Improvements in Fly Traps.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 29th D-c., 1899-Accepted, 31st Mar., 1900
Improvements in Fly Traps.
I, THOMAS FERGUSON, of 66, High Street, Hawick, N.B., Confectioner, do
hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is
to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement:-
This invention for improvements in fly traps has for its object a simple trap
into which the flies or other insects are attracted by the bait-sugar, beer soaked
sponge or the like-from which they will not escape, the trap moreover being
provided with a means for preventing their escape under circumstances to be
hereinafter more fully described.
And in order that this invention may be more clearly described reference is
had to the accompanying sheet of illustrative drawings on which
Fig. 1 is an elevation of a trap constructed according to this invention and
Fig. 2 is a sectional plan of the same.
The base plate A is placed upon a stand B shaped somewhat as shown. Several
openings A are formed in the base plate A and the stand B is recessed away
at the sides so that a passage is clear from underneath the base plate A through.
openings A¹ to the upper surface of the base plate A.
A dome shaped cover C is attached to the base plate A. An opening C is
formed on the top of the dome shaped cover C. At the centre of the base plate B¹
a screw G secures a piece of sponge For the like soaked in beer and sprinkled
with sugar or otherwise prepared as bait is mounted. A plate B¹ fits over an
opening formed in the base B to allow of insertion of the bait as the cover C is
secured to the base plate A.
Around the dome shaped cover C an outer cover 1) is arranged having a
ring 1 by which it can be lifted conveniently. A plate D2 fits over an opening
formed in the top to allow for removal of dead flies from the trap.
Upon the base plate A two curved levers E El are pivoted at e and are provided
with extensions e e² at their free ends. The levers E Eare so shaped that
when moved inwardly to the positions shown in dotted lines Fig. 2 they will
cover the openings A¹ formed in the base plate A. Normally however they are
placed in the positions shown in full lines so as to leave the openings A' uncovered.
The trap is stood upon a counter, sideboard or other place and it is found that
the flies will in order to get to the bait pass underneath the trap and up the
inclined side of the stand B through the openings A into the space enclosed by
the dome shaped cover C. When partially stupefied they do not however make
their way out through the openings A¹ but manage to pass through the opening C¹
into the upper portion of the trap.
When it becomes necessary to move the trap about and it is lifted up the
flies within it can see light through the openings A and make their escape.
The levers E E¹ are therefore moved inwards by means of the extensions e¹ e thus
closing the openings A¹.
It has moreover been observed that during the night time when all is dark
the flies can find their way out through the openings A' and it is therefore
advisable to close them by means of the levers E E.

page_text: The base B is preferably hollow and small perforations are formed in the
inclined surfaces. Any liquid draining from the bait will then pass into the
interior of the stand B and the smell thereof will assist in attracting the insects.
The trap is made with all the parts rigidly secured together and the plates B¹
and D allow for insertion of the bait and for emptying of flies when required.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:
(1) An improved trap for flies and other insects comprising a base plate having
openings, a stand upon which said base plate is fitted and having its sides
shaped so that flies and other insects can pass from below through the openings
in the base plate, a dome shaped cover fitted upon said base plate and having an
opening at the top, an outer cover, a bait secured in the middle of the base plate,
and means for closing the openings in the base plate when required, substantially
as described and for the purposes specified.
(2) An improved trap for flies and other insects comprising a base plate
having openings A', a stand B upon which said base plate is fitted and having
its sides shaped so that flies and other insects can pass from below through
the openings A' in the base plate, a dome shaped cover C having an opening C¹
at the top, an outer cover D provided with plate 12, screw G upon the base
plate B for the bait F and curved levers E E which can be moved to cover the
openings A¹ when required, substantially as described with reference to the
drawings and for the purposes specified.
Dated this 29th day of December 1800
GEO. H. RAYNER,
37, Chancery Lane, London, Agent for the Applicant.