Rodent trap

A rodent trap is disclosed comprising a base and a kill bar, wherein the kill bar is pivotably connected to the base, a trigger member pivotably connected to the base and arranged between the base and the kill bar such that when the trigger member is activated the kill bar is released and traps or kills a rodent, the rodent trap further comprises a sensor configured to detect at least three different distances between the trigger member and the base. A rodent trap system is disclosed and a related method for determining a ready state, a sprung empty state and a caught state of a rodent trap.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a rodent trap. More specifically the present invention relates to a rodent trap of a snap type comprising a sensor to detect states of the trap.

BACKGROUND

There are different types of traps available today, such as mazes or cages to use when trying to get rid of rodents. Another type of rodent trap is a snap trap. The snap trap is designed to trap and kill a rodent between a spring loaded bar, here referred to as a kill bar, and a base of the trap.

Commonly these traps are made for mice or rats. The main difference between a trap made for rats and a trap made for mice is that rat traps are larger and made such that the bar hits the rat with a greater force than the mouse in the mouse trap.

A problem with these traps is that they might fail in trapping or killing a rodent which has triggered the trap. A rodent may be fast enough to escape the trap before being trapped by the kill bar. A rodent may also be so large that even if it is hit by the kill bar it is not killed or not even trapped by the rodent trap.

Thus, improvements to rodent traps which allows for confirming the trapping or killing of the rodent, if the trap has sprung empty or if the trap is armed is desirable.

SUMMARY

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to overcome or alleviate the above described problems.

One objective is to provide a rodent trap which is robust and reliable in determining an armed ready state, a sprung empty state and if a rodent has been caught in a caught state thereof.

One or more of these objectives, and other objectives that may appear from the description below, are at least partly achieved by means of a rodent trap according to the independent claims, embodiments thereof being defined by the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect, a rodent trap is provided comprising a base, a kill bar, wherein the kill bar is pivotably connected to the base, a trigger member, wherein the trigger member is pivotably connected to the base and arranged between the base and the kill bar such that when the trigger member is activated the kill bar is released and traps or kills a rodent, the rodent trap comprises a sensor configured to detect at least three different distances (A1, A2, A3) between the trigger member and the base.

According to a second aspect, a method is provided for determining a ready state, a sprung empty state and a caught state of a rodent trap comprising a base, a kill bar and a trigger member arranged between the base and the kill bar such that when the trigger member is activated the kill bar is released and traps or kills the rodent, the method comprising detecting at least three different distances (A1, A2, A3) between the trigger member and the base.

According to a third aspect, a rodent trap system is provided comprising a plurality of rodent traps, the rodent trap comprising a base, and a kill bar, wherein the kill bar is pivotably connected to the base, a trigger member, wherein the trigger member is pivotably connected to the base and arranged between the base and the kill bar such that when the trigger member is activated the kill bar is released and traps a rodent, a sensor configured to detect at least three different distances (A1, A2, A3) between the trigger member and the base, a wireless transmitter in communication with the sensor and being configured to transmit any of the at least three different distances to at least one receiver, and/or transmit any of a ready state, a sprung empty state and a caught state of the rodent trap associated with the at least three different distances to at least one receiver, the rodent trap system comprising said at least one receiver.

Further examples of the disclosure are defined in the dependent claims, wherein features for the first aspect may be implemented for the second and subsequent aspects, and vice versa.

Having a sensor configured to detect at least three different distances between the trigger member and the base provides for a robust and reliable detection of different states of the rodent trap, since the position of the trigger member can be accurately determined, where said position is indicative of whether a rodent has been caught or not after the trap has been triggered.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for a more robust and reliable detection of a ready state, a sprung empty state and a caught state of a rodent trap.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for a facilitated and more efficient managing of a plurality of rodent traps in a rodent trap system.

Still other objectives, features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will appear from the following detailed description, from the attached claims as well as from the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

FIG.1is a schematic perspective view of an example of a rodent trap1comprising a base10and a kill bar11. The kill bar11is pivotably connected to the base10by a connection bar20extending across the base10essentially in parallel with the kill bar11. The kill bar11is also connected to a spring (not shown), for spring loading of the kill bar.FIG.1shows an armed ready state of the rodent trap1where the rodent trap1has been set by forcing the kill bar11against the spring and locked in place by a locking mechanism21. The example inFIG.1shows the locking mechanism21engaging with an angled extension bar11′ of the kill bar11, where the angled extension bar11′ locks into a notch21′ of the locking mechanism21. It should be understood however that the kill bar11may be locked into place in an armed ready state of the rodent trap1by various locking mechanisms.

The rodent trap1comprises a trigger member12. The kill bar11is releasable from the locking mechanism21by the trigger member12. The trigger member12is engaged with the locking mechanism21so that pivoting of the trigger member12unlocks the locking mechanism21from an armed position when holding the kill bar11in the ready state. Thus, the trigger member12is pivotably connected to the base10and arranged between the base10and the kill bar11such that when the trigger member12is activated by the rodent, the locking mechanism21is released which thereby releases the kill bar11which in turn traps or kills the rodent. The kill bar11may e.g. be released by releasing the angled extension bar11′ from notch21′. Thus, the effect of the rodent triggering the trigger member12is that the kill bar11quickly and forcibly moves towards the base10and thus hits and traps the rodent against the base10. Ideally, the kill bar11will hit the rodent with a force which is enough to produce an impulse which kills the rodent instantaneously.

A bait is usually placed on or in a bait holder23which may be arranged on or near the trigger member12in order to attract a rodent towards the trigger member12. When a rodent comes into contact with the trigger member12it should pivot the trigger member12which unlocks the locking mechanism21and thus releases the kill bar11as explained above.

The rodent trap1comprises a sensor13,14, which is configured to detect at least three different distances (A1, A2, A3) between the trigger member12and the base10.FIGS.3A-Gshow examples of such detected distances (A1, A2, A3) between the trigger member12and the base10. The sensor13,14, is thus arranged to sense the position of the trigger member12relative to the base10as the trigger member12pivots with respect to the base10during the operational states of the rodent trap1, as exemplified inFIGS.3A-G.FIG.1andFIGS.3A-Gshow examples where the sensor13,14, is arranged at an end of the rodent trap1, essentially opposite the end where the rodent is trapped by the kill bar11. It should be understood however that the sensor13,14, may be arranged at other positions, along the extension of the base10and trigger member12to detect at least three different distances (A1, A2, A3) between the trigger member12and the base10while providing for the advantageous benefits as further described below. Increasing the distance between the sensor13,14, and a pivot point of the trigger member12, which may be the arranged at or adjacent the connection bar20in some examples, provides for increasing the length of the range of motion of the trigger member12relative to the base10. This may provide for a facilitated distinguishing and detecting of the at least three different distances (A1, A2, A3), and thus for a more accurate detection of the states of the rodent trap1.

The sensor13,14, may comprise a sensor suitable to detect the distance (A1, A2, A3) between the trigger member12and the base10, e.g. one or more of an electrical sensor, mechanical sensor, electro-mechanical sensor, optical sensor, or a magnetic sensor. The sensor13,14, may comprise one or more sensor components13,14, arranged on the base10and/or on the trigger member12.FIG.1andFIGS.3A-Gshow examples where the sensor13,14, comprises two sensor components13,14, arranged on the trigger member12and the base10, respectively. In one example, a first sensor component13, arranged on the trigger member12, may be arranged essentially opposite a second sensor component14arranged on the base10. The first and second sensor components13,14, may be in communication to detect a variation in the separation between the first and second sensor components13,14, as the trigger member12pivots relative to the base10. At least three different distances (A1, A2, A3) between the trigger member12and the base10may thus be determined as the amount of said separation varies. In some examples the first or second sensor component13,14, is a passive component which do not need a power supply, such as a magnet. In some examples the first or second sensor component13,14, is a part of the structure forming the trigger member12or the base10which is chosen as a passive detection point for e.g. a proximity sensor, such as an optical sensor, configured to detect the at least three different distances (A1, A2, A3) between the trigger member12and the base10. The passive detection point be in such case be a flat surface in the material from which the trigger member12or base10is formed. The first sensor component13and the second sensor component14may comprise such passive detection point and proximity sensor, respectively, in one example.

In one example, the sensor13,14, comprises a magnetic sensor13,14. The magnetic sensor13,14, may comprise a magnet13as a first sensor component13and a magnetic sensor unit14as a second sensor component14, as described further below.

Having a sensor13,14, detecting at least three different distances (A1, A2, A3) between the trigger member12and the base10provides for a robust and reliable detection of different states of the rodent trap, since the position of the trigger member12can be accurately determined, where said position is indicative of whether a rodent has been caught or not after the trap has been triggered. Having the sensor13,14, detecting the position of the trigger member12alleviates the need for having detection capability directly on the position of the kill bar11in sensor-based rodent traps. This allows for optimizing the function of the kill bar11separately, e.g. with respect to speed, force, or re-useability, without having concern of providing detection functionality. A more efficient rodent trap1is thus provided with a more reliable detection of the different states of the rodent trap.

Detection of at least three different distances (A1, A2, A3) between the trigger member12and the base10is exemplified inFIGS.3D-G.FIG.3Dshows an armed ready state of the rodent trap1, i.e. the kill bar11has been forced to its armed position and locked by the locking mechanism21(FIG.1), where the sensor13,14, is arranged to detect a distance denoted A1between the trigger member12and the base10. The trigger member12assumes a first position (p1) in this state, as further denoted inFIG.3D.FIG.3Ashows an alternative side-view of this state of the rodent trap1.

FIG.3Eshows a state of the rodent trap1where the kill bar11is in an unloaded position and in abutment with the base10. This state corresponds to a sprung empty state of the rodent trap1, i.e. the trigger member12has been triggered, moving the kill bar11forcibly down towards the base10, but no rodent is trapped by the kill bar11. The kill bar11cause movement of the trigger member12from the first position (p1) to a second position (p2) when the kill bar11moves from the armed position (FIG.3D) to the unloaded position inFIG.3E. The sensor13,14, is arranged to detect a distance denoted A3between the trigger member12and the base10, which accordingly is different from the distance denoted A1inFIG.3D.FIG.3Cshows an alternative side-view of this state of the rodent trap1.

The trigger member12is movable relative the kill bar11in a direction towards the base10from the second position (p2) to a third position (p3) while the kill bar11is in said unloaded position, as schematically illustrated inFIG.3F. Thus, a gap (d) can be arranged in between the second (p2) and third positions (p3) of the trigger member12which accommodates at least part of the rodent (R) when trapped in the rodent trap1, as further schematically illustrated inFIG.3G. The position of the trigger member12in the second position (p2) is schematically illustrated inFIG.3Gwith dashed lines for comparison. This is referred to as the caught state of the rodent trap1. The sensor13,14, is arranged to detect a distance denoted A2between the trigger member12and the base10, which is different from the distance denoted A3inFIG.3Esince the trigger member12has moved to the third position (p3), e.g. by a rodent (R) pushing down on the trigger member12as exemplified inFIG.3G.FIG.3Bshows an alternative side-view of this state of the rodent trap1. It should be understood that while the trigger member12is movable relative the kill bar11from the second position (p2) to the third position (p3) while the kill bar11is in said unloaded position, as described with reference toFIG.3F, the trapping of a rodent (R) under the kill bar11, as shown inFIG.3G, can alter the position of the kill bar11depending on how large part of the rodent is trapped. Regardless, having a trigger member12which is movable from the second position (p2) to the third position (p3) as described above provides for the detection of the third distance A3when a rodent has been trapped, independent on the current position of the kill bar11(inFIG.3G).

The trigger member12may be resiliently movable from the second position (p2) to the third position (p3) upon application of a force (F) on the trigger member12towards the base10, as illustrated inFIG.3F. Thus, the trigger member12may be biased to move from the third position (p3) to the second position (p2) when the force (F) is removed. The provides for having the trigger member12returning to the second position (p2) if a rodent first depresses the trigger member12to the third position (p3) but later manages to escape from underneath the kill bar11. The sensor13,14, then detects the second distance A2(different from A1and A3) which is indicative of the sprung empty state of the rodent trap1, and may additionally provide the information that a rodent was first trapped but then escaped.

The sensor13,14, may thus be configured to relate a first trigger distance (A1) of the at least three different distances (A1, A2, A3) to the first position (p1) and the ready state of the rodent trap1. The sensor13,14, may be configured to relate a second trigger distance (A2) of the at least three different distances (A1, A2, A3) to said third position (p3) and the caught state of the rodent trap1. Further, the sensor13,14, may be configured to relate a third trigger distance (A3) of the at least three different distances (A1, A2, A3) to the second position (p2) and the sprung empty state of the rodent trap1.

FIG.2is a top view of an example of the rodent trap1. From this view it can be seen that the kill bar11may be formed in such a way that the kill bar11extends outside of the trigger member12on a left side30aand right side30bof the trigger member12. I.e. the inner separation between arms11a,11b, which connect to the horizontal kill bar11is wider than the width (w) of the trigger member12. The kill bar11, or the arms11a,11b, thereof may thus strike against edges25a,25c, of the base10on a left and right side of the trigger member12, without having the arms11a,11b, interfering with the trigger member12. Edges25a,25c, may in some examples comprise teeth and/or grooves, also denoted25aand25cinFIG.2. Thus, the kill bar arms11a,11b, may extend to, and conform with, the arrangement of the aforementioned edges25a,25c, in the examples ofFIGS.1-3when activated and forced down by a kill bar spring (not shown). The edges25a,25c, will therefore limit the downward movement of the kill bar11toward the base10. Further, when the kill bar11, and/or arms11a,11b, thereof rest on edges25a,25c, a top of the kill bar11(denoted with reference numeral11inFIG.1), extending in parallel with a top edge25bof the base10, and in some examples interior to the top edge25b, will push down on the trigger member12, as illustrated and described above with reference toFIG.3Eand the second position (p2) of the trigger member12. The trigger member12may be biased to move towards the first position (p1) in some examples. This provides for facilitating the arming of the rodent trap1in the ready position (FIG.3D). In case the trigger member12has such bias, the kill bar11keeps the trigger member12from moving towards the first position (p1) when pushing down on the trigger member12(FIG.3E).

The bias of the trigger member12may be provided by a trigger spring (not shown), which urges the trigger member12upward back to the first position (p1). In an example, the trigger member12may not be connected to the trigger spring but instead the trigger member12strives towards the first position (p1) due to the trigger member12having a larger mass on a locking mechanism side33of the connection rod20than towards a side34of the trigger member12where the rodent triggers the trigger member12(see references inFIG.3D). Thus, the locking mechanism side33of the trigger member12may act as a counterweight to the opposite side34of the trigger member12. So, the locking mechanism side33is heavier, and this will make the trigger member12return to the first position (p1) (FIG.3D) unless the kill bar11is pushing the trigger member12down (FIG.3E).

A top of the kill bar11may in some examples extend above the trigger member12along edge25b. The kill bar11or the trigger member12may in those examples comprise a linkage member that mechanically connects the kill bar11and the trigger member12so that the trigger member12is kept in a position corresponding to the second position (p2). Regardless, the trigger member12is configured to move from the second position (p2) to the third position (p3), to accommodate a rodent, as described above with reference toFIGS.3F-G, independent on how the pivot angle of the trigger member12is restricted to the second position (p2) at the sprung empty state of the rodent trap1.

In some examples the edges25a-cof the base10comprises a sharp elevation from the base10. Alternatively, or in addition, the edges25a-ccomprises teeth and/or grooves. The rodent trap1may only have teeth/grooves and/or sharp elevations along one edge25a-c. Teeth/grooves and/or sharp elevations may be mixed or combined along different edges25a-c. In one example the edges25a-cdo not comprise teeth/grooves, or sharp elevations, but only blunt edges.

The sensor13,14, may comprise a magnetic sensor13,14, as mentioned above. In one example, the trigger member12comprises a magnet13and the base10comprises a magnetic sensor unit14. The magnetic sensor unit14is configured to detect the magnetic field from the magnet13. The magnetic field varies depending on the amount of separation between the magnet13and the magnetic sensor unit14. The magnet13and the magnetic sensor unit14may be arranged essentially opposite each other on the trigger member12and the base10, respectively. The magnetic sensor13,14, may thus relate the variation in magnetic field to the aforementioned at least three different distances (A1, A2, A3) between the trigger member12and the base10. In an example, the magnetic sensor13,14, comprises a Hall effect sensor or a reed switch which is configured to detect and convert a magnetic field into a current and/or voltage difference which can be related to the different distances (A1, A2, A3). Other types of magnetic sensors13,14, may also be used to detect the magnetic field and relate the magnetic field to the distances (A1, A2, A3). It is conceivable that in one example the magnet13is arranged on the base10and the magnetic sensor unit14is arranged on the trigger member12.

In an example where the magnetic sensor13,14, comprises a reed switch, the number of reed switches used in the rodent trap1may be chosen to correspond to at least the number of distances (A1, A2, A3) that should be sensed minus one. I.e. if three distances (A1, A2, A3) need to be distinguished, 3−1=2 reed switches suffices to detect the three distances (A1, A2, A3). This is due to the reed switch being an on-off switch.

Having a magnetic sensor13,14, as described allows for accurately determine if the rodent trap1is in the ready state to catch a rodent, if the trap is in a sprung empty state, i.e. in false-positive state, or in the caught state when the rodent has been caught. At the same time, a magnetic sensor13,14, provides for reduced complexity and a robust rodent trap1with minimal maintenance.

The sensor13,14, may however comprise any sensor suitable to detect the distance (A1, A2, A3) between the trigger member12and the base10, e.g. one or more of an electrical sensor, mechanical sensor, electro-mechanical sensor, or an optical sensor.

In an example and to further increase a distance between the three different trigger distances (A1, A2, A3), the trigger member12comprises an extension15. The extension15may comprise the magnet13, as schematically illustrated in e.g.FIG.2andFIG.3E. By having the extension15, the distance between the three different trigger distances (A1, A2, A3) is increased and thus also aids in facilitating distinguishing and detecting the three different distances (A1, A2, A3) by the magnetic sensor13,14.

The detection of the different distances (A1, A2, A3) is further exemplified with reference toFIGS.3A-C. The sensor13,14, comprises a magnetic sensor13,14, in the described example.FIG.3Ais a side view of an example of the rodent trap1when there is a relatively small distance A1between the magnet13and the magnetic sensor unit14, i.e. the trap is in the ready state. In this ready state, the trigger member12and the magnet13may be arranged in a parallel or almost parallel position relative to the base10. In the ready state the magnet13is arranged in close proximity to the magnetic sensor unit14and the first distance A1is thus very small, or the magnet13can even abut the base10. The magnetic sensor unit14is configured to relate this first distance A1to the ready state of the rodent trap1. The ready state means that the kill bar11is locked in place by the locking mechanism21and thus can be activated when the rodent activates the trigger member12.

Illustrated inFIG.3Bis a side view of an example of the rodent trap1when there is a relatively large distance A2between the magnet13and the magnetic sensor unit14. The rodent trap1is here in the caught state, corresponding to the description with respect toFIGS.3F-Gabove. The trigger member12and the magnet13may here be arranged in a maximum or close to maximum tilted position relative to the base10. The magnet13may thus be arranged at the largest distance A2away from the magnetic sensor unit14. The magnetic sensor unit14is configured to relate this second distance A2to the caught state of the rodent trap1. Hence, the rodent trap1has caught the rodent in the rodent trap1.

In the illustrated examples, the trigger member12may pivot around the connection bar20. In other examples, the trigger member12may pivot around other parts of the rodent trap1. Thus, at the end of the rodent trap1with edges25a-25c, an end of the trigger member12may be fully depressed to abut the base10, when in the maximum or close to maximum tilted state. At the opposite end of the trigger member12, the magnet13together with the base10, and/or locking mechanism21may stop the trigger member12from tilting in an opposite direction, so that the trigger member12may assume a parallel position with respect to the base10, i.e. in the ready state.

After the locking mechanism21has disengaged the trigger member12, and the kill bar11has been released, the trigger member12may be kept in a somewhat tilted position by the kill bar11, as illustrated in e.g.FIG.3E. In order to get the trigger member12to fully tilt, and in some examples touch the base10, and thus having the magnet13and magnetic sensor unit14at the largest or maximum distance A2something need to be placed in between the kill bar11and the trigger member12. Thus, the largest distance A2is only realized when the rodent is actually caught and placed between the kill bar11and the trigger member12, as exemplified inFIG.3G.

Illustrated inFIG.3Cis a side view of an example of the rodent trap1when there is a medium distance A3between the magnet13and the magnetic sensor unit14, the rodent trap1is in the false-positive or sprung empty state. The trigger member12and the magnet13is arranged in a slightly tilted position relative to the base10and the magnet13is arranged at the distance A3, which is between the first A1and second distance A2, to the magnetic sensor14. This is the same position of the trigger member12as discussed above in relation toFIG.2, i.e. when the kill bar11pushes on the trigger member12. The magnetic sensor unit14is configured to relate this third distance A3to the false-positive or sprung empty state of the rodent trap1. In the false-positive state the rodent or something have triggered the trigger member12to unlock the locking mechanism21and thus sending the kill bar11downward to the edges25aand25c. However, due to the configuration of the kill bar11, edges25aand25cand the trigger member12, as discussed above in relation toFIG.2andFIGS.3F-G, the trigger member12will not be tilted in the maximum tilted position. Thus, if the trigger member12triggers the locking mechanism21to release the kill bar11but there is no rodent or something else placed between the kill bar11and the base10, the trigger member12will thus be placed in the slightly tilted position, as seen inFIG.3C, or the position p2inFIG.3E, different from the maximum tilted position, as seen inFIG.3B, or the position p3inFIG.3G.

In some examples, the magnet13and/or magnetic sensor unit14is arranged on or attached to the trigger member12, or any extension15of the trigger member12. The attachment can be performed by e.g. gluing the magnet13to the trigger member12.

In an example, there may be two connection rods20making up the connection bar20, one on each end of the kill bar11. In these cases, there might be two kill bars11, each connected to respective connection rod20. In these types of rodent traps1, the kill bars11may be placed next to each other and sometimes joined together by a weld. In some examples, the kill bar11and the connection rods20are made from one continuous piece which is bent into the shape of the kill bar11and connection rod(s)20.

Illustrated in e.g.FIG.4is an example wherein the rodent trap1comprises a wireless transmitter50, exemplified by an antenna denoted with reference numeral50. In some examples the rodent trap1may also comprise a wireless receiver, exemplified by an antenna denoted with reference numeral50′ inFIG.4. The wireless transmitter50is in communication with the sensor13,14. The communication may be electrical and/or wireless. The wireless transmitter and/or receiver50,50′, may be any of a cellular unit such as GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) unit, 3G, 4G or 5G unit, a wireless network unit, a Bluetooth unit or the like. In an example, the rodent trap1comprises a sim card holder for communication with the cellular unit. In some examples the wireless transmitter and/or receiver50,50′, may be embedded in the base10and may communicate with external antennas50,50′. In some examples the transmitter and/or receiver50,50′, may be embedded with the antennas50,50′. In some examples one antenna50may be utilized for the wireless communication. Alternatively, a plurality of antennas50,50′, may be utilized, depending on reception needs.

The wireless transmitter50may be configured to transmit any of the at least three different distances (A1, A2, A3) to a receiver110, such as a remote receiver110, as schematically illustrated inFIG.6. Alternatively, or in addition, the wireless transmitter50is may be configured to transmit any of a ready state, a sprung empty state and a caught state of the rodent trap1associated with the at least three different distances (A1, A2, A3), as described above, to a remote receiver110.

Hence, the wireless transmitter50allows for communicating the detected state, i.e. the armed ready state, the caught state, or the false-positive/sprung empty state, and/or the distances (A1, A2, A3), to a receiver110. The receiver110can e.g. be a mobile phone, a computer, lap-top, a tablet, a webserver or the like that is configured to receive the detected state and/or distance (A1, A2, A3). This communication can be performed by sending and/or receiving a signal and/or data that comprises the detected state and/or distance (A1, A2, A3).

FIG.5Ais a flow chart of a method200for determining a ready state, a sprung empty state and a caught state of a rodent trap1. The rodent trap1comprises a base10, a kill bar11and a trigger member12arranged between the base10and the kill bar11such that when the trigger member12is activated the kill bar11is released and traps or kills the rodent. The method200comprises detecting210at least three different distances (A1, A2, A3) between the trigger member12and the base10. The method200thus provides for the advantageous benefits as described for the rodent trap1in relation toFIGS.1-4above. The method200provides for a robust and reliable detection of different states of the rodent trap1.

FIGS.5B-Eare further flow charts of a method200for determining a ready state, a sprung empty state and a caught state of a rodent trap1. The method200may comprise detecting220a first position (p1) of the trigger member12when the kill bar11is in an armed position in the ready state of the rodent trap1. The method200may comprise relating221a first trigger distance (A1) of the at least three different distances (A1, A2, A3) to said first position (p1) and the ready state of the rodent trap1(FIG.5B).

The method200may comprise detecting230a second position (p2) of the trigger member12when the kill bar is in an unloaded position and in abutment with the base10corresponding to the sprung empty state of the rodent trap1. The method200may comprise relating231a third trigger distance (A3) of the at least three different distances (A1, A2, A3) to said second position (p2) and the sprung empty state of the rodent trap1(FIG.5C).

The method200may comprise detecting240a third position (p3) of the trigger member12, whereupon the trigger member12is movable relative the kill bar11in a direction towards the base10from the second position (p2) to said third position (p3) while the kill bar11is in said unloaded position. A gap (d) arranged in between the second and third positions (p2, p3) of the trigger member12may accommodate part of a rodent when trapped in the rodent trap1, in the caught state thereof. The method200may comprise relating241a second trigger distance (A2) of the at least three different distances (A1, A2, A3) to said third position and the caught state of the rodent trap1(FIG.5D).

The method200may comprise transmitting250any of the at least three different distances (A1, A2, A3) to a receiver110, and/or transmitting250′ any of the ready state, the sprung empty state and the caught state of the rodent trap1associated with the at least three different distances (A1, A2, A3) to a receiver110.

Illustrated inFIG.5Fis an example wherein the remote receiver110may be in direct communication with the wireless receiver and/or transmitter50,50′, which in turn is in communication with the sensor13,14. In other examples the remote receiver110, such as a mobile phone or computer, may communicate with the wireless receiver and/or transmitter50,50′ of the rodent trap1via different types of relays such as a cellular tower, one or more webserver, apps, WIFI-protocols and so on.

In an example of the communication of the detected distances (A1, A2, A3) between the rodent trap1and the remote receiver110, the magnetic sensor13,14, first detects e.g. distance A3. The distance A3is then communicated to the wireless transmitter50, and then further to a cellular tower which relays the communication further to the remote receiver110, such as a mobile phone110. The mobile phone110can be programmed to show an alert that displays a given name of the rodent trap1, a location of the rodent trap1and the detected distance A3, and/or the state related to A3, i.e. the false-positive/sprung empty state of the rodent trap1.

In some examples, other parameters related to the rodent trap1can also be comprised in the communication to the remote receiver110, such as temperature, humidity, sound alerts, or settings of the rodent trap1related to e.g. firmware, light commands for controlling connected light sources, error codes and so on. In some examples, the communication is only one way, i.e. the receiver110only receives communication. In other examples, the communication is a two-way communication where the remote receiver110can send communication to a wireless receiver50′ of the rodent trap1.

The rodent trap1may comprise a notification unit35configured to emit an audible alert, and/or a visual alert to a user. A notification unit35is schematically indicated in the illustration ofFIG.2. The audible and/or visual alert may be associated with any one of the ready state, the sprung empty state, and the caught state of the rodent trap1. The notification unit35may thus be in communication with the sensor13,14, as schematically illustrated inFIG.5F. Each of the aforementioned states may be associated with a different audible and/or visual notification signal which notifies the user of the different states.

In an example illustrated inFIG.6, a plurality of rodent traps1are combined into a rodent trap system100. The rodent trap system100comprises at least one remote receiver110. The rodent trap1comprises a wireless transmitter50in communication with the sensor13,14, and which is configured to transmit any of the at least three different distances (A1, A2, A3) to the at least one remote receiver110. Alternatively, or in addition, the wireless transmitter50is configured to transmit any of a ready state, a sprung empty state and a caught state of the rodent trap1associated with the at least three different distances (A1, A2, A3) to at least one receiver110. By having the rodent trap1and/or the system100configured to send and/or receive the detected state and/or distance (A1, A2, A3) from at least one rodent trap1it is possible to minimize any time spent on checking the rodent traps1if they are triggered. It allows also for sending out the best fitted person for the job depending on the detected state of the rodent trap1. For example, if the detected state of the rodent trap1is the false-positive/sprung empty state any one close to the rodent trap1may arm the rodent trap1again. If the detected state is the caught state, then a pest controller could be sent to the rodent trap1.

The rodent trap1may comprise a battery compartment26, as schematically illustrated in e.g.FIG.7, which may hold batteries for powering e.g. the sensor13,14, and/or the wireless transmitter and/or receiver50,50′. The battery compartment26may be accessible from underneath the rodent trap1, or in other examples from above the rodent trap1. In other examples the sensor13,14, and/or the wireless transmitter and/or receiver50,50′, may have their own built-in battery. In the illustrated example ofFIG.4, a connection port27is also illustrated which may allow for communication with internal components such as a PCB (printed circuit board), the sensor13,14, and/or the wireless transmitter and/or receiver50,50′, of the rodent trap1. The connection port27may also allow for charging the batteries, either in the battery compartment26or built in batteries. In some examples, the connection port27may allow for externally powering rodent trap1, if there are no batteries in the rodent trap1. The connection port27, as well as the rodent trap1as a whole may be classified according to IP class67or any other suitable IP class that allows for the rodent trap1to be placed in e.g. humid, wet and dusty conditions.

Illustrated inFIG.7is a bottom view of the rodent trap1and an example of the battery compartment26of the rodent trap1. In this example three batteries fit in the battery compartment26. The number and type of batteries may be different depending on e.g. the power requirement of the sensor13,14, and/or the wireless transmitter and/or receiver50,50′. The batteries may be based on lithium, alkaline or other types of battery technologies.

The rodent trap1may comprise a removable battery contact28, illustrated in the example ofFIG.7, which may be in electric connection with electrical components of the rodent trap1, such as the sensor13,14, and/or the wireless transmitter and/or receiver50,50′. By having a removable battery contact28, it is possible to make the rodent trap1more compact since components that requires only temporary access can be hidden behind the removable battery contact28and do not need a designated open access to the outside on the rodent trap1.

Illustrated inFIG.8is a bottom view of the rodent trap1and an example of two components having connectors29A and29B facing out into the battery compartment26. Such components could be a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector, a SIM (Subscriber identity module) card holder, a power charger connector and/or a PCB connector.

From the description above follows that, although various examples of the invention have been described and shown, the invention is not restricted thereto, but may also be embodied in other ways within the scope of the subject-matter defined in the following claims.