Abstract:
Disclosed herein is an improved ant trap. The ant trap includes a base having a central opening and the opening is suitable for storing liquid. A bait trap is located centrally within the central opening to maximize the number of ants in the central opening at any point in time. The ant trap, in an exemplary embodiment, includes an electromechanically operated platform, which is movable with respect to the central opening. In a first position the platform forms an ant path from the base to the bait trap. In a second position the platform is moved into the central opening. The central opening is filed with a liquid toxic to ants, but safe to mammals and the environment, generally. For example, a solution of sweet boric acid and water is used to fill the central opening. Upon moving, the platform is immersed in the liquid, thereby exterminating ants found thereon.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to the field of safe and effective pest elimination. More particularly, this invention relates to ant-pest elimination and uses a combination of a device and safe chemical component. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Generally, we consider ants to be pests when found inside a house. However, ants are a beneficial insect when found in their natural environment. Ants dispose of dead and decaying plant and animal organic matter. Ant nests aerate the soil. 
     As is well known, ants will eat just about anything, which is one reason they&#39;re such pests inside a residence. Ants, in great numbers, will carry back meat, sweets, plant and/or animal materials to their nests. Foods containing greasy proteins or sugars are especially attractive to ants. Such foods can draw ants in large numbers. 
     As is well understood, the ants foraging in the residence are worker ants charged with bringing food back to their colony mates. As is also well, known, such worker ants leave behind a trail for their nest mates to follow by depositing a pheromone as they walk. Unless purposely removed, the pheromone trail stays in place for a long, long time. 
     Various chemical insecticides have been found to effectively kill ants for a short period of time. As homeowners know, the initial kill doesn&#39;t last long enough. After a while, the ants return in at least in the same numbers as before. While the ant problem hasn&#39;t gone away, the environment may have been detrimentally affected. Various pesticides can last 50 years or more and create havoc in the environment. 
     Other non-toxic approaches have also been attempted and are just good common sense for any ant infestation. Such approaches include the following:
         Storing all attractive food items such as any sugars, syrup, and honey in closed containers;   Rinsing out soft-drink containers before placing food items in the trash;   Cleaning up grease splatters and spills as soon as they happen;   Resisting the convenience of free-feeding pets—ants find kibbled animals foods especially irresistible; and   Scrubbing ant entry points with soap and water—this removes trail pheromones and make it more difficult for foragers to find previous trails.       

     Ants will not eat bait, if foods, as described above are nearby and easily foragable. For the best results, sinks, pantries, and other areas of possible ant-infestation, should be free of food particles and other ant-attractive substances. 
     There is no question that ants are an annoyance when found inside a residence. They are unsightly and give the homeowner a feeling that he&#39;s been invaded by an alien species. It is quite a ghastly sight, first thing in the morning, to see 10,000 or more ants chopping down on leftover pizza from the previous night. It&#39;s enough to make one miss the first and most important meal of the day. 
     On the other hand, ants are beneficial outside the home and there is no reason to poison them to extinction, should such even be possible. Thus, there is a need for non-toxic methods of eliminating the ant pest from homes without poisoning the environment What is needed is an environmentally friendly, non toxic method of eliminating ants, whether they be found in a residence or plant garden or any other undesirable locations. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The structure for an improved ant trap in accordance with the present invention takes different forms. In some embodiments, the ant trap includes electro-mechanical devices, where a motor moves the platform having an ant path into a liquid toxic to ants, but environmentally safe. In another exemplary embodiment, there is only a passiVe trap, which is triggered .by the weight of the ants themselves. Finally, yet another embodiment includes a platform, which remains passive which the liquid is cycled. 
     It is an object of this invention is to provide an environmentally safe and effective method of eliminating ant-pest in the home. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide an ant trap, which can be used safely around pets and humans, while effectively eliminating ant infestations. 
     In accordance with the objects set forth above and as will be described more fully below, the ant trap in accordance with this invention, comprises: 
     a base having a central opening and the central opening suitable for storing liquid; 
     a bait trap located within the central opening; and 
     a platform movable with respect to the central opening, in a first position the platform forms an ant path from the base to the bait trap, in a second position, at least a portion of the platform moves within the central opening; 
     whereby upon filling the central opening with a liquid and upon selectively moving the platform into the liquid the ant path immersed in the liquid for exterminating ants. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, the ant trap, comprises: 
     a base; 
     a platform movable with respect to the base; 
     a bait trap located on the platform, an ant path is defined from the base along the platform to the bait trap; and 
     a sweeper mechanism for gathering ants on the ant path as the platform moves with respect to the base. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, the ant trap, comprises: 
     a base having a central opening and the opening suitable for storing liquid; 
     a platform movable with respect to the base, the platform being balanced with respect to the base and pivotable thereto, the platform having pivot points located asymmetrically with relation to the base; 
     a bait trap located on the platform, the bait trap aiding in balancing the platform with respect to the base, the ant path is defined from the base along the platform to the bait trap; 
     the balance of the platform being such that the weight of a sufficient number of ants on the platform, causes the platform to tilt into the central opening; and 
     whereby upon filling the central opening with a liquid and upon the balance being upset, the platform pivots and the ant path is at least partially immersed in the liquid for exterminating ants. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, the ant trap, comprises: 
     a base having a central opening and the, opening suitable for storing liquid; 
     a platform located proximate to the central opening; 
     a bait trap located on the platform and elevated above the platform; and 
     a reservoir connected to the base and communicating with the central opening, the reservoir having a valve for selective communication with the central opening; 
     a pump member for pumping liquid from the central opening back to the reservoir. 
     It is an advantage of the ant trap in accordance with the instant invention to provide a safe and effective means for eliminating ant infestations. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
       For a further understanding of the objects and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which like parts are given like reference numerals and wherein: 
         FIGS. 1-3  illustrate the first two exemplary embodiments of the ant trap in accordance with this invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the ant trap in accordance with this invention in cross section. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the ant trap in accordance with this invention shown in perspective. 
         FIGS. 6 &amp; 7  illustrate another exemplary embodiment of the ant trap in accordance with this invention. 
         FIGS. 8 &amp; 9  illustrate another exemplary embodiment of the ant trap in accordance with this invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In order to appreciate the invention herein, one must appreciate the need in the art as set forth in the Background. Most importantly, the structure herein for resolving the long felt need to eliminate ant pest infestations in the home without causing environmental damage is represented by the various exemplary embodiments in accordance with the disclosed invention. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , there is shown an exemplary embodiment of the ant trap denoted by the numeral  20 . Illustrated in  FIG. 1  is the first exemplary embodiment, which includes a base  30 , an ant pathway  34  on a movable platform  36 , a bait station  38  and structure for moving the platform  36 , generally indicated by numeral  40  ( FIGS. 2 &amp; 3 ). 
     Additionally, the ant trap  20  includes a timer  42  and an on/off switch  44 . These elements are connected to the structure  40 . The structure  40  of  FIGS. 1-3 , includes an electro-mechanical lift  50  for raising and lowering the platform  36 . The lift mechanism includes a motor  52 , connected to a power source  54  through wires  56 . 
     Based upon a variety of factors, timing is set for activation of the lift  50 . Upon, activation, the lift  50  lowers the platform  36  toward the base  30 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the base  30  has a central opening  32 , filled with a liquid. Typically, such a liquid is one that would be immediately harmful, even fatal, to an ant. For example, a liquid of water and sweet boric acid is preferable. This liquid is immediately harmful to the ants, while not being toxic to the environment or to mammals in the residence. 
     The central opening  32  if filled with, for example, with a liquid made of sweet boric acid and water. However, it will be appreciated that other liquids within the spirit and scope of the invention herein. For example, although not quite as effective, simple water will suffice. 
     It has also been found to be useful to sprinkle the ant path, the pathway  34  and the entire base  30  and platform  36  with powdered boric acid. Whatever ants do escape bring back healthy amounts of boric acid into the nest and often leads to a lessening of the ant population in the nest or complete eradication in some cases. All of this done without harm to humans or other mammals as well as the environment. 
     As shown particularly in  FIG. 1 , ant will fill the pathway  34  in their efforts to forage for food. Periodically, based upon the timer  42 , the entire platform  36  is submerged in the liquid of the central opening  32 . Ants will drown or otherwise, from the sweet boric acid solution, have their air holes clogged and similarly die. Their bodies sink to the bottom of the central opening  32 , while upon signal from the timer  42 , the platform  36  is raised once again and forms pathway  34  for the ants to reach the bait  60 . 
     Although, unknown to the ants, the movable platform serves as the delivery system by which boric acid is delivered to the ants and the ants delivered to the liquid. It is well known that despite the witnessing of the lowering of such a platform, as long as there is food to forage, the ants will continue to board the platform, completely unmindful of the danger which awaits. Their programming for food is above their own need for survival. 
     The base  30  includes a central stanchion  37 , rising from the floor  39  of the central opening  32 . The stanchion  37  is suitably configured so that bait or even food can be spread out for ants and boric acid powder can be sprinkled around so that the ants must crawl through it to get to the bait. Should any ants escape the trap and return to the nest, they will bring the boric acid with them causing further destruction of the nest. 
     The exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , includes a transducer  70  and a motion detector  72 . The motion detector monitors activity at or near the bait. Upon the motion detector  72  sensing a high level of activity, it can be assumed that the ant pathway  34  is filled and the platform  36 , is lowered. 
     Upon being lowered, the transducer  70  is activated. The transducer causes increased wetting of the ants and allows even more effective elimination of the ants. Obviously there are increased costs and the user will need to weigh and balance the increased effectiveness with the increased costs. 
     Notice that in either embodiment shown with respect to  FIGS. 1-3 , the stanchion portion holding the bait remains above the liquid line and thereby keeps the bait dry. 
     In the exemplary embodiment with respect to  FIG. 4 , the ant trap is generally denoted by the numeral  100 . The ant trap  100  includes a base  130 , an ant pathway  134  on a movable platform  136 , a bait station  138  and structure for moving the platform  136 , generally indicated by numeral  140 . 
     Additionally, the ant trap  100  includes a timer (not shown) and an on/off switch (also not shown). These elements are connected to the structure  140 . The structure  140  includes an electrical motor  152  for rotating the platform  136 . The motor  152 , is connected to a power source  154  through wires  156 . 
     Based upon a variety of factors, timing is set for rotation of the platform  136 . The platform  136  is rotated 180 degrees. Upon, activation, the platform  136  rotates leaving ants on the ant path  134  in the liquid. 
     The base  130  has a central opening  132 , filled with a liquid. Typically, such a liquid is one that would be immediately harmful, even fatal, to an ant. For example, a liquid mixture of water and sweet boric acid is preferable. This liquid is immediately harmful to the ants while not being toxic to the environment or to humans or mammals in the residence. 
     The central opening  132  if filled with, for example, with a liquid made of sweet boric acid and water. However, it will be appreciated that other liquids within the spirit and scope of the invention herein. For example, although not quite as effective, simple water will suffice. 
     It has also been found to be useful to sprinkle the ant path, the pathway  134  and the entire base  130  and platform  136  with powdered boric acid. Whatever ants do escape bring back healthy amounts of boric acid into the nest and which often leads to a lessening of the ant population in the nest or complete eradication in some cases. Again, the objective of ant elimination is accomplished without harm to humans or other mammals or the environment. 
     Similarly to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the ant trap  100  in one embodiment also includes a transducer and a motion detector (not shown). The function of each of these elements is the same as that described with respect the earlier embodiments of  FIGS. 1-3 . 
     With respect to  FIG. 5 , there is shown another exemplary embodiment of the ant trap, generally denoted by the numeral  200 . As with the earlier described embodiments, the  FIG. 5  embodiment includes a base  220  and a platform  222 . 
     The, ant trap  200  additionally includes a sweeper mechanism generally denoted by the numeral  230 . The sweeper mechanism  230  includes a sweeper  232 , an upstanding stanchion  234 . The sweeper  232  is fixedly attached to an arm  236 . Additionally, the arm  236  is fixedly connected to the stanchion  234 . 
     The ant trap  200  additionally includes a support arm  238  and a motor  240  above the support arm  238  and platform  222 . The support arm  238  supports the suspended motor  240 . The ant trap  200  includes a power supply  250  and wires  252  connecting the power supply  250  to the motor  240 . 
     Upon being activated, the motor  240  causes the stanchion  234  to rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow in  FIG. 5 . Consequently, the sweeper  232  rotates in the same direction. As the sweeper  232  rotates, ants on the platform  222  are caught in the sweeper  232 . 
     In order to increase the effectiveness of the sweeper  232  at removing ants on the platform  222 , the sweeper  232  is made from a wettable material. The material is for example a fabric as shown in  FIG. 5 . The material is wetted with a liquid solution that is both harmful, even fatal to the ants, while being safe for mammals and the environment. For example, the material is treated with a liquid solution of sweet boric acid. 
     In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the arm  238  includes a reservoir  260  of the liquid solution described above. The reservoir  260  has one or more openings (not shown) communicating directly with the fabric. The openings are quite small and as a result the liquid slowly drips onto the fabric of the sweeper  232  keeping the, sweeper  232  moist at all times. 
     The ant trap  200  additionally includes a bait trap,  270  mounted on the central portion of the platform. In the embodiment shown, the bait trap  270  is located where the stanchion  234  connects to the platform  222 . 
     With respect to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , there is shown another exemplary embodiment of the ant trap generally denoted by the numeral  300 . As described with regard to the earlier embodiments, the ant trap  300  includes a base  320  and a rotatable platform  322 . The base  320  in this embodiment is generally rectangular and has a central opening  324 . The central opening  324  stores a liquid, as described above. 
     The platform  322  acts as a rocker platform. The platform  322  includes pivot points  340 . The pivot points  340  are located toward one of the base  320 . The platform is lightweight and is delicately balanced. 
     The platform  322  includes a bait trap  330 . The bait trap  330  is positioned on the platform  322  to balance the platform and to create a situation where the maximum number of ants are on the “dipping” side  350  of the platform. Upon a sufficient number of ants on the dipping side  350 , the delicate balance is disturbed and the dipping side  350  dips into the liquid with the results previously described above. The liquid is as described with respect to the earlier embodiments. 
     With respect to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , there is shown another exemplary embodiment of the ant trap, generally denoted by the numeral  400 . The ant trap  400  includes a base  420  having a central opening  422 . Attached to the base  420  is a reservoir mechanism, generally denoted by the numeral  430 . 
     The reservoir mechanism  430  includes a reservoir tank  440  attached to the base  420 . The tank  440  includes an outflow valve  442  operated by a solenoid  444 . Wires  446  connect the solenoid with a power source. Liquid of the type earlier described fills the tank  440 . 
     The ant trap  400  includes a bait trap  448 , centrally located in the central opening  422  to attract the maximum number of ants into the central opening  422 . 
     In one exemplary embodiment, a timer (not shown) similar to the timer shown in  FIGS. 1-3  is connected the solenoid. Periodically, the solenoid releases the liquid in the reservoir tank  440 . The liquid floods the centrally opening terminating the ants found therein. 
     The ant trap  400  includes a pump (not shown). The pump is activated to drain the water from the central opening  442  through outlet  450 , which opens upon activation of the pump. The ant-laden water is pumped through the outlet  450  and the return water is pumped back into the tank  440 . Since the dead ant don&#39;t float, their bodies fall into a collection area  460 . The collection is manually cleaned as needed. 
     While the foregoing detailed description has described several, exemplary embodiments of the ant trap in accordance with this invention, it is to be understood that the above description is illustrative only and not limiting of the disclosed invention. Thus, the invention is to be limited only by the claims as set forth below.