Abstract:
A chemical free trap that catches biting flies and other insects is herein disclosed. Features of the present trap include a dark-colored baitless lure which attracts biting flies, a collapsible housing that includes a fabric cover and an entrapment and containment space, a weather-resistant construction enabling the trap to be used in outdoor areas or structures, and a means for easy insect removal.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/047,096, filed Apr. 22, 2008, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to insect traps and, more particularly, to said insect traps for attracting and capturing large numbers of flying insects such as flies and like. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Insects are one (1) of the most common and persistent annoyances associated with any outdoor activity, especially biting insects such as horse flies. Additionally, commercial loss to livestock and crops due to insect damage and the spread of disease through blood-feeding insect bites is in the multi-millions of dollars per year in the United States. Large insect populations in outdoor areas can be attributed in part to areas of open standing water, dried grass, and the like. In cultivated fields, the insect population can be even higher due to the presence of livestock feed, bails of hay, and the like which can provide an ideal breeding ground for many types of insect life. 
     Attempts to collect and destroy insects have provided various alternatives. One (1) attempt to control insect populations is the use of insecticides. Disadvantageously, insecticides are harmful to the environment, expensive, and can ultimately lead to insect populations which are resistant to the chemicals used. Other alternatives include insect collecting and trapping devices which can control large populations of insects without the use of chemical insecticides. Various large traps are designed to allow livestock to walk through and remove any insect pests from the livestock and trap them in a screen type trapping element. With these devices the trapping element is only available on the interior of the trap housing and is ineffective for protecting crops or reducing the annoyance to people in outdoor settings. Electric insect trapping and killing devices can provide for a wide range of applications but are hindered by the requirement of being tethered to an electricity source and can become expensive to constantly operate. Mesh fly control traps provide an effective way to control outdoor flies and other insects, but these devices unfortunately require the use of bait that has to be placed inside the trap which requires regular monitoring to maintain effectiveness and are not durable enough to leave in a field or similar area. 
     While these devices may fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each suffers from one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Accordingly, the need exists for a means by which large numbers of flying insects can be destroyed without the aforementioned problems. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a means to attract, collect, and destroy large numbers of flying insects, particularly biting and blood-feeding flies and thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide a collapsible fly trap that provides a non-cumbersome means of effectively attracting and capturing various types of flies while providing a portable means of catching a larger number of flies over a larger area. The collapsible fly trap is constructed of materials which are durable and lightweight that provide for easy assembly, transport, and deployment. 
     Another object of the collapsible fly trap is to provide a device generally comprising a collapsible frame, a textile frame cover, a lure bait ball, a cap, an insect containment space, a plurality of lower leg portions, and a hanging feature and which provides a trapping and containment means for the flies. 
     Yet still another object of the collapsible fly trap is to provide a frame that is simply deployed in an area where flying insect collection and elimination is desired. The removably attached bait ball provides a luring means to attract the biting insects. The frame cover provides a dark enclosure atop the bait ball having an amount of light shining through a screened upper which attracts the flies to exit the bait ball in an upward direction. The removably attached screen cap sits atop the upper end of the frame cover and provides an insect collecting and containment means between the cap and the screen upper of the frame cover. An aperture in the upper tip of the screen upper of the frame cover provides an exiting means to the insects into the containment space where the insects become trapped and perish over time. 
     Yet still another object of the collapsible fly trap is to provide a frame comprising four (4) upper leg portions that form a generally cubical support structure and telescopingly receive a lower leg portion. The lower leg portions provide a means to be extended and collapsed within the upper leg portions and are secured via a fastening feature or may be removed from the device depending on the mode of utilization. The frame further comprises four (4) pivotably connected linkages that provide a means to collapse the frame into a compact and portable state. 
     Yet still another object of the collapsible fly trap is to provide a frame cover comprising four (4) side surfaces, a plurality of sleeves, and a screen portion. The sleeves engage the upper ends of the upper leg portions which provide a means to secure the cover to the frame. The screen provides a pyramid-shaped upper end of the frame cover and comprises an aperture in the tip which provides an access means to the containment space. 
     Yet still another object of the collapsible fly trap is to provide a cap comprising a generally pyramidal shape which is slightly larger than that of the pyramidal upper end of the cover, square-shaped lip, a screen portion, four (4) flaps, and four (4) sleeves. The sleeves engage the upper ends of the upper leg portions which provide a means to secure the cover to the frame. A flap is located on a bottom edge of the each side of the lip and comprises sealing feature that provides a means of attachment to an outer surface of the cover. The flap can be detached and provides a means of evacuating the containment space as desired by the user. 
     Yet still another object of the collapsible fly trap is to provide each lower leg portion comprising a foot that provides surface contact area and an anchoring aperture located in the foot that provides a means to secure the device to the ground via a plurality of anchoring stakes. 
     Yet another object of the collapsible fly trap is to provide a bait ball comprising a collapsible round or oval-shaped body and providing a means of attraction to the flies. The bait ball is baitless, comprising no food or chemical bait, and comprises a dark color which naturally attracts biting insects. The bait ball comprises a center, a ball cover, and a plurality of collapsible concentric rings which provide a means to extend and collapse the bait ball. 
     Yet another object of the collapsible fly trap is to provide the device comprising a collapsible triangular frame, a triangular textile frame cover, a lure bait ball, a triangular cap, and three (3) lower leg sections and which provides a trapping and containment means for the flies. 
     Yet still another object of the collapsible fly trap is to provide a method of utilizing the device comprising transporting the device to a desired location, deploying the device, applying the bait ball, collecting and perishing a large number of flying insects, and easily removing the destroyed insects. 
     Yet still another object of the collapsible fly trap is to provide a method of utilizing the device comprising anchoring the device to the ground in a standing state or hanging from a hanging support such as a tree limb. 
     Further objects and advantages of the collapsible fly trap will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a collapsible fly trap  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a partial cut away view of a collapsible fly trap  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is section view taken along section line A-A of a collapsible fly trap  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross section view of a collapsible bait ball  50 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a collapsible fly trap  10  depicting an alternate method of utilization, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an alternate collapsible fly trap  100 , according to yet another alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 10 
                 collapsible fly trap 
               
               
                 20 
                 frame 
               
               
                 22 
                 upper leg portion 
               
               
                 24 
                 first fastening feature 
               
               
                 25 
                 first connecting feature 
               
               
                 26 
                 linkage 
               
               
                 30 
                 frame cover 
               
               
                 31 
                 side surface 
               
               
                 32 
                 first screen portion 
               
               
                 34 
                 first support member 
               
               
                 35 
                 first sleeve 
               
               
                 36 
                 aperture 
               
               
                 37 
                 loop 
               
               
                 38 
                 first sealing feature 
               
               
                 40 
                 cap 
               
               
                 41 
                 lip 
               
               
                 42 
                 second screen portion 
               
               
                 43 
                 flap 
               
               
                 44 
                 second support member 
               
               
                 45 
                 second sleeve 
               
               
                 46 
                 hanging feature 
               
               
                 47 
                 hinged fastener 
               
               
                 48 
                 second sealing feature 
               
               
                 49 
                 containment space 
               
               
                 50 
                 bait ball 
               
               
                 51 
                 center 
               
               
                 52 
                 ball cover 
               
               
                 53 
                 ring 
               
               
                 54 
                 second connecting feature 
               
               
                 56 
                 suspension segment 
               
               
                 58 
                 third connecting feature 
               
               
                 60 
                 lower leg portion 
               
               
                 62 
                 second fastening feature 
               
               
                 64 
                 foot 
               
               
                 66 
                 anchoring aperture 
               
               
                 70 
                 anchoring stake 
               
               
                 80 
                 hanging segment 
               
               
                 90 
                 hanging support 
               
               
                 100 
                 alternate collapsible fly trap 
               
               
                 120 
                 alternate frame 
               
               
                 122 
                 alternate upper leg portion 
               
               
                 124 
                 alternate first fastening feature 
               
               
                 126 
                 alternate linkage 
               
               
                 130 
                 alternate frame cover 
               
               
                 131 
                 alternate side surface 
               
               
                 132 
                 alternate first screen portion 
               
               
                 134 
                 alternate first support member 
               
               
                 135 
                 alternate first sleeve 
               
               
                 136 
                 alternate aperture 
               
               
                 137 
                 alternate loop 
               
               
                 138 
                 alternate first sealing feature 
               
               
                 140 
                 alternate cap 
               
               
                 141 
                 alternate lip 
               
               
                 142 
                 alternate second screen portion 
               
               
                 143 
                 alternate flap 
               
               
                 144 
                 alternate second support member 
               
               
                 145 
                 alternate second sleeve 
               
               
                 148 
                 second sealing feature 
               
               
                 149 
                 alternate containment space 
               
               
                 160 
                 alternate lower leg portion 
               
               
                 162 
                 alternate second fastening feature 
               
               
                 164 
                 alternate foot 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 4 , in an alternate first embodiment within  FIG. 5 , and in an alternate second embodiment within  FIG. 6 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a collapsible fly trap (herein described as the “device”)  10 , which provides a non-cumbersome means of effectively attracting and capturing various types of flies. The device  10  serves to provide a portable means of catching a larger number of flies over a larger area than conventional fly traps. The device  10  generally comprises a collapsible frame  20 , a textile frame cover  30 , a lure bait ball  50  which attracts flies, and a cap  40  which provides a trapping and containment means for the flies. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a perspective view and a partial cut away view of the device  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The device  10  generally comprises a frame  20 , a frame cover  30 , a cap  40 , a bait ball  50 , and a plurality of lower leg portions  60 . The frame  20  is preferably made of a durable, light-weight weather resistant material, such as plastic, metal, wood, or the like and be fabricated and constructed through common manufacturing techniques. The frame  20  comprises four (4) upper leg portions  22  which form a generally cubical support structure and are preferably segments of circular or square channel. Each upper leg portion  22  is capable of telescopingly receiving an appropriately sized lower leg portion  60  which is also preferably a segment of circular or square channel. The lower leg portion  60  may be extended and collapsed therewithin the upper leg portion  22  during transport and storage or may be removed therefrom the same. A first fastening feature  24  is located thereon a lower end of each upper leg portion  22  and a plurality of second fastening features  62  are located progressively thereon an each lower leg portion  60 . When the lower leg portion  60  is telescopingly inserted thereinside a corresponding upper leg portion  22  the fastening features  24 ,  62  engage, thus locking and securing the now combined leg portions  22 ,  60  into a desired fixed position and height. Although the fastening features  24 ,  62  are illustrated here comprising an aperture and a corresponding ball and spring pin fastener respectively, it is understood that the leg portions  22 ,  60  may be introduced comprising various fastening means, such as pins, clips, screws, or similar captive fasteners and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present device  10 . The frame  20  further comprises four (4) linkages  26  which provide a means to collapse the frame  20  into a compact and portable state. Each linkage  26  corresponds to the dimension of the frame  20  and is connected on a first end thereto an outer surface of a lower end of an upper leg portion  22  and on a second end thereto an outer surface of a lower end of an opposing upper leg portion  22 . The linkage  26  comprises two (2) rigid segments of approximately equal length which are connected via a joint which enables motion therebetween said segments. The linkage  26  is similarly pivotably connected thereto the upper leg portion  22  via a joint. When the frame  20  is in a completely expanded state the linkages  26  and the upper leg portions  22  comprise a generally cuboidal shape and when said frame  20  is in a collapsed state the linkages  26  pivot thereabout the joints, thus enabling the said frame  20  to collapse and said upper leg portions  22  approach one another. The lower leg portion  60  further comprises a foot  64  located thereon a lower end which provides additional surface area and contact stability therewith the ground. Each foot  64  comprises an anchoring aperture  66  through which an anchoring stake  70  may be inserted therethrough which provides additional means of securing the device  10  thereto the ground when in use. 
     The frame cover  30  comprises four (4) side surfaces  31  and a first screen portion  32  and is preferably made of a durable, weather resistant textile, such as nylon, canvas, plastic coated polyester, or the like. The side portions  31  and the first screen portion  32  of the cover  30  are attached and fabricated via common textile techniques and comprise a sealed seam therebetween. The frame cover  30  slides over top thereof each upper leg portion  22  via four (4) first sleeves  35  forming a generally cuboidal shape defined by the four (4) side surfaces  31  and an open bottom, and may further be fastened thereto the frame  20  via an interference fit, buttons, snaps, clips, or the like. The sleeve  35  comprises a looped portion of the material making up the frame cover  30  and is secured via common textile manufacturing techniques. A top or upper end of the frame cover  30  comprises the four (4) sided pyramid-shaped first screen portion  32 . The first screen portion  32  is preferably a durable, fine screen or mesh material which allows light to be transferred therethrough yet provides a smooth surface which entices various biting flies to walk thereon. The first screen portion  32  further comprises a first support member  34  thereon each of the four (4) side edges of said first screen portion  32 . The first support member  34  comprises a rigid or semi-rigid rod which is integrated thereinto the first screen portion  32  via durably stitched sleeve or the like such that said first screen portion  32  is free to slide thereover said first support member  34  when the device  10  is collapsed. The first support member  34  reinforces and supports the pyramid shape of the upper end of the cover  30  and is suitably flexible such that the first screen portion  32  may be pushed downward and collapse thereinto an inner area of said cover  30  and the frame  20  for storage and transportation and then easily upwardly extended to an in-use state. Each first support member  34  extends therefrom a base portion of the pyramid shape thereat an upper end of the side surfaces  31  and terminates thereat a truncated apex of the first screen portion  32 . This truncated apex of the first screen portion  32  comprises an aperture  36  which is suitably sized to allow various varieties of biting flies to crawl or fly therethrough. The frame cover  30  further comprises a plurality of loops  37  located thereon a lower end of each side surface  31  which loop therearound the linkage  26 , thus providing additional security therebetween said frame cover  30  and the frame  20  and maintains a tight fit therebetween the same. The loop  37  may be permanently looped therearound the linkage  37  via being sewn thereto the frame cover  30  or may be removably affixed via a common fastener, such as a snap, hook-and-loop fastener, or the like. 
     The cap  40  comprises a generally pyramidal shape which is slightly larger than that of the pyramidal upper end of the cover  30 . The cap  40  further comprises a square-shaped lip  41 , a second screen portion  42 , and a flap  43 . The second screen portion  42  is similar in material and function to that of the first screen portion  32 . The cap  40  slides over top thereof each upper leg portion  22  via four (4) second sleeves  45  forming a generally square shape defined by the four (4) sides of the lip  41  and may further be fastened thereto the frame  20  via an interference fit, buttons, snaps, clips, or the like. The lip  41  comprises the lower base of the cap  40  connected therebetween the second sleeves  45 . The cap  40  comprises a flap  43  located thereon a bottom edge of the lip  41  which further comprises a second sealing feature  48 . The flap  43  and second sealing feature  48  provide a means of attachment thereto an outer surface of the upper end of the cover  30  thereat a first sealing feature  38 . The flap  43  removably attaches thereto the cover  30  via the first and the second sealing features  38 ,  48  thus providing a closed seal therebetween said cover  30  and said cap  40  such that any flies trapped therebetween will be unable to escape. The closed seal created therebetween the first and the second sealing features  38 ,  48  comprises a durable hook-and-loop fastener, a zipper, a tongue-and-groove fastener, or the like. When attached thereto the cover  30 , the cap  40  provides the trapping mechanism and internal containment space  49  for the entrapped flies. The pyramid shape of the second screen portion  42  is reinforced and supported by four (4) second support members  44  which are similar in material, attachment, and function to that of the first support members  34 . The second support member  34  is hingedly affixed thereto an upper end of the upper leg portion  22  via a hinged fastener  47 , such as a clevis, a hinge, or the like. The second support member  44  reinforces and supports the pyramid shape of the cap  40  and is suitably flexible such that the second screen portion  42  may collapse for storage and transportation when the frame is collapsed. 
     The bait ball  50  comprises a collapsible round or oval-shaped body and provides the means of attraction to the flies. The bait ball  50  is baitless, comprising no food or chemical bait for the flies. The bait ball  50  is preferably made of durable weather resistant material such as rubber or the like and comprises a dark color, such as dark blue, black, or the like. The bait ball  50  connects thereto the lower end of two (2) diagonally adjacent upper leg portions  22  thereat a first connecting feature  25 . The bait ball  50  is preferably positioned such that a lower portion is exposed and an upper portion is thereinside the open space created by the frame  20  and the cover  30 . A suspension segment  56  extends therebetween a first connecting feature  25  and a second connecting feature  54  located thereon opposing ends thereof the bait ball  50 . A third connecting feature  58  is located thereon a distal end of the fastening segment  56  which removably attaches thereto the first connecting feature  58 . The first connecting feature  25  enables the bait ball  50  to be removably attached thereto the frame  20  via engaging the third connecting feature  58 . The first and the third connecting features  25 ,  58  preferably allow for a secure attachment with a quick and easy release, such as a hook and an eyelet, a plastic clip, or the like. The suspension segment  56  is preferably a cord or wire which comprises an appropriate tensile strength such that the bait ball  50  will be secure even during inclement weather and wind. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a section view take along section line A-A of the device  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. When in an extended in-use state various types of flies are attracted thereto and land thereon the large, warm dark surface of the bait ball  50  and said flies will naturally move toward the upper portion of said bait ball  50 . The first and second screen portions  32 ,  42  enable light to shine down thereonto the upper surface of the bait ball  50 . Flies have a natural tendency to move to the top of an object and fly in a vertical path when leaving an object, thus said flies are guided thereinto an underside of the first screen portion  32  when flying off of the bait ball  50 . The flies move toward the light and thus the single avenue of escape therethrough the aperture  36 . The aperture  36  is large enough to entice flies to enter, yet small enough to discourage said flies from exiting therethrough the same. The aperture  36  further comprises a smooth undersurface which will not deter said flies from crawling therethrough from underneath and an irregular upper surface therearound the same which will deter said flies from crawling back therethrough. Thus, once the flies emerge therefrom the aperture  36  they are trapped therebetween the cap  40  and the upper portion of the cover  30  therein the containment space  49 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a cross section view of the bait ball  50 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The bait ball  50  comprises a center  51 , a ball cover  52 , and a plurality of collapsible concentric rings  53 . The ball cover  52  is permanently connected thereto an outer perimeter of the center  51  and to an outer edge of each ring  53 . The center  51  comprises the central circumference of the bait ball  50 . The plurality of rings  53  progressively decrease in diameter such that the bait ball  50  may be extended and collapsed in a similar manner as that of collapsible cones or the like. In a collapsed state the bait ball  50  comprises a relatively compact and flat body which may be deployed via pulling thereon the second connecting features  54  which are integrally attached thereto the ball cover  51  and located adjacent thereto each extendable end of the rings  53 . The second connecting feature  54  provides a means of attaching the bait ball  50  thereto the suspension segment  56 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a perspective view of the device  10  depicting an alternate method of utilization, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is now disclosed. The device  10  may be utilized in a hanging state without the lower leg portions  60  or comprising said lower leg portions  60  in a fully retracted state. A hanging feature  46  is located thereon the outside apex of the cap  40  and is preferably an eyelet, a clip, or the like. The hanging feature  46  provides a means by which the device  10  may be secured thereto a hanging support  100 , such as a rafter, a tree branch, or the like via a hanging segment  80  which is preferably a length of chain, rope, cable, or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a perspective view of an alternate collapsible fly trap  100 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, is now disclosed. The alternate collapsible fly trap  100  is substantially similar in materials, fabrication, and function to that of the device  10  with a particular difference comprising an alternate triangular shape. The alternate collapsible fly trap  100  comprises an alternate frame  120 , an alternate frame cover  130 , and an alternate cap  140 . The alternate frame  120  comprises substantially similar features and function as that of the frame  20  further comprising three (3) alternate linkages  126  and three (3) alternate upper leg portions  122  which are telescopingly connected thereto three (3) alternate lower leg portions  160  via engagement therebetween three (3) alternate first fastening features  124  and three (3) corresponding alternate second fastening features  162 . The alternate lower leg portion  160  further comprises an alternate foot  164 . The alternate frame cover  130  comprises three (3) alternate side surfaces  131 , an open bottom, and three (3) alternate first sleeves  135  which slide thereover the alternate frame  120 . The alternate frame cover  130  comprises an alternate first screen portion  132  which comprises the upper portion of the same having an alternate aperture  136  and is reinforced by three (3) alternate first support members  134 . An alternate cap  140  comprises an alternate second screen portion  142 , an alternate lip  141 , and an alternate flap  143  which removably attaches thereto the alternate frame cover  130  via a sealing means therebetween an alternate first sealing feature  138  and an alternate second sealing feature  148  thus creating an alternate containment space  149 . The alternate cap  140  further comprises and is reinforced by three (3) alternate second support members  144 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the device  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , alternatively in  FIG. 5 , and further alternatively as indicated in  FIG. 6 . 
     The method of utilizing the device  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: retrieving said device  10  in a collapsed and stored state; transporting said device  10  thereto a location where an abundance of biting flies have become a nuisance; deploying said device  10  by extending the linkages  26 , thus spreading out the frame  20  and frame cover  30 ; removably inserting or telescopingly extending a lower leg portion  60  to a corresponding upper leg portion  22  and engaging the first and second fastening feature  24 ,  62  thus locking the same into a desired height and position; driving the anchoring stakes  70  thereinto the ground therethrough the anchoring apertures  66 ; expanding the bait ball  50  by pulling the suspension segments  56  in opposing directions; removably attaching said bait ball  50  thereto said frame  20  by connecting the third connecting feature  58  thereto the first connecting feature  25 ; waiting for said biting flies to be attracted thereto said device  10  and trapped thereinside the containment space  49  where the flies die; emptying said containment space  49  by detaching the flap  43  therefrom said frame cover  30 , thus breaking the seal therebetween the first sealing feature  38  and the second sealing feature  48 ; allowing any and all dead flies to fall therefrom the now open containment space  49  and shaking said device  10  to dislodge any fly carcasses if required; collapsing said device  10  for storage or transportation to another location; and, benefiting from the large area and amount of biting flies which are attracted thereto and eliminated by the present device  10 . 
     An alternate method of utilizing the device  10  may be achieved by performing substantially similar steps as previously described with the following additional steps: removing or retracting the lower leg portions  60 ; fastening the hanging segment  80  thereto the hanging feature  46 ; attaching said hanging segment  80  thereto a hanging support  90 . 
     The method of utilizing the alternate collapsible fly trap  100  may be achieved by performing the following steps: retrieving said alternate fly trap  100  in a collapsed and stored state; transporting said alternate fly trap  100  thereto a location where an abundance of biting flies have become a nuisance; deploying said alternate fly trap  100  by extending the alternate linkages  126 , thus spreading out the alternate frame  120  and alternate frame cover  130 ; removably inserting or telescopingly extending an alternate lower leg portion  160  to a corresponding alternate upper leg portion  122  and engaging the alternate first and the alternate second fastening features  124 ,  162  thus locking into a desired height and position; driving the anchoring stakes  70  thereinto the ground therethrough the anchoring apertures  66 ; expanding the bait ball  50  by pulling the suspension segments  56  in opposing directions; removably attaching said bait ball  50  thereto said alternate frame  120  by connecting the third connecting feature  58  thereto the first connecting feature  25 ; waiting for said biting flies to be attracted thereto said alternate collapsible fly trap  100  and trapped thereinside the alternate containment space  149  where the flies die; emptying said alternate containment space  149  by detaching the alternate flap  143  therefrom said alternate frame cover  30 , thus breaking the seal therebetween the alternate first sealing feature  138  and the alternate second sealing feature  148 ; allowing any and all dead flies to fall therefrom the now open alternate containment space  149  and shaking said alternate fly trap  100  to dislodge any fly carcasses if required; collapsing said alternate fly trap  100  for storage or transportation to another location; and, benefiting from the large area and amount of biting flies which are attracted thereto and eliminated by the present alternate fly trap  100 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.