Abstract:
A flying insect trap containing a light, a fan, and a heater is disclosed. A light controller controls the operation of the light, so that the light can turn off or blink when it is time to change the adhesive paper that traps the insects or the bait that attracts the insects.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     This invention relates to insect traps.  
         [0003]     2. General Background  
         [0004]     Flying insects are an annoying problem for many households. Previous methods of controlling household flying insects have generally proved ineffective. For instance, while traditional traps can catch some insects, many would remain. Since any flying insect in a household is unacceptable, there is a need for a flying-insect trap with increased ability to attract and exterminate such pests.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     The present invention is a flying-insect trap comprising (i) a housing, (ii) an optional receptacle for holding insect attractant, (iii) a light with a light controller, (iv) a fan, (v) a heater, and (vi) adhesive paper. This invention has two means of attracting insects: the light and the attractant, and also has two means for improving circulation of the scent from the attractant, namely the heater and the fan. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0006]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a flying-insect trap according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0007]      FIG. 2  is a top view of an insect trap according to an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0008]      FIG. 3  is a bottom view of an insect trap according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0009]      FIG. 4  is a front view of an insect trap according to an embodiment of the present invention, with a portion of the front cover removed to reveal the interior of the trap.  
         [0010]      FIG. 5  is a rear view of an insect trap according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0011]      FIG. 6  is a side view of an insect trap according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0012]      FIG. 7  is a side view, taken from the side opposite to  FIG. 6 , of an insect trap according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0013]      FIG. 8  is a back view of an insect trap according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the back cover removed. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0014]     The present invention is an insect trap comprising (i) a housing  10 , (ii) a receptacle  12 , (iii) a light  14 , (iv) a light controller  16 , (v) a vent  18 , (vi) a fan  20 , (vii) a heater  22 , (viii) cover supports  24 , (ix) a cover  30 , and (x) adhesive paper  32 .  
         [0015]     The housing  10  provides a support structure for the remaining components of the present invention. The housing may be made of plastic, metal, composite materials, or any other material suitable for the purpose. See  FIGS. 1-8 .  
         [0016]     An optional receptacle  12  is placed at the front side of the housing  10 . This receptacle  12  may hold the bait or attractant (not shown) that attracts the flying insects. The bait or attractant may be a liquid, a powder or other solid, or any other suitable bait or attractant. Suitable baits include but are not limited to: flour pantry moth pheromone, generic baits for flies and gnats and other flying insects, and color-based baits for fruit flies, particularly yellow baits. In addition to or instead of placement on the receptacle, the bait may be placed on the adhesive paper  32 .  
         [0017]     A light  14  is also placed on the front surface of the housing  10 . See  FIG. 1 . The light  14  may be any light source, including but not limited to an LED, an incandescent light, or other suitable lighting means. In one embodiment, the light  14  is a white LED. Other colors, including white with a blue tint, may be used.  
         [0018]     The light  14  is controlled by a light controller  16 . The light controller  16  ensures that the light  14  turns off after a certain period of illumination. For instance, the light controller  16  may be an integrated circuit or other electronic component that shuts the light  14  off after it has been illuminated for a total of 90 days.  
         [0019]     Thus, the light controller  16  may indicate to the user that the adhesive paper  32  should be replaced. The adhesive paper  32  has a limited life, but many users of typical insect traps forget to inspect the adhesive paper and replace it when it is no longer sufficiently sticky. However, with the present invention, the user can simply look at the light  14 , and if it is off, then the user will know that it is time to replace the adhesive paper  32 . The light can also be used to indicate that the bait or attractant should be changed. In one embodiment, the light controller  16  would turn the light  14  off after 90 days of use.  
         [0020]     The light controller  16  may also cause the light  14  to flash or illuminate in another pattern after a certain amount of time. This flashing light can be used to communicate other messages to the user. For instance, a flashing light could be used to tell the user that the adhesive paper  32  should be replaced within a week, while a non-illuminated light could indicate that the adhesive paper  32  is past its recommended usage period.  
         [0021]     In lieu of the light  14  and light controller  16 , other means may be used to indicate to the user that the adhesive paper  32  should be replaced. For instance, a beep or other sound could be used to indicate the need to change the adhesive paper  32 , or other conventional indicator means could be used.  
         [0022]     A vent  18  and fan  20  are provided to help circulate and evaporate the attractant or bait in the receptacle  12 . See  FIG. 1 .  
         [0023]     Also, a heater  22  may be provided to slightly warm the attractant and surrounding air, thereby facilitating circulation of the scent from the bait or attractant. In one embodiment, the heater would be set at a temperature of approximately 78-98 degrees Fahrenheit.  
         [0024]     Attached to the housing  10  are cover supports  24  that help support the cover  30 . See  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 7 .  
         [0025]     The cover  30  is used to hold the adhesive paper  32 . In one embodiment, as shown best in  FIG. 1 , the cover may be a semi-cylindrical dome that attaches to the cover supports  24 .  
         [0026]     Inside the cover  30 , adhesive paper  32  is placed. This adhesive paper  32  is used to trap the flying insects that are attracted by the light  14  and bait. Such adhesive paper typically has a limited life span of 90 to 180 days. Although the paper typically retains its “stickiness” after that period, it may be covered with dust or insect debris and therefore its usefulness may be diminished. When a particular piece of adhesive paper  32  is ready for replacement, the light  14  will indicate the need for a change in adhesive paper (by blinking or turning off) and the user can then replace the adhesive paper  32  with a fresh supply.  
         [0027]     The present invention offers a number of advantages over the prior art. More particularly, the present invention takes an integrative approach to attracting flying insects, by using a light  14  in conjunction with a fan  20  with a heater. Also, the heater helps to create a more comfortable and therefore attractive environment for the flying insects. Finally, the light controller  16  allows the device to communicate to the user when it is time to change the adhesive or bait.  
         [0028]     One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than the preferred embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation.