Automatic roach trap having disposable container therein
OwnerJohn E. Garretsoninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An automatic roach trap having a receiving container removably located in the trap enclosure. The trap utilizes a beam to detect roaches on a platform therein and actuates a mechanism to open an internal closure and coerce the roach into the underlying container. Access to the container is restricted during operation to prevent the escape of trapped roaches. The container is automatically closed upon withdrawal and designed to prevent inadvertent reopening during disposal.
Claims24
An automatic roach trap for use in connection with a removable container, said trap comprising:
- a) a bounded enclosure having a top member, a base member, and a floor positioned above the base member, said enclosure having a front wall, rear wall and side walls, an access port located in one of said walls between the floor member and the base member for receiving a removable container therein;
- an entryway located in the front wall to admit roaches to the floor;
- b. a first opening in the floor;
- c. a bounded passageway located on said floor and extending between the entryway and first opening;
- d. a tilt platform received in the floor at a location intermediate the entryway and the first opening, said tilt platform being positioned coplanar with the floor and mounted for rotation about an axis adjacent the first opening;
- e. a movable barrier mounted in said passageway intermediate the entryway and the first opening and having a free end adjacent the floor, said barrier being operatively connected to the tilt platform for movement from a rest position;
- f. a closure member affixed to the free end of the barrier and overlying the first opening when the barrier is in the rest position;
- g. drive means operatively connected to the tilt platform for imparting movement thereto whereby said closure member moves from a position over the first opening, and
- h. means for detecting the presence of a roach on said platform and providing an actuating signal to the drive means whereby the platform rotates causing movement of the barrier and closure member and the roach is urged through the first opening into the container.
In an insect trapping device having an access port for the insertion of a removable container to receive trapped insects, a removable container comprising:
- a. a receiver dimensioned for placement in an access port and having a front end, a rear end and top and bottom surfaces, the top surface containing a first opening;
- b. first and second guides located on opposing sides of the top surface, said guides extending upwardly from the top surface;
- c. a cover having opposing edges and a second opening therein, said cover being mounted in said guides for movement between open and closed positions, the open position placing the second opening in general alignment with the first opening of the receiver;
- d. a tab affixed to said cover and extending outwardly of the receiver to facilitate movement of the cover on the receiver to the closed position;
- and
- e. a projection mounted on the cover for contacting the receiver when the cover is moved to the closed position on the receiver, the application of force to the tab providing initial movement of said cover on said receiver to the closed position followed by withdrawal of the removable container in the closed position from the access port.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.