Abstract:
An insect trap which includes a base having a rear surface and a front surface, a housing mounted to cover at least a portion of the front surface of the base, an insect attractant such as a light located at least partially within the housing, an insect neutralizer such as an adhesive surface located at least partially within the housing, and an electrical plug protruding from the rear surface of the base whereby the insect trap may be mounted to an electrical socket by inserting the electrical plug into the electrical socket. The insect trap can be easily mounted and removed, making it suitable for intermittent, seasonal, or temporary use.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates generally to the field of insect traps, and particularly to insect traps which include an insect-attracting light source.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Insect traps that include a sticky substance capable of ensnaring insects are well known. Such insect traps, for example fly paper, may include a sticky substance applied as a coating on paper or other sheet material. One disadvantage associated with insect traps of this type is that the adhesive characteristics of the sticky substance usually diminish over time. Also, such insect traps usually become unsightly due to the concentration of dead insects on the sticky substance. Thus, insect traps of this type require periodic maintenance, by replacing the insect trap entirely or by replacing the portion of the insect trap that bears the sticky substance.  
           [0003]    Insect traps that include an insect attractant, for example a light, are also known. Examples of such traps are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,876,822 issued to White, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,365,690 and 5,505,017 issued to Nelson, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,501 issued to Larkin. Such insect traps have included a sticky substance capable of ensnaring insects after they have been attracted. Other such insect traps have included other insect neutralizers, for example exposed electrical wires able to deliver a lethal electrical shock to insects. Insect traps of this type often require electrical power for operation of an insect attractant or an insect neutralizer, or both.  
           [0004]    Some geographical areas, particularly areas which experience temperatures below freezing during portions of the year, experience insect populations which are seasonal. In such geographical areas, insect traps may not be needed for large portions of the year. Similarly, cabins, outdoor porches, gazebos, shelters in public parks, portions of restaurants or other facilities used for wedding receptions and the like, or other entertaining or living spaces may be used on a seasonal, intermittent, or temporary basis. In such settings, insect traps may be required only when those spaces are in use.  
           [0005]    Some insect traps, especially insect traps which require electrical power, are permanently installed. For example, insect traps may be mounted on a pole when installed in an outdoor area, or affixed to a wall with screws or other mounting hardware when installed in an indoor area. Insect traps which require permanent or semi-permanent installation are not as well suited for seasonal or intermittent use as an insect trap which can be easily installed when needed and easily removed when not needed. Further, insect traps which require permanent or semi-permanent installation may require alteration of walls onto which they are mounted, making such insect traps unsuitable for temporary use, for example when used in a public shelter house or in a space which is rented for a short period of time.  
           [0006]    Other insect traps, for example flypaper, may be suitable for temporary, seasonal, or intermittent use. However, the unsightly appearance of dead insects in such traps diminishes the usefulness of such traps, especially in spaces used for dining or entertaining, for example in restaurants, reception halls, and the like. Further, such traps may be less effective than traps which use electrical power.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    The present invention relates to an insect trap which includes a base having a rear surface and a front surface, a housing mounted to cover at least a portion of the front surface of the base, a light source between the housing and the front surface of the base, an adhesive surface between the housing and the front surface of the base, and an electrical plug protruding from the rear surface of the base whereby the insect trap may be mounted by inserting the electrical plug into an electrical socket.  
           [0008]    An insect trap according to the invention can be easily mounted and removed, making it suitable for intermittent, seasonal, or temporary use. An insect trap according to the invention may have an improved appearance compared to other insect traps which are suitable for intermittent, seasonal, or temporary use. An insect trap according to the invention may also be more effective compared to other insect traps which are suitable for intermittent, seasonal, or temporary use.  
           [0009]    According to another aspect of the invention, an insect trap includes an enclosure having a rear surface and at least one opening, an insect attractant located at least partially within the enclosure, an insect neutralizer located at least partially within the enclosure, and an electrical plug protruding from the rear surface of the enclosure. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the insect attractant is a light, the insect neutralizer is sheet material bearing a sticky substance able to ensnare insects, and the enclosure is adapted to allow easy replacement of the sheet material.  
           [0010]    According to another aspect of the invention, an insect trap includes an enclosure having a rear surface and at least one opening, an insect lure able to attract insects coupled to the enclosure, for example a pheromone, scent, bait, or the like, an insect neutralizer located at least partially within the enclosure, and an electrical plug that protrudes from the rear surface of the enclosure.  
           [0011]    An insect trap according to the invention may include additional features to enhance the effectiveness, extend the useful life, or improve the appearance of the insect trap, although this is not required. For example, an insect trap according to the invention may include a timer, light detector, thermocouple, or motion detector for providing stimulus to a controller adapted to selectively operate the insect attractant (for example the light) or insect neutralizer. An insect trap according to the invention may include a status indicator adapted to indicate that the insect trap requires maintenance.  
           [0012]    Further objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the following drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]    In the drawings:  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an insect trap according to the invention.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an insect trap according to the invention with the housing separated from the base assembly.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 3 is a front view of the base assembly of a preferred embodiment of an insect trap according to the invention.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 4 is a side view of the base of a preferred embodiment of an insect trap according to the invention.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 5 is a rear view of the base of a preferred embodiment of an insect trap according to the invention with the power plug in a horizontal position.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the internal components of an insect trap according to the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0020]    With reference to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an insect trap according to the invention, indicated generally at  10 . The insect trap  10  includes a base  11  and a housing  15  having at least one opening  16 . The base  11  and housing  15  together form an enclosure having at least one opening  16 , although this is not required and a suitable enclosure having at least one opening may be formed in other ways.  
         [0021]    The insect trap  10  includes an insect attractant which is preferably a light  20 , although this is not required and other insect attractants may be used. The insect trap  10  also includes an insect neutralizer which is preferably an adhesive surface  30 , although this is not required and other insect neutralizers may be used. In the insect trap  10 , the opening  16  allows light to pass out of the enclosure in order to attract insects. In the insect trap  10 , the opening  16  also allows insects to enter the enclosure where they may be ensnared by the adhesive surface  30 .  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 2 shows a side perspective view of the insect trap  10  with the housing  15  separated from the base  11 . As best shown in FIG. 2, the housing  15  preferably has a plurality of openings to facilitate light passing out of the enclosure, and to facilitate insects entering the enclosure. The shape of the housing  15  and the openings  16  are preferably designed to enhance the appearance of the insect trap  10 , although this is not necessary. The base  11  has a front surface  12 .  
         [0023]    The insect attractant, which is preferably a light  20 , functions to increase the likelihood that insects will approach the insect trap  10  or enter the enclosure of the insect trap  10 . The light  20  may be mounted to the front surface  12  of the base  11 , although the light  20  may be mounted elsewhere, for example on the housing  15 . The light  20  may be of the flourescent type as shown in FIG. 2, in which case the insect trap  10  may include a ballast  21 , although other types of light may be used in accordance with the invention.  
         [0024]    The insect neutralizer, which is preferably an adhesive surface  30 , functions to immobilize, kill, or otherwise adversely affect insects which approach the insect trap  10  or enter the enclosure of the insect trap  10 . The adhesive surface  30  may be mounted to the front surface  12  of the base  11 , although the adhesive surface  30  may be mounted elsewhere, for example on the housing  15 . The adhesive surface  30  may be formed of sheet material bearing an adhesive substance placed in vertical slots formed in the front surface  12  of the base  11 , although other types of adhesive surfaces and mounting orientations may be used. For example, the adhesive surface  30  may be a liquid contained in a reservoir. The base  11  and housing  15  are preferably formed to allow easy removal and replacement of the adhesive surface  30 .  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 3 is a front view of the base assembly of the insect trap  10 . The insect trap  10  includes a base  11  having a front surface  12 . The insect trap  10  includes an insect attractant, which is preferably a light  20 . The light  20  is preferably of the flourescent type and may require a ballast  21 , although other types of lights may be used. The insect trap  10  also includes an insect neutralizer, which is preferably an adhesive surface  30 .  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 4 is a side view of the base  11  of the insect trap  10 . As best shown in FIG. 4, the base  11  of the insect trap  10  has a front surface  12  and a rear surface  13 . The insect trap  10  includes an electrical plug  40  that protrudes from the rear surface  13  of the base  11 .  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 5 is a rear view of the base  11  of the insect trap  10 . As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the electrical plug  40  is preferably a standard two conductor plug of the type commonly used in the United States for 120 VAC household electricity, although this is not required and other types may be used. For example, a standard three conductor plug including a safety ground conductor of the type commonly used in the United States may be used. Other electrical plugs, for example electrical plugs used in foreign countries or electrical plugs used to carry 12 VDC power and the like, may also be used in accordance with the invention.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the internal components of an insect trap according to the invention. An insect trap according to the invention may include a timer  51  and a controller  50 , which may be adapted to control a status indicator  56  to show, for example, that maintenance is required. The timer  51  and controller  50  may also be used, for example, to operate the insect attractant  22  or the insect neutralizer  31  during certain times of day.  
         [0029]    An insect trap according to the invention may include a light detector  52  and a controller  50 , which may be adapted to control the insect attractant  22  or the insect neutralizer  31 , for example to operate the insect attractant  22  or the insect neutralizer  31  only during nighttime hours.  
         [0030]    An insect trap according to the invention may include a thermocouple  53  and a controller  50 , which may be adapted to control the insect attractant  22  or the insect neutralizer  31 , for example to operate the insect attractant  22  or the insect neutralizer  31  only during periods when the temperature exceeds freezing.  
         [0031]    An insect trap according to the invention may include a switch  54  and a controller  50 , which may be adapted to control the insect attractant  22  or the insect neutralizer  31 , for example to operate the insect attractant  22  or the insect neutralizer  31  only when the switch is turned on.  
         [0032]    An insect trap according to the invention may include a motion detector  55  and a controller  50 , which may be adapted to control the insect attractant  22  or the insect neutralizer  31 , for example to operate the insect attractant  22  or the insect neutralizer  31  only when the motion detector indicates that the presence of movement in the vicinity of the insect trap, for example of persons, animals, or insects.  
         [0033]    An insect trap according to the invention may include a status indicator  56  and a controller  50  which may be adapted to control the status indicator  56 , for example to indicate that the insect trap requires maintenance.  
         [0034]    An insect trap according to the invention may include an audible alarm  57  or a visible alarm  58  or both types of alarm, and a controller  50  which may be adapted to control the audible alarm  57  or visible alarm  58 , for example to indicate that the insect trap requires maintenance or to indicate the presence of smoke, toxic gas, or other hazards in the environment.  
         [0035]    An insect trap according to the invention may include a communications interface  59 , for example a radio transmitter and/or a radio receiver, and a controller  50  which may be adapted to control the communications interface  59 , for example to receive control signals or to transmit status signals. Such a communications interface  59  may be used, for example, to receive control signals to turn on the insect trap or to send status signals regarding the state of the insect trap or its environment.  
         [0036]    An insect trap according to the invention may include a battery  60 , for example to provide power to any of the electrical components of the insect trap.  
         [0037]    An insect trap according to the invention may include an exit light  61  or night light  62 , and a controller  50  which may be adapted to control the exit light  61  or night light  62 , for example to turn on the exit light  61  or night light  62  in the event of a power outage or when darkness falls.  
         [0038]    An insect trap according to the invention may include an smoke detector  63  or toxic gas detector  64  (for example a carbon monoxide detector), and a controller  50  which may be adapted to receive a signal from the smoke detector  63  or the toxic gas detector  64  which may be used, for example, to activate the audible alarm  60  or visible alarm  58 , or to transmit status information using the communications interface  59 , in the event that smoke or toxic gas is detected in the vicinity of the insect trap.  
         [0039]    There are various possibilities with regard to alternative embodiments and applications of an insect trap according to the invention.  
         [0040]    Although the insect trap  10  preferably uses a single light  20  as an insect attractant, this is not required and a plurality of lights may be used.  
         [0041]    Other insect attractants may also be used. For example, pheromones, scent, baits, or the like, which will be referred to as “scent,” may be used as an insect attractant in accordance with the invention. A scent used as an insect attractant may be a combination of other scents. Scent may be dispersed, for example by using a fan or by placing an electrical warming element in close proximity to a medium, gel, or other substance or apparatus able to produce scents. Sound may also be used as an insect attractant. A combination of insect attractants may also be used in accordance with the invention. For example, light may be used in combination with another attractant such as scents or sound.  
         [0042]    Although the insect trap  10  preferably uses an adhesive surface formed of a sheet material bearing an adhesive substance as an insect neutralizer, this is not required and other insect neutralizers may be used. For example, electrical conductors capable of delivering a lethal shock to insects may be used as an insect neutralizer in accordance with the invention.  
         [0043]    Although the electrical plug  40  is preferably fixed to the rear surface  13  of the base  10  as shown in FIG. 4, this is not required. For example, the electrical plug  40  may be adapted to rotate so that the insect trap  10  may be mounted in either a vertical or a horizontal orientation.  
         [0044]    Although the enclosure or housing of an insect trap according to the invention is preferably adapted to be aesthetically pleasing, this is not required. For example, the enclosure or housing may bear advertising messages, or the enclosure or housing may be designed without regard to its appearance. The enclosure or housing may serve other functional purposes, for example the enclosure or housing may bear the face of a working clock, message board, thermometer, or the like in accordance with the invention.  
         [0045]    It is understood that the invention is not confined to the embodiments set forth herein as illustrative, but embraces all such forms thereof as come within the scope of the following claims.