a rodent presence indicator that is actuated by a weight activated switch located on the bottom surface of the rodent box and indicates to the user if a rodent or rodents are in the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Inventor: Wallace Celestine
  • Patent number: 5996274
    Abstract: A rodent trap for drowning a plurality of rodents and other small pests without the need for resetting the trap is disclosed. The inventive device includes a ramp engageable to a rim of a conventional pail and a rotating body positionable horizontally within the pail. The pail is partially filled with water or a mixture of water and ethylene glycol in such manner that the rotating body is free to rotate a distance above the water or mixture line. The rotating body includes a cylindrical body rotatably mounted to a shaft in such manner that a rodent or like pest is unable to feed upon a rodent-attracting substance such as peanut butter spread on the cylindrical body without stepping upon the cylindrical body and thereby causing the cylindrical body to rotate and force the rodent or like pest into the water or mixture of water and ethylene glycol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventors: Larry E. Smith, Jeanette Smith
  • Patent number: 5979105
    Abstract: A modular trapping system that functions in a holding or a terminating mode on dry land, adjacent water or in water. The system comprises several interchangeable, user selectable components that may be conveniently assembled into a desired trap configuration in a minimal time period. The primary components are a cylindrical body with a tapered end, an entrance, and a terminus. In the preferred embodiments, the entrance and terminus may be threadably secured to the body. The entrance components generally comprise a hollow elongated tubular frame supporting a door controlled by a conventional actuating mechanism. The terminus components comprise a hollow elongated tubular frame with a transparent end wall. Several optional inserts may be placed inside the body to enhance the trap. An optional stand may also be used to place the trap adjacent or in bodies of water. The configured trap may be deployed in either a holding or extermination mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Max H. Marks
  • Patent number: 5720126
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for catching rodents includes a container adapted to hold a reservoir of water. A horizontally oriented cylindrical roller is rotatively supported within the container above the water reservoir. A moveable bait-holding arm is positioned above the roller. When a rodent pushes against the bait-holding arm, an electrical circuit is completed which energizes a motor to rotate the roller, causing the rodent to fall into the water reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventor: George K. Lamb
  • Patent number: 5528852
    Abstract: A trap for capturing rodents within a bucket. The inventive device includes an axle having a cylinder rotatably positioned thereon. A mounting assembly secures the axle across an open upper end of a container. A ramp extends from a ground surface to the upper end of the container, whereby a comestible paste applied to the cylinder will lure a rodent up the ramp and onto the cylinder which rotates to deposit the rodent into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Inventor: Extry R. Sarff
  • Patent number: 5517784
    Abstract: A mousetrap container having a container floor and container side walls, with a fluid positioned within the container cavity defined within the container, and a rotary cylinder mounted rotatably relative to an entrance opening of the container, such that the container cylinder is arranged to receive and adhere a bait thereto, and a platform mounted to the entrance receives a rodent thereon, such that the rodent upon traversing the platform is directed onto the cylinder and the bait, whereupon rotation of the cylinder directs the rodent into the fluid within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Inventor: Michael Sedore
  • Patent number: 5471781
    Abstract: A trap for capturing mice or other rodents. The inventive device includes a main body having an entrance ramp leading thereinto. A bait container is positioned within the main body to attract a mouse towards a pivotally mounted trap door. A holding compartment positioned beneath the trap door receives the mouse within a removable drawer. The drawer includes an insertable screen which permits removal of the drawer and transport of the mouse to an exterior area for release thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Inventor: Henry E. Vine
  • Patent number: 5369907
    Abstract: A rodent trap operates by electrocuting the animal as it moves to steal the bait from a space above a depressible platform. The platform includes a downwardly swingable plate that is covered by a woven fabric panel. Edge areas of the fabric panel hang downwardly into a water bath located below the platform; water is drawn upwardly by wick action so that the platform fabric surface is wet. As the animal moves along the platform its feet and body become wet due to contact with the wet platform surface. The weight of the animal depresses the platform, which activates a hidden switch, thereby completing an electric circuit which electrocutes the animal while it is on the platform. The wetting of the platform surface facilitates the electrocution process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Inventor: Dug G. Lee
  • Patent number: 5327674
    Abstract: A trap for earthworms which comprises a capture chamber having a bottom, inwardly sloping sidewalls and pivotal louvers defining a horizontal top of the capture chamber. Earthworms leave their burrows at night, or when the burrows are soaked with water, and crawl onto the pivotal louvers which rotate, causing the earthworms to fall into the capture chamber. A canopy may be provided over the trap to shelter it from rain or water sprinklers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Inventor: Timothy R. Powell
  • Patent number: 5299380
    Abstract: An enclosure housing for capturing a live rodent unharmed having a baited enclosure chamber, a one way entrance, having an open portal, a level ramp, pivotally mounted in the entrance portal chamber of the enclosure adapted for movement between a level access position and an inwardly and downwardly tilted position to provide access and to automatically return to the level position for preventing escape. Also provided is a series of parallel barrier walls and a sliding top adapted for movement between a closed entrapment position and an open release position. The enclosure preferably to be constructed of transparent plexiglass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Inventor: Robert W. Fornal, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5115595
    Abstract: A rodent trap includes a housing defined by a rectilinear framework, including a floor, spaced side walls, and a rear wall, with a top wall defined by a pivotally mounted door permitting access to contents of the container. A "U" shaped handle member is mounted to an upper terminal end of frontal frame legs, wherein a medial "U" shaped frame member pivotally mounts a trap door therebetween. The trap door is pivotally mounted medially of its length, whereupon a rodent tempted forwardly by bait along the trap door effects pivotment of the trap door and its closure of the front wall of the trap structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Inventor: Alfonso M. Garcia
  • Patent number: 4937968
    Abstract: A mousetrap including a supporting base with an upstanding support, a container of water on the base, a pivotal platform overlying the container of water to enable a plurality of mice to be trapped, an entrance area including a bait box and entrance door and platform having a flange at one edge of the entrance end thereof, to hold the door in open position, an escape tube on the support which extends vertically from the entrance area to a point above the pivotal platform. In use, a mouse will be trapped in the bait box area after entry by the door being closed and then be trapped in the escape tube during vertical climbing along the tube to prevent downward return movement of the mouse with the only exit for the mouse being onto the platform whereby the weight of the mouse will pivot the platform and dump the mouse into the water in the container with the platform opening the door and returning to a position for receiving another mouse from the escape tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Inventor: Henry M. Thomas
  • Patent number: 4884064
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for detecting free-ranging pests, for example mice, without providing an attractant material. The presence of a pest is sensed by at least one of a plurality of sensors, a signal is emitted indicating the sensing of a pest by that sensor, and the fact that a signal has been emitted is indicated by an indicating means that is operatively coupled to the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignee: Rentokil Limited
    Inventor: Adrian P. Meehan
  • Patent number: 4876821
    Abstract: This invention is a baited animal trap, positioned above a water reservoir and comprising a rotatable walkway held in position by a magnetic release device. Bait positioned beyond the walkway attracts an animal to walk thereon. The magnetic release device releases when an animal proceeds on the walkway causing the walkway to rotate and plunge the animal into the water reservoir. A reset device attached to the walkway causes the walkway to re-rotate to re-engage the magnetic release device and thus automatically resets the trap for the trapping of another animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Inventor: Paul Benzie