Humane animal trap

An animal trap comprised of an elongated conduit, the elongated conduit including an open proximal end, a closed distal end, inner and outer walls, and a slot dimensioned to receive a door therethrough. The door when urged into the slot is dimensioned to substantially encompass a cross sectional area of the elongated conduit. A tension member is coupled to the door for urging the door into the slot independent of gravity or geometric alignment of the animal trap when released by an actuator. The actuator is coupled to the door. A sensor is provided for signaling a presence of an animal within an interior volume of the elongated conduit. A trigger circuit is operatively coupled with the sensor and the actuator and is configured to cause the actuator to release the door upon receipt of a presence of an animal signal from the sensor.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable

RELEVANT FIELD

This application is directed generally toward animal traps and more specifically toward humane animal traps.

BACKGROUND

Animal traps are generally configured to capture an animal live or to sacrifice the animal depending on the particular design of the trap. Lethal trap designs typically employ a spring-loaded element which crushes the animal between opposing surfaces. Non-lethal traps typically employ gravity drawn doors which are released when an animal trips a release mechanism. In both cases, the geometry of the animal traps require that the animal traps be generally level with the ground or structure in which the trap is deployed. These traps typically require some type of bait or other attractant to lure the animal into the trap.

However, in many cases, traps known in the relevant art are not effective due to a variety of factors. For example, many animals will avoid traps simply because of a human scent being present. In other instances, the animals are primarily burrowing and spend little time above ground leaving little opportunity for humane live capture. In these instances, lethal traps and/or poisons may be required which may be undesirable. For example, the use of lethal traps requires frequent monitoring to remove the trapped animals. Otherwise, the decaying corpse of the dead animal may result in strong offensive odors, attract scavenger animals, and/or reduce the effectiveness of other animal traps in the vicinity due to association of the trap with the scent of the dead animal. In other situations, poisons may be unsuitable for the above reasons and in addition, pose a threat to non-targeted wildlife, domestic animals, children and possible environmental contamination. Accordingly, there is a need in the relevant art for a humane animal trap which avoids one or more of the undesirable properties of animals traps known in the relevant art.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing, various exemplary embodiments of a humane animal trap are disclosed which avoids the use of baits or other attractants, does not rely on gravity or geometry for trap operation and may be simply and safely operated by a consumer. The geometry independence allows the animal trap to be situated at angles which approximate an angle of a burrow dug by a burrowing animal. Examples of some burrowing animals suitable for capture with the animal trap include but are not limited to; rabbits, gophers, badgers, prairie dogs, groundhogs, moles, chipmunks, skunks, and ground squirrels. For purposes of this specification, a burrow is defined as a hole or tunnel in the ground made by a burrowing animal for habitation and refuge. Where necessary, the animal trap described herein may be dimensionally scaled to accommodate animals of various sizes whether burrowing or otherwise. The animal trap may also be used to safely transport a captured animal to a wilderness or other habitat for release without undue trauma or stress to the captured animal.

In an exemplary embodiment, the humane animal trap is comprised of an elongated conduit having an open end, a closed end, an inner wall, an outer wall, and a through wall slot in the elongated conduit dimensioned to receive a door. The slot is transversely aligned with the longitudinal axis of the elongated conduit. The door is dimensioned to substantially encompass a cross-sectional area of the interior of the elongated conduit when drawn into the slot. A tension member is coupled to the door and configured to urge the door into the slot independent of gravity or geometric alignment of the animal trap. An actuator mechanically latches the door in an armed position in longitudinal alignment with the slot using the bias force provided by the tension member to maintain the door in the armed position. In an embodiment, the armed position longitudinally disposes a bottom edge of the door into the slot between the inner and outers walls of the elongated conduit. An electronic sensor is disposed in a through wall aperture proximate to the closed end of the elongated conduit and provides signals indicative of a presence of an animal within an interior volume of the animal trap.

A trigger circuit is operatively coupled with the electronic sensor and the actuator. The trigger circuit is configured to cause the actuator to release the door upon receipt of the presence of an animal signal from the sensor. Upon release of the door by the actuator, the tension element pulls the door into the slot thereby trapping the animal between the closed end of the elongated contained and the door. In an exemplary embodiment, the trigger circuit comprises a detection circuit for determining the presence of an animal within the interior volume of the elongated conduit, a capacitive storage unit for providing electrical energy to the actuator when triggered by the detection circuit. In various embodiments, a wireless alert circuit may coupled to the detector circuit to provide for remote signaling of an alarm unit when the animal trap has been tripped and/or a solar cell may be coupled to at least the capacitive storage unit for maintaining an electrical charge separate from a storage battery.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various exemplary embodiments of a humane animal trap are disclosed herein. In the following exemplary description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present inventive embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present inventive embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures, devices or components may be shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present inventive embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 1, a perspective view of an animal trap100in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is depicted. In this exemplary embodiment, the animal trap100is formed from an elongated conduit5, by way of example and not limitation, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe. A distal closed end40of the elongated conduit5is closed, typically with an end cap or plug. The proximate end35of the elongated conduit5is open to allow entry of animal into an interior volume60(FIG. 2) of the animal trap100. A slot20is provided intermediate the proximal35and distal ends40of the elongated conduit5. The slot20is axially aligned with a long dimension of the elongated conduit5and configured to transversely receive a door10therethrough. In an embodiment, the slot20includes an arcuate profile which corresponds to an outer circumferential profile of the elongated conduit5. The axial length of the slot20approximates the cross sectional diameter of an inner wall5b(FIGS. 3A & 3B) of the elongated conduit5.

The slot20is axially dimensioned so that the door10, when inserted into the slot20provides a barrier to escape of an animal encompassed in an interior volume60(FIG. 2) defined by the door10and the distal closed end40of the elongated conduit5. When inserted into the slot20, the door10substantially encompasses a cross-sectional area of the inner wall5bof the elongated conduit5in a plane perpendicular to a long dimension of the elongated conduit5(FIG. 5). The door10is typically constructed from a planar material having a thickness in a range of about 0.03-0.13 inches. The actual construction material of the door is not critical. However, consideration should be given to the type of animal intended to be captured by the animal trap100. Many animals have sharp claws and/or teeth which could be used to claw and/or chew through the door10if inadequate construction materials are used.

The door10may have a disk or elongated shape which when inserted into the slot20provides insufficient clearance for the animal caught within the interior volume60from squeezing around the sides or bottom of the door10and escape. In an embodiment, the door10may be constructed with rods to form a cage type door (not shown).

In an embodiment, a tension member15is coupled to the door10which urges the door10into the slot20independent of gravity or geometric alignment of the animal trap100. The tension member15may be formed from a helically wound metal spring or elastomeric material. In an embodiment, the tension member15exerts a bias force which pulls the door10into the slot20with sufficient residual tension to maintain the door10against the inner wall5bof the elongated conduit5opposite the slot20. In an embodiment, the tension member15includes a hemispherical shape which conforms to an outer circumferential profile of the elongated conduit5at least opposite the slot20. The tension member15is coupled to the door10at opposing coplanar lateral edges proximate to a top edge of the door10. The tension member15may be attached to the door10by way of clips, hooks, fasteners, wires or directly threaded through coplanar apertures65drilled through a face on opposing sides of the door10. The actual mechanism used to attach the tension member15to the door10is not critical. The goal is to provide a uniform inward directed bias force which pulls the door10into the slot20with sufficient remaining tension to maintain the door10against the inner wall5bof the elongated conduit5opposite the slot20.

An actuator30, typically a solenoid, is coupled to the exterior of the elongated conduit5. The actuator30may be removably coupled to the elongated conduit5using common fasteners or clamps (not shown). In an embodiment, the actuator30includes a retractable rod30awhich is longitudinally pulled into a main body of the actuator30when electrical power is supplied to the actuator30. The actuator30is longitudinally aligned with the elongated conduit5such that when the actuator30is energized, the retractable rod30ais longitudinally pulled toward the distal end40of the elongated conduit5. To simplify placing the animal trap100in an armed position, the retractable rod30amay be provided with a notch30bor other retentive profile to prevent tripping of the animal trap100during handling or setup. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other arrangements such as annular rings, lips or separate retention devices may be used to permit simple setup of the animal trap100before being set in the armed position.

In an embodiment, a linkage45is provided which couples the actuator30with the door10. When the animal trap100is set (armed), the linkage45is predominately longitudinally aligned with the elongated contained5. A flag50may be attached to a portion of the linkage45to allow visual indication that the animal trap100has been tripped. A more detailed discussion of the linkage45is provided in the discussion accompanyingFIG. 2below. A sensor25is provided which monitors the interior volume60of the elongated conduit5for the presence of animal. The sensor25may include a shroud to adjust the sensor's field of view. With exception of the sensor25which may protrude slightly into the interior volume60of the elongated conduit5, the interior volume60of the elongated conduit5is substantially devoid of mechanical components which could alert an animal that it has entered into animal trap.

The sensor25is disposed in a through wall aperture disposed intermediate the slot20and the distal end40of the elongated conduit5. The sensor25may be maintained within the through wall aperture using a elastomeric grommet which allows for simple removal and insertion. In an embodiment, the sensor25is an infrared motion sensor which detects the infrared heat signature radiated by warm blooded animals which enter the interior volume60of the animal trap.

Alternately, the sensor25may be changed to an ultrasonic, acoustic, magnetic field, accelerometer, optoelectric or any other type sensor which does not discriminate between warm-blooded and cold blooded animals. The sensor25may generate either digital or analog signals. For capture of warm-blooded animals, the infrared motion sensor25is preferred due to its low costs and general availability of components. For example, infrared motion sensors are widely used in motion detection lighting fixtures. The sensor25and actuator30are electrically coupled70to a trigger circuit800(FIG. 8). The trigger circuit800is described in the discussion accompanyingFIG. 8below.

Referring toFIG. 2, a side view of an animal trap100in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is depicted. In this embodiment, the linkage45is shown as having a generally “L” shaped configuration in which a long leg45ais longitudinally aligned with the elongated conduit5in an armed position. The long leg45aof the linkage45is longitudinally dimensioned to span a distance slightly greater than a distance between the retractable rod30aof the actuator30and the door10. One end of the long leg45aof the linkage45is restively retained or latched by the retractable rod30a. An opposite end of the long leg45aof the linkage45forms a pivot point45cproximate to the door10. In an embodiment, the pivot point45cis configured as a “U” shaped bend in which the curved portion of the “U” contacts the outer wall5aof the elongated conduit5proximate to the door5. In the armed position, a short leg45bof the “L” shaped linkage45is coupled to the pivot point45c. The short leg45bof the linkage45is perpendicularly aligned with the elongated conduit5and extends perpendicularly outward from the long axis of the elongated conduit5in a parallel spaced relationship with the door10.

The short leg45bof the linkage45is dimensioned to span a distance between the outer wall5aof the elongated conduit5and one or more of the coplanar apertures65drilled through the planar face on opposing lateral sides of the door10. The short leg45bof the linkage45is configured to maintain the door10in a generally parallel alignment with the slot20when in the armed position. In an embodiment, the short leg45bof the linkage45includes coplanar diverging sections configured to restively engage the coplanar apertures65; the coplanar diverging sections forming a “V” shape extending from the pivot point45cwhich joins the long leg45awith the short leg45bof the linkage45. Ends of the short leg45bof the linkage45proximate to the door10may include arcuate or hooked shapes which allow the ends of the short leg45bof the linkage45to pass through the coplanar apertures65and pivotally retain the door10when in the armed position.

When the animal trap100is set in the armed position, the linkage45is restively retained or latched by the retractable rod30aof the actuator30. The linkage45may be constructed from any suitable generally rigid material, for example a steel rod. When an animal is detected by the sensor25within the internal volume60of the elongated conduit5, the trigger circuit800(FIG. 8) energizes the actuator30which electromagnetically retracts205the retractable rod30atoward the distal end of the elongated conduit5. Withdrawal205of the retractable rod30areleases210the linkage45from restive retention by the retractable rod30a. The inward directed bias force215generated by the tension member15is communicated through the door10which pulls the short leg45bof the linkage45toward the outer wall5aof the elongated conduit5as the door10is drawn into the slot20by the bias force215. Stated another way, the short leg45bis repositioned from a position generally perpendicular with a long dimension of the elongated conduit5to a position generally parallel to the long dimension of the elongated conduit5as the linkage transitions from the armed position to the tripped position. The inward movement of the door215causes the linkage45to rotate about the pivot point45cwhich raises the flag50from a position generally parallel with a long dimension of the elongated conduit5to a position generally perpendicular to the long dimension of the elongated conduit5.

Referring toFIG. 3A, a first front view of an animal trap100in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is depicted. In this embodiment, the animal trap100is depicted in the armed position with a bottom edge10aof the door10partially inserted into the slot20such that the bottom edge10aof the door10lies intermediate the inner5band outer walls5aof the elongated conduit5. In an embodiment, the closed end40of the elongated conduit5includes a window55which allows light to illuminate the interior volume60(FIG. 2) of the elongated conduit5. The window55may be formed by slots cut into the closed end40of the elongated conduit5, by a glass or Plexiglas insert, a mesh or screen, bars or any other suitable barrier materials known in the relevant art. The dimensions of the window55are not critical.

However, the spacing of barriers should be small enough to prevent the animal from escaping. InFIG. 3B, a second front view of an animal trap100in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is depicted. In this alternate embodiment of the animal trap100, an elastomeric tension member15ais used in place of the helically wound spring type tension member15. Examples of suitable elastomeric tension members15ainclude but are not limited to bungee cords, surgical tubing, rubber bands, etc. The remaining aspects of this alternate embodiment are substantially similar to the embodiment described forFIG. 3A. In both exemplary embodiments, the tension member15,15ashould provide sufficient bias force to pull the door10into the animal trap100via the slot20with sufficient residual tension to maintain the door10against the inner wall5bof the elongated conduit5to prevent a trapped animal from prying open the door10and escaping.

Referring toFIG. 4, a side view of an animal trap100in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is depicted. In this embodiment, the animal trap100is shown in a tripped position in which the linkage45and attached flag50are substantially perpendicular to the long axis of the elongated conduit5. In the tripped position, the door10is held against the interior wall5b(FIG. 2) by the residual bias force generated by the tension member15discussed above. In this view, the orientation of the flag50has been changed for clarity only. The flag50may be attached at any angle convenient to the user.

Referring toFIG. 5, a front view of an animal trap100in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is depicted. In this embodiment, the animal trap100is depicted in the tripped position with the door10substantially encompassing the cross-sectional area of the inner wall5bof the elongated conduit5. The animal (not shown) which triggered the animal trap100is maintained in the interior volume60(FIG. 2) between the door10and distal closed end40(FIG. 4) of the elongated conduit5.

Referring toFIG. 6, a perspective view of an animal trap100in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is depicted. In this exemplary embodiment, the distal closed end40of the animal trap100is formed from an end cap605dimensioned to fit the distal end of the elongated conduit5. When standard sized PVC pipe is used as the elongated conduit5, the end cap605is typically constructed from PVC and dimensioned to fit the PVC pipe size of the elongated conduit5. As previously discussed, a window55(not shown in end cap605) may be included in the distal closed end40of the animal trap100. In another embodiment, an optional trap-to-ground interface collar615is provided. The trap-to-ground interface collar615may include a plurality of spikes610which longitudinally project outward from the collar proximal end35of the elongated conduit5and the trap-to-ground interface collar615. The trap-to-ground interface collar615may be used for maintaining the animal trap100at approximately the same angle of a burrow705(FIG. 7) in which an animal710(FIG. 7) is present as is shown inFIG. 7. In practice, the spikes610are preferably embedded into the soil surrounding the burrow705and are not visible to the animal710.

By experimentation, the inventor of the instant animal trap100has determined that some animals (e.g., gophers) are sensitive to changes in their burrow705and will investigate the change at the entrance to its burrow by crawling into the animal trap100without the need for bait or other attractants. The ability to trap burrowing animals live without the need for bait or other attractants is an unexpected result which simplifies the humane trapping of animals710.

Referring toFIG. 8, a block diagram of a trigger circuit800in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is depicted. Solid lines shown inFIG. 8are used to denote electrical power supply; dashed lines are used to denote sensor and/or control signals. In an embodiment, the trigger circuit800is comprised of a detection circuit805, a capacitive storage unit810and a storage battery815. The trigger circuit800is connected to the sensor25and actuator30, typically using an electrical plug arrangement70. The ability to separate the electrical components from the elongated conduit5allows for cleaning of the mechanical components (elongated conduit5, linkage45, door10and/or tension member15) without potentially damaging the electrical components. In an embodiment, the trigger circuit800may be housed in a small weatherproof container and coupled to the elongated conduit5in a location which does not interfere with operation of the mechanical components.

Signals output from the sensor25are monitored by the detector circuit805and when a signal representing an animal within the interior volume60of the elongated conduit5is determined by the detector circuit805, the detector circuit805causes the capacitive storage unit210to discharge to the actuator30. The detector circuit805may include sensitivity adjustment circuits and/or sensor signal averaging circuits to discriminate against false alarms caused by a variety of factors including changes in ambient lighting conditions or unintended animals which may venture into the animal trap100. Alternately, repetitive alarms triggered by the animal's movement within the interior volume60may be used to determine whether an actual capture has been accomplished versus a false alarm.

Examples of various sensors and detection circuits are described in US patent publication 2005/0097808, filed Sep. 13, 2004 to Vorhies, et al. (U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/940,864); U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/940,864 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.

The capacitive storage unit810stores an electrical charge sufficient to energize the actuator30which minimizes electrical current drain on the storage battery815. A charging circuit may be included in the capacitive storage unit810which allows capacitor(s) associated with the capacitive storage unit810to maintain a charge for extended periods of time by slowing drawing electrical current from the storage battery815. The storage battery815primarily provides electrical power to the detection circuit805and sensor25. In an embodiment, the capacitor(s) associated with the capacitive storage unit810storage a charge in a range of 0.01-1 farads. Control of the discharge of electrical energy from the capacitive storage unit810may be accomplished by a solid state switching device or electromechanical relay coupled to the detector circuit805.

The use of solid state electronic components may be preferred over electromechanical relays to reduce electrical power drain of the storage battery815. In an embodiment, a solar cell220may be connected with the storage battery815. In this embodiment, the battery may be of a rechargeable type, for example, nickel-cadmium (NiCad), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), lithium ion or any other rechargeable battery types known in the relevant art. In an embodiment, the storage battery815is a standard nine volt battery. The solar cell820may also be used to directly charge the capacitors associated with the capacitive storage unit810. A battery charging circuit may be included with the trigger circuit800to prevent overcharging of the storage battery815by the solar cell820. The solar cell820may be incorporated into the housing containing the detection circuit805and capacitive storage unit810or provided as a separate attachment.

In an embodiment, a wireless alarm circuit825may be included with the trigger circuit800. The wireless alarm circuit825is controlled by the detection circuit805and when a signal of an animal is determined by the detector circuit805, the detector circuit805causes the wireless alarm circuit825to send an encoded radio frequency signal to a receiving device. The receiving device may be a radio, a light and/or an annunciator. The receiving device may be remotely located so as to alert a user that the animal trap100has been tripped without having to locally observe whether the flag50attached to the linkage has been raised.

Referring toFIG. 9, a preparation flow chart900in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is depicted. To use the animal trap100described herein, the following preparation steps may be instituted. In an embodiment, preparation of the animal trap starts905by obtaining soil from around the entrance of the burrow705(FIG. 7) and at least lining the inner wall5b(FIG. 3A) at the proximate end35of the elongated conduit5with the obtained soil910. The soil may be moistened to assist in conforming to the inner wall5bof the elongated conduit5. The soil should at least longitudinally extend beyond the slot20which receives the door10. The addition of soil to the inner wall5bof the elongated conduit5assists in hiding human scents and provides a surface familiar to the animal as it enters into the interior volume of the animal trap. In embodiments where PVC pipe is used as the elongated conduit5, the added soil should form a circumferential ring longitudinally extending from the open end35(FIG. 2) to at least beyond the slot20which receives the door10. The bias force generated by the tension member15will displace the soil covering the slot when the animal trap100is tripped.

Formation of the soil ring or coating may be simplified by using a smaller diameter elongated object to compress the soil against the inner wall5b(FIG. 3A) of the elongated conduit5. The entrained soil may be anywhere from 0.125-0.25 inches in thickness. Once the soil ring has been formed within the elongated conduit5, the linkage45and door10are placed in a setup position915. The setup position retains the door10in an open position and limits movement of the linkage45by engagement with the notch30b(FIG. 2). The notch30breduces sensitivity of the linkage45during handling of the animal trap100. Where necessary, the entrance to the burrow705may be enlarged920to accommodate the proximate end35of the elongated conduit5. Once sufficient soil has been added to the elongated conduit5, the proximate end35of the elongated conduit is then longitudinally aligned with the angle of the burrow925. The proximate end35of the elongated conduit5is then coupled with the entrance of the burrow930and arranged so as to not interfere with the operation of the door10and/or linkage45. Coupling the animal trap100to the burrow705may be accomplished by inserting the proximate end35of the elongated conduit5into the burrow705. Alternately, the trap-to-ground interface collar615(FIG. 6) may be used to align and couple the animal trap100with the burrow705without having to insert the proximate end35of the elongated conduit5into the burrow705.

Generally, after coupling the proximate end35of the elongated conduit5with the entrance to the burrow705, the linkage45and door10are placed in the armed position935. In an embodiment, this may be accomplished by sliding the retractable rod30a(FIG. 1) toward the distal end of elongated conduit5such that the linkage45is longitudinally displaced from the notch30band restively retained near an end of the retractable rod30aat a position most proximate to the door10. The armed position aligns the door10with the slot20. The door10is held in the armed position by placing the linkage45in restive communication with the retractable rod30a. Generally, the linkage45is placed against a surface of the retractable rod30awhich lies between the retractable rod30aand the elongated conduit5. The trigger circuit800is then connected940to the actuator30and sensor25. Once the trigger circuit800has been connected to the actuator30and sensor25, the trigger circuit is powered on945, generally by means of an on/off switch. In embodiments where a remote receiving device is used, the remote receiving device is likewise powered on950. This completes trap preparation955.

The various exemplary inventive embodiments described herein are intended to be merely illustrative of the principles underlying the inventive concept. It is therefore contemplated that various modifications of the disclosed embodiments will, without departing from the inventive spirit and scope, be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art. They are not intended to limit the various exemplary inventive embodiments to any precise form described. In particular, it is contemplated that the animal trap may be constructed from any suitable material with different dimensions, trapping volumes and/or solid or meshed construction. No specific limitation is intended to a particular construction material, order or sequence described. Other variations and inventive embodiments are possible in light of above teachings, and it is not intended that this Detailed Description limit the inventive scope, but rather by the Claims following herein.