Tamper-Resistant Fly Control Station and Methods for Using the Same
A station for holding an insect control product includes a body portion having sidewalls and a rear wall defining a receptacle having an opening. A door portion is rotatably coupled to the body portion for covering the opening defined by the body portion in a closed configuration of the station. A tamper resistant latching mechanism is disposed within the receptacle in the closed configuration of the station, and is accessible by a key through an aperture through the door portion.
Latest VM Products Inc. Patents:
- Pest-management apparatuses with separator to direct rodent movement and/or improve rodent contact with adhesive
- PEST CONTROL DEVICES AND METHODS RELATED TO ASSEMBLING THE SAME
- Rodent trap with presence indicator mechanism
- Weighted rodent bait stations and related methods
- Methods and systems of pest management
The present application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/791,294, filed Apr. 11, 2006.
FIELD OF INVENTIONThe present invention relates in general to pest control techniques, and in particular to a tamper-resistance fly control station and methods for using the same.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTIONThe problem of controlling pests, particularly insects such as flies and mosquitoes, is very well known and has been extensively studied. Hence, numerous pest control techniques have been developed, some of which have been successful, and others which have not been successful. Even today, the search for successful new and improved pest control techniques continues.
Existing fly control techniques typically rely on fly lights and glue products disposed in areas where insects congregate. However, these techniques are not completely effective. Furthermore, while simply disposing fly bait around areas frequented by humans or animals is one option, given the usual toxicity of the given insect control product, this is not the best option. In sum, new pest control techniques are needed, which are not only more effective, but also which can safely be used around humans and animals.
SUMMARY OF INVENTIONThe principles of the present invention are embodied in tamper-resistant fly control stations and methods for using the same. According to one exemplary embodiment, a control station is disclosed for holding insect bait that includes a body portion having sidewalls and a rear wall defining a receptacle having an opening. A door portion is rotatably coupled to the body portion for covering the opening defined by the body portion in a closed configuration of the station. A tamper resistant latching mechanism is disposed within the receptacle in the closed configuration of the station, and is accessible by a key through an aperture through the door portion.
Embodiments of the present invention advantageously allow for the use of potentially toxic pest baits with minimized risk of unauthorized or undesirable contact by humans and animals. Consequently, pest control programs may be established in locations frequented by humans and animals, where previously control was not possible or not allowed due to the toxicity of the baits. (Notwithstanding, application of the principles of the present invention are still subject to the use restrictions and warnings set forth by the manufacturer on the labels accompany the given insect bait or insecticide).
For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
The principles of the present invention and their advantages are best understood by referring to the illustrated embodiment depicted in
The sides 19 of main body portion 11 are preferably sloped to allow for water, snow, or particulate matter to drain off. The backwall of main body portion 11 also includes a series of small holes or vents (not shown), which allow air flow into the interior of fly station 10, as well as a series of apertures (not shown), which allow fly station 10 to be mounted on a wall, post, or similar surface with screws, zip ties, or similar attachment apparatus. The bottom inner surface of 20 of main body portion 11 provides an area for receiving bait glue boards, insecticides, or other pest control products. These pest control products may be, depending on the application, in granular, powdered, liquid, or solid form.
Door portion 12 of tamper-resistant fly station 10 includes a set of louvered vents 21, which allow insects to gain entry into the interior of fly station 10, but keep out children's hands and pets. The inner surface of door portion 12 also includes a name plate area 22.
Main body portion 11 includes an internal set of racks or slots 23 for receiving a corresponding bait tray 24. Bait trays 24 hold insect bait or poison, such as fly or mosquito bait. Advantageously, bait trays 24 are easy to clean or replace.
Tamper-resistant fly station 10 can be made of any one of a number of materials, including plastics, metals, and composites. In the preferred embodiment, tamper-resistant fly station 10 is made out of clear plastic that has been embedded with metallic flake. Advantageously, the embedded metallic flake reflects light, particularly UV light, which creates contrast that helps to attract insects.
Tamper-resistant fly station 10 is particularly useful for fly control programs, such as that described below. However, tamper-resistant fly station 10 can also be used to bait any one of a number of other insects and pests. Advantageously, tamper-resistant fly station 10 prevents water from reaching the poison, keeps wind from transmitting the bait, and advantageously keeps children and pets away from the poison.
Advantageously, the tamper resistant latch/locking mechanism ensures that tamper-resistant fly station 10 can be used safely and efficiently, even in areas where children and pets may be found.
Tamper resistant fly station 10 can advantageously be placed around trash and garbage areas near single family homes and multi-family housing facilities, as well as areas where pets are kept (e.g. dog kennels, dog houses, and dog runs). Furthermore, embodiments of fly station 100 may be advantageously utilized around the dumpster and garbage areas surrounding commercial facilities including restaurants, hospitals, hotels, or retail facilities. Fly station 10 may also be used in agricultural facilities including horse barns, chicken facilities, feed lots, slaughter houses, and the like. In sum, Fly Station 10 can be used anywhere where humans, good and services may be harmed, damaged, contaminated or annoyed by flies and other flying insects.
According to the principles of the present invention, if a large facility requires insect control, a line of methodically placed fly stations 10 would be disposed around the perimeter of the facility in rocks, trees, bushes, cacti, and similar locations. If a fence line exists, a line of fly stations 10 may be directly fastened to the fence. Similarly, fly station 10 can be attached to walls close to doors, dumpsters, windows and other entry points for insects. Finally, if State and Federal laws allow inside fly control or the use of properly protected pest control chemicals, fly station 10 may even be used inside of a home or commercial facility.
Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, these descriptions are not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed might be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
It is therefore contemplated that the claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments that fall within the true scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A station for holding an insect control product comprising:
- a body portion having sidewalls and a rear wall defining a receptacle having an opening;
- a door portion rotatably coupled to the body portion for covering the opening defined by the body portion in a closed configuration of the station; and
- a tamper resistant latching mechanism disposed within the receptacle in the closed configuration of the station, the tamper resistant latching mechanism accessible by a key through an aperture through the door portion.
2. The station of claim 1, wherein the tamper resistant latching mechanism comprises:
- a tab disposed on the door portion; and
- a latch disposed on the body portion and adapted to latch with the tab in the closed configuration of the station.
3. The station of claim 2, wherein the latch is adapted to be unlatched from the sidewall of the receptacle by flexing force applied by the key.
4. The station of claim 1, wherein the body portion includes at least one set of racks for receiving a tray for holding an insect control product.
5. The station of claim 1, wherein the door includes at least one louvered vent for allowing insect access to the receptacle defined by the body portion in the closed configuration of the station.
6. The station of claim 1, wherein the body portion defines a slot disposed around at least a portion of a periphery of the receptacle and the door portion includes a projection adapted to mate with the slot in the closed configuration of the station.
7. The station of claim 1, wherein at least one of the body portion and the door are formed of plastic.
8. The station of claim 2, wherein the tab and the latch comprise one of a pair of corresponding tabs and latches.
9. An insect control station comprising:
- a body for holding an insect control product and including sidewalls and a backwall defining a receptacle;
- a door for covering the receptacle in a closed configuration of the insect control station; and
- a locking mechanism for providing tamper resistant closure of the door and the body, the locking mechanism accessible for actuation by a key from outside the insect control station in the dosed configuration.
10. The insect control station of claim 9, wherein the locking mechanism comprises:
- at least one flexible latch disposed on a selected one of the body and the door; and
- at least one tab for mating with the flexible latch and disposed on another one of the body and the door.
11. The insect control station of claim 9, wherein the locking mechanism is accessible by the key through at least one aperture through the door.
12. The insect control station of claim 9, wherein the locking mechanism comprises:
- a latch disposed on the body and having notch facing in a first direction and corresponding tab disposed on the door in a second direction and adapted to mate with the notch of the latch, the latch adapted to flexibly engage and disengage with the tab.
13. The insect control station of claim 12, further comprising:
- another latch disposed on the body and having notch facing in the second direction and another tab disposed on the door in the first direction and adapted to mate with the notch of the another latch, the another latch adapted to flexibly engage and disengage with the another tab.
14. The insect control station of claim 13, wherein the key comprises first and second prongs for rotation against the latch and the another latch for flexible disengagement from the tab and the another tab.
15. The insect control station of claim 14, wherein the key is substantially flat.
16. The insect control station of claim 9, further comprising:
- at least one set of racks for receiving a tray within the receptacle; and
- a tray for sliding insertion into the at least one rack.
17. The insect station of claim 9, further comprising at least one louvered aperture allowing insect access into the receptacle in the closed configuration of the station.
18. The insect control station of claim 17, wherein the at least one louvered aperture is provided on the door.
19. A tamper resistant pest control station comprising:
- a body for having sidewalls and a backwall defining a receptacle;
- a door for covering the receptacle in a closed configuration of the station, the door including at least one louvered aperture; and
- a locking mechanism for providing tamper resistant closure of the door and the body, the locking mechanism accessible for actuation by a key from outside the station in the closed configuration and including: a latch disposed on the body and having notch facing in a first direction and corresponding tab disposed on the door in a second direction and adapted to mate with the notch of the latch, the latch adapted to flexibly engage and disengage with the tab; and another latch disposed on the body and having notch facing in the second direction and another tab disposed on the door in the first direction and adapted to mate with the notch of the another latch, the another latch adapted to flexibly engage and disengage with the another tab.
20. The pest control station of claim 19, further comprising a removable tray within the receptacle for holding a pest control product.
Type: Application
Filed: May 9, 2014
Publication Date: Nov 6, 2014
Applicant: VM Products Inc. (Colleyville, TX)
Inventor: Ethan Vickery (Colleyville, TX)
Application Number: 14/273,826
International Classification: A01M 1/20 (20060101); A01M 1/10 (20060101);