Abstract:
A poisoned bait unit having a bait portion and a gripping portion in which the gripping portion includes a pair of end caps respectively secured on two preferably opposing sides of the bait portion. The end caps are shaped and/or textured to ensure that the user can securely grasp and place the unit into position in even a tight or difficult-to-access space without ever touching the bait portion. Packaging for multiple bait units is also provided which not only allows for individual removal of each bait unit while the other units remain sealed, but prevents any contamination of the end caps of one unit by the bait portion of another so that the user is not exposed to physical contact with the bait portion at any time during dispensing and use of the units.

Description:
[0001]    This application is entitled to and hereby claims the priority of co-pending U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 60/924,950 filed Jun. 6, 2007. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention is related to the field of pest extermination and, more particularly, to a poisoned bait delivery unit that protects the consumer by providing blocks of bait fitted with protective end caps that can be individually removed from a multiple-unit blister pack and that allow the user to handle and place each individual unit without touching the bait. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Poisonous baits are well known for use in exterminating pests such as mice and rats. These baits must be placed in strategic locations in order to maximize the likelihood of contact by the target pest. Many of these locations are necessarily small as rodents are known to prefer tight spaces that provide them with a feeling of security. Placing the baits in such locations can be difficult and consumers attempting to do so often come into contact with the bait. Consumer studies have shown that such contact is viewed as highly undesirable, prompting users to seek out bait delivery systems that ensure a “no touch” or “hands-free” freedom from exposure to the bait. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In view of the foregoing, one object of the present invention is to overcome the difficulties of placing bait delivery systems into tight locations without touching the bait by providing a bait unit having protective end caps that is configured to be easy to handle and place. 
         [0007]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a poisoned bait unit that is ergonomically designed to facilitate the user&#39;s sure grip when handling and placing the unit to avoid the user&#39;s contact with the bait. 
         [0008]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a poisoned bait unit configured to make the bait readily available to the pest while, at the same time, enabling the user to handle the unit without touching the bait. 
         [0009]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a bait unit that is easy to use and economically disposable once the bait is gone or no longer being consumed. 
         [0010]    A still further object of the present invention is to provide a multi-unit blister pack for sealingly packaging a plurality of bait units that allows the user to remove each bait unit individually without having any contact with the bait while the remaining units remain securely sealed. 
         [0011]    In accordance with these and other objects, the present invention is directed to a poisoned bait unit having a bait portion and a gripping portion. The bait portion is preferably in the form of a block of rodenticide. The gripping portion includes a pair of end caps respectively secured on two preferably opposing sides of the bait portion. The end caps are shaped and/or textured to ensure that the user can securely grasp the unit between the thumb, as pressed against one end cap, and one or more fingers, as pressed against the other end cap. With this sure grip, the user can confidently reach out to place the bait unit into position in even a tight or difficult-to-access space without touching the bait. 
         [0012]    The present invention is also directed to a multi-unit blister pack that is configured to sealingly package a plurality of bait units for individual removal. The blister pack allows the user to press out the desired number of bait units through pressure applied against the individual pre-formed blisters. Once removed, each bait unit can be grasped by the gripping portion so that the user can complete the entire process of dispensing and placing the bait unit in a desired location without touching the bait. 
         [0013]    The foregoing objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a poisoned bait unit having a bait portion and a gripping portion in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a poisoned bait unit having a bait portion and a gripping portion according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2B  is an exploded view of the bait unit of  FIG. 2A . 
           [0017]      FIG. 2C  is a perspective view of another poisoned bait unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2D  is an exploded view of the bait unit of  FIG. 2C . 
           [0019]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a poisoned bait unit having a bait portion and a gripping portion according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3B  is an exploded view of the bait unit of  FIG. 3A . 
           [0021]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of a poisoned bait unit having a bait portion and a gripping portion according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4B  is an exploded view of the bait unit of  FIG. 4A . 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of an inner blister pack with nine bait units sealed therein according to the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of a first packaging embodiment in which the sealed inner blister pack of  FIG. 5  is to be enclosed within an outer blister and card in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is a perspective assembled view of the inner and outer blister packs and card of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  depicts a second packaging embodiment in accordance with the present invention, in which a die-cut frame is perforated and folded to receive the inner blister pack and nine bait units of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of the die-cut frame of  FIG. 8  assembled with the inner blister pack and nine bait units packaged therein. 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  is a rear perspective view of the assembled die-cut frame of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  is a rear perspective view of the die cut frame of  FIG. 10  in the process of being opened by the user. 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  depicts a third packaging embodiment according to the present invention in which an outer blister is sealed to a paperboard backing having graphics thereon to demonstrate a user holding the bait unit between the thumb and forefinger. 
           [0031]      FIG. 13  shows the back of the package of  FIG. 12  and includes graphics thereon to demonstrate a user removing a bait unit from one of the recesses by pushing it through a respective one of the closed openings which are defined by perforations. 
           [0032]      FIG. 14  is a side view of the third packaging embodiment of  FIG. 12  with bait units as shown in  FIGS. 2C and 2D . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0033]    In describing preferred embodiments of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. 
         [0034]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , a first embodiment of the present invention includes a poisoned bait unit, generally designated by the reference numeral  10 , having a portion of bait such as a bait block  12  and a gripping portion in the form of a pair of end caps generally designated by the reference numeral  14 . The bait block  12  contains a rodenticide, the composition of which does not form a part of this invention; any rodenticide composition that can be formed into blocks for the bait unit as disclosed herein is suitable for the present invention. 
         [0035]    The end caps  14  are secured on two sides of the bait block  12 . In the preferred embodiments disclosed herein, the end caps  14  are secured on opposing sides of the block so as to be generally parallel with one another. However, it is possible that the bait portion could be shaped irregularly such that one of the end caps would be angled relative to the other. 
         [0036]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , each end cap  14  includes an end piece  16  and four side edges  18  oriented so as to be generally perpendicular to the end piece  16 . Upper and lower sides of the bait block  12  are respectively secured with a friction fit within the cup area  20  defined by the end piece  16  and the four side edges  18  of each of the end caps  14 . 
         [0037]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the end pieces  16  have a domed configuration for strength, with a contoured outer surface to provide the user&#39;s fingers with a non-slip gripping area  22 . By grasping the bait unit  10  with the thumb and forefinger, for example, on the lower and upper end pieces, respectively, the user can securely hold and place the bait unit in a desired location without any risk of touching the bait block (see  FIG. 12 ). 
         [0038]    A second embodiment of a bait unit in accordance with the present invention, generally designated by reference numerals  110  and  110 ′, is illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 2B  and in  FIGS. 2C and 2D , respectively. As seen in the exploded views of  FIGS. 2B and 2D , the end caps, generally designated by the reference numerals  24 ,  124  have end pieces  26 ,  126  that are injection molded to include push-fit bosses  28 ,  128  that are inserted into the sides of the bait block  32 ,  132 , preferably into corresponding complementary bores  30 ,  130 . The push-fit bosses  28 ,  128  formed by injection molding and bores  30 ,  130  maximize the user&#39;s grip without creating stress on the unit. 
         [0039]    In  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the bait block interface surface  34  of the end pieces  26  is substantially planar, while the opposing outer surfaces  36  are generally concave. The concave outer surfaces  36  can be formed to include texture elements  38 , such as grip, graphic and/or branding details, that can further facilitate the user&#39;s grip and also provide trademark or trade dress information, as desired. 
         [0040]    In  FIGS. 2C and 2D , the end pieces  126  have side edges  218  oriented so as to be generally perpendicular to the end piece  126 , as in  FIG. 1 . Braces  220  on the underside  140  of the end caps  124  define an insert position for the bait block  132 . More particularly, the bosses  128  are inserted into the bores  130  of the bait block  132  until the end surfaces  222  of the bait blocks  132  rest on the faces  224  of the braces  220 . The outer surfaces  136  of the end pieces  126  are generally concave to facilitate the user&#39;s grip. 
         [0041]    A third embodiment of a bait unit in accordance with the present invention, generally designated by the reference numeral  210 , is illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . As seen in the exploded view of  FIG. 3B , the end caps, generally designated by the reference numeral  44 , are thermoformed of thin gauge material and can be made to include embossed texturing  46  and/or branding  48  on their outer surface. The bait block interface surface  54  of the end caps  44  is formed to have a recessed area  56  that is shaped to correspond with the ends of the bait block  42 . Hot glue  58  or other adhesive is applied to the recessed area  56  with the bait block ends then being pressed therein. The opposing outer surfaces  60  of the end caps  44  have a raised area that corresponds in shape with the opposing recessed area  56  and provides the texturing  46  and/or branding  48  configuration. The texturing and branding shown in the figures is representative only and is not meant to be limiting as to the patterning or specific brand content thereof. 
         [0042]    A fourth embodiment of a bait unit in accordance with the present invention, generally designated by the reference numeral  310 , is illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . As seen in the exploded view of  FIG. 4B , the end caps, generally designated by the reference numeral  64 , can be made of paperboard or other low-cost printable material. The bait block interface surface  66  as well as the opposing outer surface  68  are substantially planar, with the bait block  72  being secured to the end caps by adhesive  58 , such as hot-melt glue, or by ultrasonic welding. Any other fastening material or method may be used as dependent upon the paperboard coatings and the properties of the bait block  72 . 
         [0043]    As shown in the four embodiments of  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 4B , the bait blocks  12 ,  32 ,  42 ,  72  may be variously shaped. The shapes often include multiple edges as rodents are known to find such surfaces desirable for chewing. However, any shape may be used, including a generally rectangular shape as shown by bait blocks  82  of  FIG. 13 , as would be known in the art. 
         [0044]    The end caps  14 ,  44  may be tailored to the specific bait block shape, as in the embodiments of  FIG. 1  and  FIGS. 3A-3B , or may be virtually independent of the bait block shape, as representatively depicted by the end caps  24 ,  64 ,  124  of  FIGS. 2A-2D ,  4 A- 4 B and  13 . In any case, and however they are attached to the bait block, the end caps  14 ,  24 ,  44 ,  64 ,  124  serve as the gripping portion to allow the user to firmly grip the bait block  12 ,  32 ,  42 ,  72 ,  132  without touching it. The outer surface of the end caps can also be used to display branding and graphic features as desired. 
         [0045]    The present invention is also directed to a manner of packaging any of the above described bait units that not only showcases the enhanced appearance of the units, but also further protects the user from contact with the poisoned bait. As representatively shown in  FIG. 5 , the bait units  110  are fitted within an inner blister  80  having a plurality of pockets  82  for individually securing a corresponding plurality of bait units  110 . Once the units are in place, the pockets  82  are sealed with foil as is known in the blister packaging industry to form inner blister pack  84 . 
         [0046]      FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate a first embodiment of a final packaging configuration in accordance with the present invention. The inner blister pack  84  containing, for example, nine bait units  110 , is enclosed between an external blister  86  with information card  87 , and a paperboard card  88  to form an outer blister pack generally designated by the reference numeral  89 . The paperboard card  88  has a heat sealed coating on the front side  90  to enable it to be sealed against the external blister  86  with the blister pack  84  inside, as shown in the assembled view of  FIG. 7 . The outer blister pack  89  protects the product from shipping and in-store damage. The outer blister pack  89  also provides another layer of protection from tampering with or breakage of the bait units. 
         [0047]      FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate a second embodiment of a final packaging configuration in accordance with the present invention. The blister pack  84  is inserted between the front panel  92  and the back panel  94  of a folded die-cut frame, generally designated by the reference numeral  96 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . The interfacing surfaces of the front and back panels  92 ,  94  are then sealed together to enclose the blister pack  84 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0048]    As can be seen in  FIGS. 8 and 10 , the back panel  94  is provided with a perforation  98  and a gripping tab  99 . By grasping the gripping tab  99 , the user can peel open the back panel  94  upward as shown by the arrow  100  in  FIG. 11 . This will expose the back of the blister pack  84  and the perforations  85  outlining each of the bait unit pockets  82 . Once exposed, the bait units  110  can be removed one at a time while the remainder of the units remain in their securely sealed condition. 
         [0049]    A third packaging embodiment generally designated by reference numeral  500  is shown in  FIG. 12-14  with bait units  110 ′ as in  FIGS. 2C and 2D . As can be seen in the side view provided in  FIG. 14 , the package  500  holds a plurality of bait units  110 ′ having generally rectangular bait blocks  132  and end caps  124  with a concave outer surface  136 . 
         [0050]    As shown in  FIG. 14 , the bait units  110 ′ are secured within an outer blister  502  formed to have a plurality of recesses  504  that respectively receive a corresponding plurality of bait units  110 ′. The recesses  504  are separated from one another by channels  506  that keep the bait units apart from one another. The upper edge  508  of the outer blister  502  is sealed to a paperboard-type backing  510  that remains structurally stable even when perforated and which can be printed with desired product information as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . 
         [0051]    With reference to  FIG. 13 , the backing is provided with a plurality of closed openings generally designated by reference numeral  512  which are defined by partial perforations or lines of weakening  514  that define rectangular covers  516  corresponding in shape and position with the underlying bait units  110 ′. Hence, as with the previous embodiments, each bait unit  110 ′ can be individually removed by pressing against the bait unit through the front  505  of the blister recess  504 , thereby opening the respective cover  516  on the back of the package by tearing its defining perforation  514 . Meanwhile, the remainder of the bait units remain in the package  500  enclosed between the blister  502  and the remainder of the backing  510 . 
         [0052]    In sum, a user obtaining the bait units as designed and as packaged according to the present invention can remove the desired number of bait units by pressing them out through their respective perforated backing covers  516  one at a time from the package  500  as depicted at  101  in  FIG. 13 . Once the bait units are removed, the concave outer surfaces of the end caps  124  provide the user with a secure and balanced hold on each bait unit as depicted at  102  in  FIG. 12  (while noting that the end caps in  FIG. 12  are not depicted with concave outer surfaces). This sure grip enables the user to confidently reach out and place the unit in difficult to reach and/or tight spaces without risk of accidental physical contact with the bait block. Once the bait is gone or consumption thereof has stopped, the user can simply and safely dispose of the end caps or any remaining bait by handling only the end caps. Hence, physical contact with the bait block itself is readily avoided at all times from purchase to disposal. 
         [0053]    The foregoing descriptions and drawings should be considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. The invention may be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes and is not limited by the dimensions of the preferred embodiment. Numerous applications of the present invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art. For example, the bait dispenser according to the present invention may be seen to be applicable to the dispensing of insect bait or any other bait offering in which user separation from the bait is desired. Therefore, it is not desired to limit the invention to the specific examples disclosed or the exact construction and operation shown and described. Rather, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.