WO1999034671A1

WO1999034671A1 - A trap for insects

Info

Publication number: WO1999034671A1
Application number: PCT/GB1999/000054
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lee Markwick
Original assignee: VENUS PATENTS Ltd
Current assignee: VENUS PATENTS Ltd
Priority date: 1998-01-08
Filing date: 1999-01-08
Publication date: 1999-07-15
Anticipated expiration: 2000-07-08
Also published as: GB9800375D0; GB2333021A; AU1977099A

Abstract

The present invention relates to trap (1) for insects comprising a housing (3) having an inlet (15); insect attracting means (31) rotatably supported within the inlet (15) of the housing (3), the insect attracting means (31) being pretreated with a substance for attracting insects; scraper means (19) for following the surface of the insect attracting means (31) for removing insects from the insect attracting means (31) and trapping the insects in the housing (13).

Description

A Trap for Insects

The present invention relates to a trap for insects.

Insects are trapped and killed in a variety of different, conventional methods.

One method is the use of sticky paper which is hung from a ceiling. The insects are

attracted to the paper and, once they land on it, they become trapped and die. Such an

arrangement is unsightly and is inconvenient since it has to be hung in mid-air from the

ceiling.

Another conventional method is the use of poisonous aerosol sprays which are

sprayed into the room to kill any insects in that room. These sprays are, however,

harmful to the environment. In particular, if used in a kitchen, the spray must be

sprayed away from food to avoid contamination. Further, such sprays leave an odour

which is clearly undesirable to the occupiers of the room.

A further conventional method is use of an ultra-violet lamp which attracts the

insects. This method is mainly to contain the insects in one area away from food etc. It

is mainly used for industrial purposes such as restaurants etc. Due to the size and

expense of such lamps, they are not convenient for domestic purposes. Furthermore,

the power requirement for such a device is considerably high making it uneconomical.

The present invention seeks to provide a trap for insects which is attractive,

humane, friendly to the environment, safe to use, suitable for domestic and industrial

use and is economical to operate. In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a trap for insects

comprising a housing having an inlet; insect attracting means rotatably supported within

the inlet of the housing, the insect attracting means being pretreated with a substance

for attracting insects; scraper means for following the surface of the insect attracting

means for removing insects from the insect attracting means and trapping the insects in

the housing.

The trap of the present invention operates such that the insect attracting means

rotates within the inlet of a housing. The insect attracting means is pretreated with a

substance which attracts the insects. An insect lands onto the attracting means. As the

insect attracting means continues to rotate, the insect becomes trapped in the housing.

This is achieved by forcing the insect off the surface of the insect attracting means by

use of the scraper means so that the insect is contained within the housing. This trap

forms an attractive device which humanely disposes of insects and which avoids the use

of poisonous aerosol sprays.

Preferably, the housing further comprises an outlet and the trap further

comprises a container fitted to the outlet of the housing and having means for attracting

the insects out of the housing into the container for later disposal.

The insects are attracted to leave the housing via the outlet and are trapped

within a container fitted to the outlet. The insects can then be disposed off be removal

of the container without any direct contact.

Preferably, the insect attracting means is arranged such that as the insect

attracting means rotates, the insects are trapped within the housing. This may be

achieved by the geometry of the interior of the housing differing from the geometry of the surface of the insect attracting means. For example, the interior of the housing is

curved and the insect attracting means is polygonal, for example rectangular, or

alternatively, the insect attracting means comprises outwardly extending vanes to trap

the insects.

Therefore, as the insect attracting means rotates, the insects are prevented from

escaping the housing other than via the outlet, if present.

In order to prevent the insect from leaving the insect attracting means before

they are trapped within the housing, a portion of the housing adjacent the housing is

translucent. This portion is preferably on one side of the inlet in the direction of

rotation of the insect attracting means. Alternatively, the translucent may be located on

both sides of the inlet or the whole of the housing may be translucent. The portion may

be formed of clear or coloured glass/plastic.

In order to attract the trapped insects out of the housing and into the container,

the container may be transparent so that the insects are attracted by the light.

The outlet may comprise means to prevent the insects re-entering the housing.

Therefore, the insects are trapped in the container for later disposal. The container may

be disposable so that the container is merely thrown away with the trapped insects so as

to avoid any contact with the insects. The container may contain means to kill the

insects.

The insect attracting means may comprise a disposable cartridge which may be

scented to attract a particular insect, for example flies, wasps or mosquitoes.

Alternatively, the insect attracting means may comprise a slotted casing in which a light source is supported. Such a trap can then be fixed to the wall or ceiling and used as a

light fitting as well as an insect trap.

To provide a more compact device, the housing may be generally cylindrical

and the axis of rotation of the insect attracting means being parallel to the longitudinal

axis of the housing. Alternatively, the insect attracting means may comprise a disc such

that the housing is flattened so that the trap can conveniently be fixed to a wall.

To ensure that the scraper means follows the surface of the insect attracting

means, the scraper means may be biased against the insect attracting means.

Preferably, the insect attracting means is rotated by means of any one or any

combination of an electric motor; clockwork mechanism; quartz clock mechanism. The

electric motor may be powered by any one or any combination of the following: solar

energy; batteries; rechargeable batteries; and mains electricity.

The housing may be disposable.

In accordance with the present invention, there is also provided a disposable

cartridge for an insect trap as described above, the cartridge having an outer surface

which attracts insect and has means for rotatably mounting the cartridge in the inlet of

the trap.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described and fully explained

with reference to the following drawings in which:

Figure la is a top perspective view of the insect trap according to a first

embodiment of the present invention;

Figure lb is a bottom perspective view of the insect trap of Figure la;

Figure 2 is an exploded view of the insect trap of Figure la; Figures 3a-3c show the insect trap of the first embodiment, in use;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of an insect trap according to a second

embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of an insect trap according to a third embodiment

of the present invention;

Figure 6 is an exploded view of the insect trap of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is an exploded view of the disposable cartridge according to the present

invention;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of an insect trap according to a fourth

embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 is a cross section taken along the line A-A of the insect trap of Figure

8;

Figure 10a is an exploded view of part of the insect trap of Figure 8;

Figure 1 Ob is a longitudinal section taken through the base unit of the insect trap

of Figure 8;

Figure 1 la is a part section of an insect trap according to a fifth embodiment of

the present invention;

Figure 1 lb is an exploded view of the insect trap of Figure 11a;

Figures 12a and 12b show the insect trap of Figure 11a, in use;

Figure 13a is a perspective view of an insect trap according to a sixth

embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 13b show the insect trap of Figure 13 a, in use;

Figure 14 is an exploded view of insect trap of Figure 13a; Figure 15 is a perspective view of an insect trap according to a seventh

embodiment of the present invention with its lid closed;

Figure 16 shows the insect trap of Figure 15 with its lid opened;

Figure 17 is an exploded view of the insect trap of Figure 15;

Figure 18 shows an insect trap according to an eighth embodiment of the present

invention;

Figure 19 shows the insect trap of Figure 18, in use;

Figures 20a and 20b are exploded views of the insect trap of Figure 18;

Figure 21 shows an insect trap according to a ninth embodiment of the present

invention;

Figure 22a is an exploded view of the insect trap of Figure 21 ;

Figure 22b is a cross-section taken along the line B-B of the insect trap of

Figure 21;

Figure 22c is a longitudinal section through the base unit of the insect trap of

Figure 21;

Figure 23 is a perspective view of an insect trap according to a tenth

embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 24 shows the insect trap of Figure 23, in use;

Figure 25 is an exploded view of the insect trap of Figure 23; and

Figures 26a and 26b are plan and side views of an alternative arrangement of the

insect trap of Figure 23.

The first embodiment of the present invention will now be described in more

detail with reference to the figures la to 3c. The insect trap 1 of the first embodiment as shown in figures la, lb and 2

comprises a housing 3 which has a top portion 5 and rectangular base 7. The base 7

comprises a plurality of solar panels 9 and optional mounts 1 1 in the form of suckers at

each corner of the base 7.

The top portion 5 comprises an outer casing 13 which has a curved surface. The

outer casing 13 may be formed of any suitable material such as wood, plastic or glass

(coloured or clear). The outer casing 13 has an inlet 15 extending partially across the

width of the outer casing 13 and a translucent portion 17 adjacent to the front edge of

the inlet 15. An inwardly directed scraper 19 is attached to the rear edge of the inlet 15

and extends along the length of the inlet 15. The scraper is bias inwardly by a pair of

pressure springs 21 at each end of the scraper 19.

The top portion 5 further comprises an internal support structure 23 which

comprises a rectangular base portion 25 and opposite and upwardly extending side walls

27. The side walls 27 being shaped to fit within the curved shape of the outer casing

13.

Each side wall 27 has a groove 29 which extends partially down each side wall

27. Each groove 29 supports either end of an insect attracting means 31. The insect

attracting 31 comprises an elongate portion 35 which has a square cross-section and a

circular disc 37 at each end thereof. A projection 33 extends outwardly from the centre

of each disc 37 and the projection is freely supported within each groove 29. The

surface of the elongate portion 35 is pretreated with a substance which attracts the

insects. The insect attracting means may comprise a disposable cartridge as shown in

Figure 7, in which the surfaces of the cartridge have been impregnated with a scent which attracts a particular insect, for example flies, wasps or mosquitoes depending on

the required use of the trap.

The insect attracting means 31 is rotated by means of an electric motor 35 which

may be powered by the solar panels 9 or by batteries or rechargeable batteries 41 or

may be powered by mains electricity. The insect attracting means 31 is driven by

engagement of one of the discs with a directly driven cog 42 so as to rotate the elongate

portion 35 of the insect attracting means 31 within the inlet 15. The scraper 19 is

biased to follow the surface of the insect attracting means 31 as it rotates. A disposable

bag 43 is placed on the base 25 at the rear of the internal support structure 23 within the

outer casing 13. The disposable bag has an inlet 45.

In use, the insect trap of the first embodiment may be wall-mounted by means of

the suckers 1 1, as shown in Figure 3a, or may be placed on a work-top in a domestic or

industrial kitchen, as shown in Figure 3b or alternatively, the trap may be mounted by

means of the suckers 11 onto a window, as shown in figure 3 c, so that the solar panels 9

within the base 7 of the insect trap 1 may be utilized.

The insect trap 1 is powered so that the insect attracting means (cartridge) 31

rotates by means of the motor 39 within the inlet 15 of the outer casing 13. The

cartridge 31 rotates in an anticlockwise direction at approximately one rotation every 45

seconds.

The insect is attracted to land on the rotating cartridge 31. The insect remains

on the cartridge 31 even as it rotates within the inlet 15 due to the translucent portion 17

which permits some light to enter the housing which helps to prevent the insect from

flying away before it enters the rear of the housing 3. As the cartridge 31 rotates within the housing 3, the insects are prevented from leaving the rear of the housing by the

difference in the geometry of the cartridge surface and the inner surface of the

translucent portion 17 and the outer casing 13. As the cartridge rotates, the corners of

the cartridge 31 are to the curved inner surface of the translucent portion 17 and outer

casing 13 such that the insect can not escape the housing 3 via the inlet 15 once it enters

the housing 3. The scraper 19 removes the insect from the cartridge 31 so that it drops

into the housing 3 and hence into the disposable bag 43 via the inlet 45. The insects

collected in the disposable bag can then be disposed of by removing the disposal bag 43

and replacing it with a new, empty bag.

The disposal bag 43 and the cartridge 31 are replaced merely by lifting the outer

casing 13 which is fitted to the base 7 by means of a quick release mechanism such as

snap-fitted.

The second embodiment of the present invention is shown in figure 4. This trap

comprises a pair of insect traps 101 which correspond to the trap described above with

reference to figures la, lb and 2. The pair of traps 101 are placed side by side within a

single housing 103. Each insect trap 101 comprises an inlet 1 15 and translucent portion

1 17 as described with reference to the first embodiment. Pretreated insect attracting

means 131 is rotatably mounted within each inlet 115 of each trap 101 and a scraper

1 19 is provided at the rear of each inlet 115. Each trap 101 is separately driven by its

own electric motor (not shown).

The principal of the insect trap is the same to that as described with reference to

the first embodiment. In providing a pair of traps 101, the number of insects that can be

trapped is increased, making the unit more suitable for industrial purposes. A third embodiment of the insect trap of the present invention will now be

described with reference to figures 5 and 6. The insect trap 201 of the third

embodiment comprises a housing 203 which has a generally cylindrical top portion 205

mounted in an upright position on a base portion 207. The top portion 205 comprises

an outer casing 213. The outer casing 213 has an inlet 215 which extends partially

along the length of the outer casing 213 parallel to the longitudinal axis x-x of the top

portion 205. The outer casing 213 also has a flattened portion 214 opposite the inlet

215 which may be used as a pressed name plate. The outer casing 213 is formed of a

translucent material such as coloured glass and the flattened portion 214 is opaque and

may be formed of metal.

Insect attracting means 231 is mounted coaxially within the top portion 205.

The insect attracting means corresponds to that described with reference to the first

embodiment above. The projection 233 which extends from the lower end of the insect

attracting means 231 is mounted with a corresponding hole 229 in the centre of the base

portion 207.

A scraper 219 is mounted on the base portion 207 to extend upwardly along the

length of the inlet 215 and is bias against the surface of the insect attracting means 231.

The base portion 207 comprises a base cover 208 mounted on a base 225. A

motor unit 239 is attached to the base 225 within the base cover 208. The motor unit

239 comprises a spindle driver 234 which engages the projection 233 of the insect

attracting means 231 and hence directly drives the insect attracting means 231 to rotate

it within the inlet 215. A container 243 having an inlet 245 is mounted on top of the top portion 205.

The inlet 245 extends partially into the container 243 and is shaped such that the mouth

of the inlet 245 becomes narrow as it extends into the container 243. The container 243

is formed of blow-moulded plastic and is transparent.

The operation of the trap 201 is similar to that described with reference to the

first embodiment. The insect attracting means 231 slowly rotates within the inlet 215 of

the outer casing 213 so that, when an insect lands on the insect attracting means 231,

the insect becomes trapped within the housing 203. The container 243 is transparent so

that the insects are attracted to leave the housing and enter the container via the inlet

245. The narrowing of the inlet 245 ensures that the insect cannot re-enter the housing

203 and the container can be removed and disposed of and a new container replaced

when required.

The disposable cartridge for attracting the insects used in the first to third

embodiments is shown in figure 7. It comprises a pair of discs 37 having a projection

33 extending outwardly from the centre of each disc. On the inner surface of each disc,

there is provided an upwardly extending flange 47. The flange 47 forms a square or

alternatively any polygonal shape. A card 49 is wrapped around the flanges 47 to form

an elongate portion 35 between each disc 37. The card 49 is impregnated with a scent

which attracts a particular type insect, for example flies, wasps or mosquitoes. The

cartridge can then be disposed of and replaced with a fresh cartridge as required within

the trap of the present invention.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention will now be described with

reference to Figures 8 to 10b. The insect trap 301 comprises a base unit 307 on which an elongate top portion

305 is vertically mounted. A transparent container 343 is mounted on top of the top

portion 305. The top portion 305 has an outlet 351 which corresponds with an inlet 345

in the container 343. The top portion 305 and the container 343 form the disposable

element of the trap 301. The top portion 305 comprises an outer cardboard casing 313

having a generally square cross-section. An inlet 315 extends partially along the length

of one of the side walls of the outer casing 313 parallel to the longitudinal axis x-x of

the top portion 305. A translucent portion 317 is located adjacent to the inlet 315.

Insect attracting means 331 is placed coaxially within the outer casing 313 so

that it rotates within the inlet 315. The insect attracting means 331 comprises an

elongate portion 335 which has a pentagonal cross-section as shown in figure 9 and is

pretreated with a substance to attract the insects. The translucent portion 317 has an

inner surface which is curved so that the geometry of the surface of the insect attracting

means 331 differs from the internal geometry of the entry into the housing 303 so that

as the insect attracting means rotates in an anti-clockwise direction, the insects cannot

exit the housing due to the close proximity of the corners of the insect attracting means

331 to the inner surface of the translucent element 313. Projections 333 extend from

each end of the insect attracting means for rotatably supporting the insect attracting

means 331 within the inlet 315 of the housing 303.

The trap 301 further comprises a scraper 319 which is formed to extend

inwardly from the inner surface of another side wall of the outer casing 313 so to follow

the surface of the insect attracting means 331. The outer casing 313 is opaque so that the insect trapped within the housing 313

is attracted towards the outlet 351 of the outer casing 313 to enter the transparent

container 343 via the inlet 345.

The base unit 307 contains a motor unit 339 which directly drives the insect

attracting means 331. The motor may be battery driven and the base unit 307 houses

the batteries required.

The trap 301 operates in a similar way to that described above with reference to

the first, second and third embodiment. However, in this embodiment the top portion

305 and the container 343 formed an integral unit and are disposable. These are

replaced on top of the existing base unit 307 as required.

A fifth embodiment of the present invention will now be described with

reference to Figures 1 la to Figure 12b.

The trap 401 comprises a generally cylindrical housing 403 having a base 407

and a main body portion 405 mounted on the base 407. The trap 401 also comprises a

container 443 mounted to the other end of the main body portion 405. The base 407

houses the motor unit 439 which causes rotation of insect attracting means 431 within

the main body portion 405.

The main body portion 405 comprises an outer casing 413 having an inlet 415.

The inlet 415 extends partially along the length of the outer casing 413 parallel to the

longitudinal axis x-x of the housing 403. A translucent portion 417 is located along one

edge of the inlet 415.

Insect attracting means 431 is mounted so as to rotate within the inlet 415 of the

outer casing 413. The insect attracting means 431 comprises a disposable cartridge, the surface of which is pretreated with a substance which attracts the insects. The cartridge

has a square cross-section and has at least one elongate slot 453 in each side wall of the

cartridge and an ultra-violet light source 455 mounted within the cartridge.

In use, ultra-violet light shines through the slots 453 and also heats the cartridge

so that the substance is heated and evaporates to give out a scent to attract the insects to

land on the cartridge 431 and as it rotates, the insects become trapped within the

housing 403. Due to the transparency of the container 443, the insects are attracted

towards it out of the housing 405.

The trap 401 can be wall mounted by means of a bracket 402 as shown in Figure

12a or can be ceiling mounted by adaptation the base 407 as shown in figure 12b to

form a light fitting as well as a trap.

A sixth embodiment will now be described in more detail with reference to

figures 13a to 14.

The trap 501 comprises a housing 503 which has a base unit 507 and a generally

cylindrical top portion 505 mounted thereon. The base unit 507 houses the motor unit

539 which can be battery powered or the like.

The top portion 505 comprises an outer casing 513 having an inlet 515. The

inlet extends partially along the length of the outer casing 513 parallel to the

longitudinal axis x-x of the housing 503. A transparent portion 517 extends along an

edge of the inlet 515.

Insect attracting means 531 having a square cross-section is mounted coaxially

within the outer casing 513 so as to be rotatably driven by the motor unit 539 within the

inlet 515. The insect attracting means 531 is pretreated so that its outer surface is coated with a substance which attracts insects. The trap 501 further comprises scraper

519 which extends inwardly from the inner surface of the outer casing 513 so as to

follow the surface of the insect attracting means 531. The trap further comprises a

disposable transparent container 543 which is attached to one side of the outer casing

513 opposite to the inlet 515 and extends along the length of the outer casing 513. The

container 543 has a plurality of inlets 545 which correspond with outlets 551 of the

housing 503.

As described with reference to the embodiments above, the insects land on the

insect attracting means 531 via the inlet 515 and as the insect attracting means 531

rotates within the outer housing 513, the insects become trapped at the rear. of the

housing due to the scraper 519. The insects are attracted by the light from the

transparent container 543 and exit the housing. The insects can then be disposed of by

removing the container 543 as required. In use, the trap may be wall mounted as shown

as Figure 13b.

In accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention as shown in

Figures 15 to 17, the trap 601 is adapted to be fitted on the dashboard or on the back

shelf of a vehicle. The trap 601 is similar to that described with reference to the first

embodiment except that the disposable bag 643 is accessed by opening a lid 644 formed

in the front portion of the outer casing 613. The bag 643 and the lid 644 is transparent

so that the insects are attracted toward the bag 643. A solar panel 609 may be used to

power the motor to rotate pretreatedinsect attracting means 631 within the inlet 615.

The solar panel 609 is fitted on top of the outer casing 613. The eighth embodiment will now be described with reference to Figures 18 to

20b.

The trap 701 comprises a base 707 which has retractable pins 757 extending

therefrom so that the base 707 can be plugged into a mains socket as shown in Figure

19. The base 707 has a motor unit 739 which is powered via the mains. A transparent

mesh bag 743 extends from the base unit 707. The base further comprises a lid 759

which in its closed position packs the meshed bag into a sealed unit and in its open

position the meshed bag extends from the base. The base unit has an outlet 761.

During use an outer casing 713 is mounted onto the base 707. The outer casing

713 is cylindrical and has an inlet 715 and a transparent portion 717. It also comprises

an inwardly extending scraper (not shown). Pretreated insect attracting means having a

square cross section is inserted into the outer casing 713 and driven by the motor 739 as

described with reference to the embodiments above.

This unit is suitable for travelling purposes and the lid 759 can be placed in its

closed position for storing the transparent mesh bag attached to the base unit 707 and, in

use, of the lid 759 can be opened to allow the transparent mesh bag 743 to extend from

the base 707.

A ninth embodiment according the present invention will now be described with

reference to Figures 21 to 22c.

The trap 801 comprises a cylindrical outer casing 813 which is closed at one

end. The outer casing has an inlet 815 which extends along the length the outer casing

813 parallel to the longitudinal axis x-x of the trap 801. The outer casing 813 has a

transparent portion 817 located adjacent to an edge of the inlet 815. Insect attracting means 831 is mounted coaxially within the outer casing 813. The open end of the outer

casing 813 is mounted onto a base unit 807. The insect attracting means 831 is

mounted on to the base unit 807 via a pair of grooves 865 within the base of the insect

attracting means which engages a pair of upwardly extending projections 863. The

surface of the insect attracting means 831 is pretreated so that it is coated with a

substance which attracts insects. The base houses a clockwork mechanism 839 which

has a winding key 867 for driving the insect attracting means. A scraper 819 follows

the surface of the insect attracting means to prevent insects escaping the trap. The trap

801 further comprises a hook 840 which extends from the closed end of the outer casing

813 so that the trap 801 can be hung from a ceiling or within the entrance of a tent. The

insects are trapped within the outer casing 813 and are released at intervals to empty the

trap.

The disposal cartridge described with reference to figure 7 can be utilized in any

one of the above mentioned embodiments.

A tenth embodiment will now be described with reference to Figures 23 to 26b.

The trap 901 comprises a housing 903 having a top portion 905 and a base unit

907. The top portion 905 comprises a generally circular outer casing 913 having an

inlet 915 formed of a radial segment of the outer casing 913 and a translucent portion

917 formed on one side of the inlet 915. The base unit 907 has a motor unit 939 which

may be battery driven. A turntable 969 is mounted onto the motor unit 939. Insect

attracting means 931 is mounted onto the turntable 969 so that as the motor 939 rotates

the turntable, the insect attracting means 931 rotates therewith. The insect attracting

means 931 comprises a circular disc, which is impregnated with a substance which attracts insects, having a plurality of upwardly extending vanes 971 which prevent the

insects from leaving the housing as the insect attracting means 931 rotates. The

upwardly extending vanes 971 are flexible so that as it rotates within the outer casing

913, the vanes are folded down as they come in contact with a scraper 919 which

extends downwardly from the outer casing 913 and hence prevents the insects from

leaving the housing via the inlet 915. A disposable bag 943 is mounted within the base

unit 907. The bag 943 has an inlet 945 on the outside edge so that the insects can leave

the housing and enter the container 943 and be disposed of as required. Alternatively,

the container 943 can extend outwardly from the housing as shown in figures 26a and

26b.

In the light of this disclosure, modifications of the described embodiments as

well as other embodiments, all within the scope of the appended claims will now

become apparent to a person skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A trap for insects comprising

a housing having an inlet;

insect attracting means rotatably supported within the inlet of the housing, the

insect attracting means being pretreated with a substance for attracting insects;

scraper means for following the surface of the insect attracting means for

removing insects from the insect attracting means and trapping the insects in the

housing.

2. A trap according to claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises an outlet and

the trap further comprises a container fitted to the outlet of the housing and having

means for attracting the insects out of the housing into the container for later disposal.

3. A trap according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the insect attracting means is arranged

such that as the insect attracting means rotates, the insects are trapped within the

housing.

4. A trap according to claim 3, wherein the geometry of the interior of the housing

differs from the geometry of the surface of the insect attracting means.

5. A trap according to claim 3, wherein the interior of the housing is curved and

the insect attracting means is polygonal.

6. A trap according to claim 3, wherein the insect attracting means comprises

outwardly extending vanes to trap the insects.

7. A trap according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein a portion of the

housing adjacent the inlet is translucent.

8. A trap according to any one of the claims 2 to 7, wherein at least a portion of the

container is translucent.

9. A trap according to any one of the claims 2 to 8, wherein the outlet comprises

means for preventing the insects re-entering the housing.

10. A trap according to any one of the claims 2 to 9, wherein the container is

disposable.

11. A trap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insect

attracting means is disposable.

12. A trap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the substance for

attracting insects is a scent.

13. A trap according to any one of claims 1 to 1 1, wherein the insect attracting

means comprises a slotted casing in which is supported a light source.

14. A trap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing is

generally cylindrical and the axis of rotation of the insect attracting means is parallel to

the longitudinal axis of the housing.

15. A trap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insect

attracting means comprises a disc.

16. A trap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the scraper means

is biased against the insect attracting means.

17. A trap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insect

attracting means is rotated by means of any one or any combination of the following: an

electric motor; clockwork mechanism; quartz clock mechanism.

18. A trap according to claim 17, wherein the electric motor is powered by any one

or any combination of the following: solar energy; batteries; rechargeable batteries; and

mains electricity.

19. A trap according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the housing is

disposable.

20. A disposable cartridge for an insect trap according to any one of the preceding

claims, the cartridge having an outer surface which is pretreated with a substance for

attracting insects and has means for rotatably mounting the cartridge in the inlet of the

trap.

21. A trap for insects substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any

one of the accompanying drawings.

22. A disposable cartridge for an insect trap substantially as hereinbefore described

with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.

AMENDED CLAIMS

[received by the International Bureau on 18 June 1999 (18.06.99); original claims 1 -22 replaced by new claims 1 -32 (6 pages)]

1. A trap for insects, comprising: a housing having an inlet; disposable insect attracting means rotatably supported within the inlet of the housing, the insect attracting means being pretreated with a substance for attracting insects; and scraper means for following the surface of the insect attracting means for removing

attracting means and trapping insects in the housing.

2. A trap for insects, comprising: a housing having an inlet; a first insect attracting means rotatably supported within the inlet of the housing, the insect attracting means being pretreated with a substance for attracting insects; and scraper means for following the surface of the first insect attracting means for removing insects from the insect attracting means and trapping the insects in the housing, the housing further comprising a second, disposable insect attracting means-

3. A trap for insects, comprising: a housing having an inlet; a first insect attracting means rotatably supported within the inlet of the housing, the insect attracting means being pretreated with a substance for attracting insects; and scraper means for following the surface of the first insect attracting means for removing insects from the insect attracting means and trapping the insects in the housing; the housing further comprising a second insect attracting means which is a transparent container.

4. A trap according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the insect attracting means comprises a profiled disc.

5. A trap according to claim 4, wherein the area of the inlet is significantly less than half the area of the insect attracting surface of the insect attracting means.

6. A trap according to claim 2, wherein the insect attracting means comprises a profiled disc.

7. A trap according_! to claim 6, wherein the area of the inlet is significantly less than half the area of the insect attracting surface of the first insect attracting means.

8. A trap for insects, comprising: a housing having an inlet; insect attracting means rotatably supported within the inlet of the housing, the insect attracting means comprising a disc pretreated with a substance for attracting insects; the area of the inlet being significantly less than half of the area of the insect attracting surface of the insect attracting means; and

scraper means for following the surface of the insect attracting means for removing insects from the insect attracting means and trapping the insects in the housing.

9. A trap according to claim 1 or 8, wherein the housing further comprises an outlet and the trap further comprises a container fitted to the outlet of the housing and having means for attracting the insects out of the housing into the container for later disposal.

10. A trap according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the insect attracting means is arranged such that as the insect attracting means rotates, the insects are trapped within the housing.

11. A trap according to any of the preceding cl ims, wherein the geometry of the interior of the housing differs from the geometry of the surface of the insect attracting means.

12. A trap according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 9, wherein the interior of the housing is curved and the insect attracting means is polygonal.

13- A trap according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the insect attracting means comprises outwardly extending vanes to trap the insects-

14. A trap according to any one of claim 1 or 9 to 13, wherein a portion of the housing adjacent the inlet is translucent.

15. A frap according to any one of the claims 3 or 9 to 14, wherein at least a portion of the or a container is translucent.

1 . A trap according to any one of the claims 9 to 15- wherein the, or an outlet comprises means for preventing the insects re-entering tire housing.

17. A frap according to any one of die claims 9 to 16, wherein the, or a container is disposable.

18. A trap according to any one of claims 3 or 9 to 17, wherein the insect attracting means is disposable.

19. A trap according to claim 2, 6 or 7 wherein the first insect attracting means is disposable.

20. A trap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the substance for attracting insects is a scent.

21. A trap according to any one of claims 2 to 17, wherein the insect attracting means comprises a slotted casing in which is supported a light source.

22. A trap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing is generally cylindrical and the axis of rotation of the insect attracting means is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

23. A frap according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and 9 to 21, wherein the insect attracting means comprises a disc rotatable about an axis generally normal to the disc.

24. A trap according to claim 23, wherein the disc comprises elements which extend generally radially from said axis or from adjacent said axis to the periphery or to adjacent the periphery of the disc and extend in the axial direction.

25. A frap according to claim 24, wherein the elements extend axially to a greater extent as the centre of rotation is approached from the periphery.

26. A frap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the scraper means is biased against the insect attracting means.

27. A trap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insect attracting means is rotated by means of any one or any combination of the following: an electric motor; clockwork mechanism; quartz clock mechanism.

2S. A trap according to claim 27, wherein the electric motor is powered by any one or any combination of the following: solar energy; batteries; rechargeable batteries; and mains electricity.

29. A trap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing is disposable.

30. A disposable cartridge for an insect trap according to any one of the preceding claims, the cartridge having an outer surface which is pretreated with a substance for attracting insects and has means for rotatably mounting the cartridge in the inlet of the trap.

31. A frap for insects substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

32. A disposable cartridge for an insect frap substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.