Patent Description:
Within the area of rat traps there are many examples of different kind of rat traps having different structures and functionality, such as spring-loaded strike or snap traps.

One example of a rat trap unit is disclosed in <CIT>. This rat trap is spring biased and has a plurality of light sources acting together to detect the position of a small animal to be trapped.

Disadvantages of known spring-loaded strike rat traps, among others, are that they are difficult to handle and require cumbersome ways of handling and arming as they often are complex in structure as being made up of many cooperating parts, and therefore not able to accomplish a user friendly flexibility and more usable applications, and are not reliable enough in regard of unwanted triggering. Known prior art documents in the field are fore example: <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>.

One object of the invention is to provide a spring-loaded strike trap, which solves or at least reduces one or more of above problems.

Another object is to provide a spring-loaded strike trap with a more versatile use/functionality than the basic pest killing by enabling monitoring and notifying the presence of excess water and/or sewage or the like liquid/fluid, e.g. during flooding and/or water/sewage leaks or the like when in use.

One or more of the above objects are achieved by means of a spring-loaded strike trap and/or one or more such spring-loaded strike traps being configured for operative connection and monitoring presence of excess water and/or sewage or the like liquid/fluid due to flooding and/or leaks, when in use in a net work being configured for communicating/notifying the presence of the excess liquid via wires and/or wirelessly, as claimed in the associated independent claims, preferred variants thereof being defined in associated dependent claims.

According to the invention at least one of the objects are achieved by a spring-loaded strike rat trap comprising at least one spring, a housing, at least one striker bar, at least one arming bar, at least one trigger plate, and at least one trigger, the spring being configured for biasing the bars to move from a first position, where the arming bar and the trigger plate is releasably held by the trigger and in contact with a ready indicator to indicate that the spring-loaded strike rat trap is charged, into at least one other position where the movement of the bars is stopped, after the spring-loaded strike rat trap is triggered releasing the bars, wherein the striker bar, when the spring-loaded strike rat trap is triggered releasing the striker bar, is either biased by the spring into contact with a firing indicator in a final and/or end position, if a rat or mouse is not hit, or biased into contact with a rat or mouse of a first and/or certain and/or predetermined size hitting and killing it in an intermediary position not in contact with any of the indicators, wherein, in the spring-loaded strike rodent trap, the trigger plate is configured for engaging the firing indicator to displace the firing indicator a distance, as measured in the direction of trigger plate movement, when a rat having a second size or being smaller than the first and/or certain and/or predetermined size is hit by the striker bar, away from its location when the striker bar is in its final and/or end position, towards another location where the firing indicator is not in contact with the striker bar.

Further objects and features of the present invention will appear from the following definitions of aspects/embodiments/examples of the invention together with its advantages.

According to an additional aspect, in the spring-loaded strike trap according to any of above and/or any or one or more of below aspects, the firing indicator and/or the ready indicator is made of a flexible material and/or has a shape making it flexible for broader application and/or larger tolerances and/or are less sensitive for deformations and/or provide smoother movement/engagement. According to yet an aspect, in the spring-loaded strike trap according to any of above or any or one or more of below aspects, the firing indicator and/or the ready indicator is a conductor/made of a conductive material for easy and quick signalling. According to another aspect, in the spring-loaded strike trap according to any of above and/or any or one or more of below aspects, the striking bar, the arming bar and the trigger plate are configured for rotating/pivoting around the same axis for more distinct movement. According to a further aspect, in the spring-loaded strike trap according to any of above and/or any or one or more of below aspects, the spring is configured for biasing the striking bar and the arming bar to rotate/pivot around the same axis, which axis the trigger plate is configured for pivoting around when triggered for securing repeatability of movement. In yet an aspect, in the spring-loaded strike trap according to any of above and/or any or one or more of below aspects, the striking bar and the arming bar both are made of conductive material and are configured for being in conductive connection with the same rotary/pivot axis for secure signals. According to one aspect, the spring-loaded strike trap according to any of above and/or any or one or more of below aspects, comprises an energiser configured for being in conductive connection with the same rotary/pivot axis as the striking bar and the arming bar for enhanced and more secure signalling with less noise and eliminated or at least very reduced risk of interrupted signals etc. According to another aspect, in the spring-loaded strike trap according to any of above and/or any or one or more of below aspects, the spring, the striker bar, the arming bar, the trigger plate and the trigger are configured for being arranged on an upper side of a bottom plate for forming a detachable inner inset configured for being a separate/autonomous inner part or module of the rat trap housing when assembled therein enabling easy replacement of the inner inset in case of a damaged one or update to a new version. According to yet an aspect, in the spring-loaded strike trap according to any of above and/or any or one or more of below aspects, the bottom plate of the detachable inner inset has the upper side and a lower side and the trigger plate is configured for being movably and/or pivotally attached to the upper bottom plate side via a rotary/pivot axis extending substantially in parallel or in parallel with the extension plane of the bottom plate or its bottom plate side for easier access and replacement from above. According to still another aspect, in the spring-loaded strike trap according to any of above and/or any or one or more of below aspects, the bottom plate of the detachable inner inset has a plate shape defined by its upper side and lower side and two long sides and two short sides, the upper side and lower side are configured for forming substantially parallel and opposite planes (or parallel and opposite planes) extending substantially perpendicular or perpendicular to the long and short sides, which long and short sides are configured for forming pairwise substantially parallel and opposite sides (or parallel and opposite sides) relative each other, and the ready indicator comprises a first end configured for being arranged at one of the short or long sides of the bottom plate for conductive connection with the arming bar when in its first position when the detachable inner inset is assembled as a removable inner part or module into the rat trap as charged to provide easier assembly and disassembly and access to the detachable inner inset. According to one more aspect, in the spring-loaded strike trap according to any of above and/or any or one or more of below aspects, the ready indicator comprises a second end configured for being arranged at one of the other short or long sides of the bottom plate in conductive connection with the arming bar when the detachable inner inset is assembled as a removable inner part or inner module into the rat trap as charged for enhanced signalling. According to an additional aspect, in the spring-loaded strike trap according to any of above and/or any or one or more of below aspects, the ready indicator and/or the firing indicator is/are configured for being arranged as a part of the detachable inner inset to enable a more compact and easily replaceable inner inset. According to an aspect, in the spring-loaded strike trap according to any of above and/or any or one or more of below aspects, the rat trap housing comprises an detachable outer upper casing or covering and an detachable outer bottom casing, which are configured for mating by being removably docketed together when the rat trap is assembled and configured for disconnection when the rat trap is disassembled providing an easier access of/to and enhanced detachability/assembly of the rat trap including its modules. According to an aspect, the spring-loaded strike trap according to any of above and/or any or one or more of below aspects further comprises an detachable inner insert, when assembled, which is configured for removably receiving the detachable inner inset when the rat trap is assembled, the detachable inner insert being configured for comprising a power source and/or a control unit that provide an easy access to detachable rat trap modules and/or autonomous functionality and/or easy upgrading of each insert, such as replacing a "old" control unit to a newer one and also enables easy replacement of a broken one instead of having to replace a whole rat trap. According to one aspect, in the spring-loaded strike trap according to any of above and/or any or one or more of below aspects, an detachable inner insert is configured for removable connection/mating/docketing with the detachable outer bottom casing when the rat trap is assembled for easy and quick disassembly/assembly. According to one aspect, in the spring-loaded strike trap according to any of above and/or any or one or more of below aspects, an detachable inner insert or one or more outer coverings is configured for removable and/or fixedly mating/docketing with the detachable outer bottom casing when the rodent trap is assembled. If the outer covering is removably attached to the detachable outer bottom casing easy access to desired inner parts, e.g. the electronics and/or striker unit of the trap is enabled. If the outer covering is fixedly attached to the detachable outer bottom casing, the desired inner parts then being covered, e.g. the electronics and/or striker unit of the trap is more securely and robust protected, also against moist or the like that may negatively affect the functionality/electronics of the trap.

According to one other aspect, in the spring-loaded strike trap according to any of above and/or any or one or more of below aspects, the ready indicator and/or the firing indicator is configured for being arranged as a part of the detachable inner insert for easy access as separated from the inner inset. According to one aspect, in the spring-loaded strike trap according to any of above and/or any or one or more of below aspects, the ready indicator is configured for being arranged as a part of the detachable inner insert or the inner inset. According to an aspect, in the spring-loaded strike trap according to any of above and/or any or one or more of below aspects, the firing indicator is configured for being arranged as a part of the detachable inner insert or the inner inset.

According to one aspect, the spring-loaded strike trap according to any of above and/or any or one or more of below aspects further comprises an outer covering, when assembled, which is configured for at least removably or fixedly cover the detachable inner inset when the rodent trap is assembled, and/or a power source and/or an internal trap controller and/or a radio transmitter or the like. According to one aspect, the spring-loaded strike trap according to any of above and/or any or one or more of below aspects, comprises a housing made up of at least three parts, i.e. one or more outer coverings and a detachable bottom casing in which the inner inset for killing/catching rodents in turn is exchangeably assembled.

According to an additional aspect, in the spring-loaded strike trap according to any of above and/or any or one or more of below aspects, the ready indicator and the firing indicator are elongated and configured for extending from their first ends at a position arranged on/at or above a first level defined as extending along the plane of the upper bottom plate side, towards the lower plate side and along this lower plate side at a second level defined as extending along the lower plate side towards and ending at their second ends for providing a more compact and space efficient design while securing good contact. According to yet an aspect, in the spring-loaded strike trap according to any of above and/or any or one or more of below aspects, the energiser is elongated and configured for extending from a first end at a position arranged on/at or above the first level of the upper bottom plate side, towards the lower plate side and along this lower plate side at the second level of the lower plate side towards and ending at a second end for providing a more compact and space efficient design while securing good contact and an easy access of the ends of the ready indicator, firing indicator and energiser both at assembly but also at disassembly. According to still an aspect, in the spring-loaded strike trap according to any of above and/or any or one or more of below aspects, the energiser is configured for being arranged at the pivot axis in conductive connection with the arming bar when the trap is charged and in conductive connection with a power source and/or a control unit when the detachable inner inset is assembled as a removable inner part or inner module into the trap and configured for being in conductive connection with the striker bar when the trap is triggered and the striker bar has been released and come into conductive contact with the firing indicator and configured for being in conductive connection with the ready indicator and the firing indicator when water or the like conductive fluid has reached the second level to enhance and secure the signalling path and the reliability of the signalling. According to one aspect, the spring-loaded strike trap according to any of above and/or any or one or more of below aspects, comprises a movement and/or presence sensor for detecting an event in the rodent trap for pest control and for emitting a sensor signal in response to the event for direct communication with other rodent traps and/or directly with a data base and/or directly to or via a central/internal control unit to one or more other rodent traps and/or data bases, which movement and/or presence sensor in another aspect is a so-called passive infrared, PIR, sensor.

Further objects and features of the present invention will appear from the following definitions of aspects of the invention.

According to the invention at least one of the objects are achieved by a system or network of at least two spring-loaded strike traps according to any preceding and/or any or one or more of below aspects, wherein these at least two rodent traps are operatively connected to cooperate for eliminating or at least reducing or at least minimising a population of rats and/or mouses, wherein these at least two traps are configured to form a MESH network in which at least one and/or each and/or all rat traps continuously monitor presence of water or the like conductive fluid and that one or more of the rat traps is configured for registering if existing water or the like conductive fluid are at/over a certain/predetermined level by use of indicators that are conductively connected forming a closed circuit when the water or the like conductive fluid has reached the certain/predetermined level. Hence, no additional or external or separate sensor/-s or detector/-s for monitoring leakage of water or the like conductive fluid are needed in for example a house and/or skyscraper.

According to another aspect, in the system/network of spring-loaded strike traps according to any of above and/or any or one or more of below aspects, one or more of the rat traps configured for registering if existing water or the like conductive fluid are at/over a certain and/or predetermined level is operatively connected to a central unit, whereby the registering of the closing of the circuit of the indicators when the water or the like conductive fluid has reached the predetermined level is configured for triggering an alert signal indicating excess water and/or conductive fluid that is sent to one or more of the other rat traps and/or to the central unit that monitors all the rat traps and their functionality, which central unit is configured for notifying associated personnel of water/sewage leakage or the like. Hence, no additional or external or separate sensor/-s or detector/-s forming a network for monitoring leakage of water or the like conductive fluid are needed in for example a house and/or skyscraper.

One advantage of such a spring-loaded strike trap and/or system/network of spring-loaded strike traps is that it/they define/-s a failsafe mouse/rat trap in regard of faulty triggering by enabling monitoring and confirming if a small or very small rat/mouse is hit or not after triggering by means of one or more indicators being activated or not.

Another advantage of such a spring-loaded strike trap and/or system/network of spring-loaded strike traps above and below is that it/they is/are configured for checking the presence of excess water or the like conductive fluid by using one or more of the same indicators as in any of the aspects and advantages above and below requiring no additional or external or separate sensor/-s or detector/-s for monitoring leakage of water or the like conductive fluid where the inventive rat trap/-s is/are placed.

A further advantage of a spring-loaded strike trap and/or system/network of spring-loaded strike traps above and below is to provide a failsafe triggering in that the spring-loaded strike trap comprises a trigger plate that is configured for securing that the spring-loaded strike trap does not indicate that there is no pest/rodent killed or trapped when triggered, i.e. indicating a fault triggering, even though there is a small pest/rodent/mouse/rat killed or trapped, e.g. if a small mouse is trapped/killed but its body is flattened out such that the indicator of fault triggering (indicating a hit without hitting) would be activated even though it in fact is a "real" triggering, which error indication does not occur when using the inventive rat trap. This inventive trap is particular advantageous for catching small rodents, in particular mouses.

Further objects and features of the present invention will appear from the following definitions of aspects/examples thereof.

The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the enclosed figures, which show examples of presently preferred embodiments of the invention.

A rodent trap <NUM> comprising one or more indicators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is shown in <FIG> as examples according to the invention. The trap <NUM> is a spring-loaded strike trap comprising at least one beater/striker arm/bar <NUM> and an arming bar <NUM>. The striker bar <NUM> is configured for a quick, clean and humane killing of small animals, such as a mouse and/or rat <NUM>. The trap <NUM> also comprises a trigger plate <NUM>. In the upper right part view on <FIG>, a prior art scenario of a killing of a small rat or mouse by means of a prior art rat trap is shown, where the rat/mouse is crushed and flatten to such an extent that an indication of a faulty triggering of the prior art trap occurs (definition of a faulty triggering is that the trap has released the striking bar <NUM> without there being any rat or mouse triggering it) even though there is in fact physically a small and flattened rat/mouse killed. The other larger lower view in <FIG> shows another scenario when using the present rat trap <NUM> where any faulty triggering is eliminated by means of the trigger plate <NUM> being configured for pushing and displacing an firing indicator <NUM> a certain or sufficient distance D out of contact with the striker bar <NUM> away from the prior art position in the upper right part view when the rat/mouse is pressed down by the striker bar <NUM> to avoid the faulty triggering as in the prior art rat trap, whereby the crushing and flattening of a small rat/mouse <NUM> in the present trap <NUM> does not incur a faulty triggering indication, i.e. trigger plate <NUM> is configured such that wherever any flattened rat/mouse <NUM> presses down on the trigger plate, the striker bar <NUM> does not come into contact with the firing indicator <NUM> and no faulty triggering indication occurs. The trap <NUM> comprises at least one spring <NUM> configured for biasing/moving the striker bar <NUM> with a killing force when released due to triggering of the trap.

The rodent trap <NUM> comprises a housing <NUM>, see <FIG> showing two aspects. The trap <NUM> is a modular system made up of separate detachable modules <NUM> to <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. A module is configured to removably or fixedly mate with one or more of the other modules and functionally cooperate after all modules <NUM> to <NUM> are assembled together as the whole covering <NUM> making up the trap <NUM>. Preferably, at least three of the modules, i.e. at least one removable upper part and/or outer upper casing/covering <NUM>; at least one detachable outer bottom casing <NUM> and at least one inner inset <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are configured to removably and/or exchangeably mate with one or more of the other modules, e.g. outer covering <NUM>'.

The trap housing <NUM> comprises a first module being a removable upper part and/or outer upper casing/covering <NUM>, see <FIG>, and <FIG>. The trap housing <NUM> comprises a second module being at least one detachable outer bottom casing <NUM>, see <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. The trap housing <NUM> comprises a third module being at least one detachable inner insert <NUM> see the aspect of <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. The trap housing <NUM> comprises a third module being at least one detachable or fixated outer covering <NUM>', see the aspect of <FIG> and <FIG>. The trap housing <NUM> comprises a fourth module being at least one detachable inner inset <NUM> comprising the spring <NUM> and striker bar <NUM>, see <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. This inset <NUM> is the actual trap or killing unit of the striker trap <NUM>. Modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are each configured for detachable connection in a way similar to a Matryoshka/Babushka doll making the trap <NUM> possible to easily and quickly disassemble and assemble in the aspect of <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. In some aspects, the outer covering module <NUM>' is also detachable in the same way or fixedly attached to the mouse/rat trap <NUM>. This enhances and improves access to any module <NUM> to <NUM> achieving a very simple and effortless exchangeability of any or one or more of these modules, e.g. if broken, and/or creates an easy upgrading ability, e.g. to exchange a present spring <NUM> to a stronger/stiffer or more pliable spring <NUM> of the inset <NUM> and/or exchanging the whole present inner insert <NUM> or the inner inset <NUM> or both the inner insert <NUM> and inset <NUM> and/or the outer covering module <NUM>' to future upgraded versions, e.g. with upgraded electronics or the like by enabling easy access to the electronics <NUM>, <NUM> of the trap <NUM>. The detachable inner insert <NUM> is configured for detachably fitting into the detachable outer bottom casing <NUM>. The detachable inner inset <NUM> is configured for detachably fitting into the detachable inner insert <NUM> in the aspect of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The detachable inner inset <NUM> is configured for detachably fitting into the detachable outer bottom casing <NUM> in the aspect of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The upper part and/or outer upper casing/covering <NUM> is configured, together with the detachable outer bottom casing <NUM>, for detachably fitting over or enclosing at least the detachable inner insert <NUM> and the detachable inner inset <NUM> when assembling the rat trap <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The detachable inner insert <NUM> of the aspect in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> comprises one or more power sources <NUM>, such as a battery, and one or more transmitters <NUM> for direct communication with other rat traps <NUM> having transmitting means and/or directly with a data base <NUM> and/or directly or via a central unit <NUM> and/or an internal controller <NUM>' of the electronics and functions of one or mouse/rat traps <NUM> to one or more other rat traps and/or data bases <NUM> and/or other means for communication, see <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. The communication is achieved via wires or wirelessly between these entities <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>'.

The upper part and/or outer upper casing/covering <NUM> is configured, together with the detachable outer bottom casing <NUM> and outer covering/end/side wall <NUM>', for detachably fitting over or enclosing at least the detachable inner inset <NUM> when assembling the rat trap <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> making up the whole cover/hosuing <NUM>. The outer end covering <NUM>' of the aspect in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> comprises one or more power sources <NUM>, such as a battery, and one or more transmitters <NUM> for direct communication with other rat or mouse traps <NUM> having transmitting means and/or directly with a data base <NUM> and/or directly or via a central unit <NUM> and/or an internal controller <NUM>' of the electronics and functions of one or mouse/rat traps <NUM> to one or more other mouse/rat traps and/or data bases <NUM> and/or other means for communication, see <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> and <FIG>. This communication is achieved via wires or wirelessly between these entities <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>'.

In some embodiments, one or more of the rat traps <NUM> comprises a sensor <NUM> operatively connected to a controller <NUM>' of the trap <NUM>. This sensor <NUM> is in some aspects a movement and/or a presence sensor. This sensor <NUM> is e.g. a so-called passive infrared, PIR, sensor. The sensor <NUM> may also be a mechanically influenced contact/switch, a temperature sensor or another type of sensor. The sensor may emit an analog or digital signal directly to a controller <NUM>' and/or the central unit <NUM> and/or to one or more rat traps <NUM>, e.g. their controllers <NUM>', and/or one or more data bases <NUM> and then indirectly to the central unit. The sensor <NUM> is powered in some aspects without being interrupted by the control unit <NUM>' in order to thereby ensure detection of an event in the rat trap <NUM> when it occurs which, in some cases, may be a prerequisite for detection. In other aspects, the power supply to the sensor <NUM> is interrupted or reduced, optionally via a particular command to the sensor during those periods when the trap is in its sleep mode, e.g. to save/optimise current consumption for extending the battery powr and/or battery life. The sensor <NUM> sends signals concerning if a rat or mouse <NUM> is moving/has been moving in the rat trap <NUM> to enable checking e.g. if bait must be added and/or changed and/or the rat trap must be emptied. In an aspect, the sensor <NUM> is a camera or the like or is used together with a camera, whereby image recognition of pictures and/or video is/are used for control of the trap <NUM> and/or check of presence of pests <NUM> by detection of them. In an aspect, the sensor <NUM> is a microphone or the like or a microphone is used together with the sensor <NUM> and/or a camera, whereby sound and/or image/video recognition is/are used for control of the trap <NUM> and/or check of presence of pests <NUM> by detection of them.

The rat trap <NUM> is a spring-loaded strike trap comprising the at least one spring <NUM> configured for biasing the striker bar <NUM> from a first start or armed position A to at least one other and/or intermediary/end/second position B, C. The rat trap <NUM> is a spring-loaded strike trap comprising the at least one other movable bar <NUM> configured for indicating/securing arming of the rat trap <NUM> by being configured for releasable attachment to a second start or armed position A'. The rat trap <NUM> is a spring-loaded strike trap comprising the spring <NUM> configured for biasing the movable arming bar <NUM> from its start position A' to at least one other and/or intermediary/second/end position B', C'. The start/armed positions A, A' for the striker bar <NUM> and the movable arming bar <NUM>, respectively, are positions where the rat trap <NUM> is armed, i.e. the rat trap is not yet triggered. The other and/or intermediary/end/second positions B, B', C, C' for the striker bar <NUM> and movable arming bar <NUM>, respectively, are positions where the rat trap <NUM> has been triggered by means of the trigger plate <NUM> and a trigger <NUM> or by other means/reasons and the bars <NUM>, <NUM> have been released and moved or swiped or rotated or turned quickly from their respective start/armed positions A, A' into a physically other position B, B', C, C', respectively. This is common for all aspects.

The trigger <NUM> comprises a first or release end 40A configured for releasably holding the arming bar <NUM> and a second or anvil or holder end 40B for eleasably holding the trigger plate <NUM>. The trigger plate <NUM> comprises a first end 30A arranged at one end 8D of the bottom plate <NUM>. The trigger plate <NUM> comprises a second end 30B adjacent the second trigger end 40B and configured to be releasably held/engaged by this trigger end 40B such that when the first trigger plate end 30A is pressed down, e.g. by a rodent <NUM>, the other trigger plate end 30B is lifted and the second trigger end 40B is released and also the first trigger end 40A such that the engagement between the arming bar <NUM> and the first trigger end 40A is lost and the arming bar <NUM> together with the striker bar <NUM> is released. The first trigger end 40A is shaped similar to a hook that is hooked over the arming bar <NUM> in the armed position A'. The trigger <NUM> is configured to rotate or turn or pivot around an axis T, see <FIG>. This is common for all aspects.

The striker bar <NUM> and arming bar <NUM> follow each other movements when released. Each start position A, A' is an original/initial position for each bar <NUM>, <NUM> while each end position B, B' for each bar is the final or stop position for each bar after triggering the rat trap <NUM>, i.e. after the bars are released and then moved a maximum distance or angle as each bar is pivoted or rotated or turned into these final positions before being rearmed again. The intermediary positions C, C' for each bar <NUM>, <NUM> are positions where the striker bar <NUM> has hit a rodent, e.g. a rat or mouse, and then been stopped in its movement at its intermediary position C before reaching its maximum or final or end position B. The same goes for the arming bar <NUM> stopping simultaneously in its intermediary position C' before reaching its maximum or final or end position B'. The arming bar <NUM> is usable as a handle configured for pushing the arming bar (and the striker bar <NUM> simultaneosuly) back in the opposite direction of its movement when released into their arming positions A, A' again and releasably locking the arming bar in place by means of the trigger <NUM> charging the rat trap <NUM>. This is common for all aspects.

The striker bar <NUM> and arming bar <NUM> are configured for synchronised movements when released. The striker bar <NUM> and arming bar <NUM> is in aspect different ends of the same metal bar. The striker bar <NUM> and arming bar <NUM> is in another aspect different ends of the same metal bar being shaped as a soccer goal. The metal bar is an elongated metal wire formed into a rectangular plane hollow shape and then formed/bent about an axis in parallel with the plane of the rectangular hollow shape. The striker bar <NUM> forms a U-shaped metal wire that transcends or extends into another U-shaped metal wire being the arming bar <NUM> with an angle α therebetween (<FIG>). The U-shaped striker bar <NUM> and the U-shaped arming bar <NUM> then extends from each other with the angle α between them being between about <NUM>° to <NUM>°. The angle α is in this case an bending angle but could be made by other methods than bending, e.g. making striker bar <NUM> a separate U-shaped bar and weld it at its ends, at an angle α, to the ends of the arming bar <NUM> being another separate U-shaped bar.

In the first/start/armed position A for the striker bar <NUM>, the movable arming bar <NUM> is in contact with a first stop or end anvil or end/first indicator <NUM> in the aspect of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> or a first stop or end anvil or end/first indicator <NUM> in the aspect of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> with a purpose of indicating that the rat trap <NUM> is armed, i.e. that the rat trap is not yet triggered but ready for use. The only difference between the first indicator <NUM> of the former aspect above and the first indicator <NUM> of the latter aspect above is their orientation or position, i.e. they have both the same function. The former first indicator <NUM> is extending in full in parallel with the direction of movement of the striker bar <NUM> (and in parallel with the longitudinal directions of the other indikators <NUM> and <NUM>, see below and <FIG>) while the latter first indicator <NUM> is extending partly in parallel with the direction of movement of the striker bar <NUM> (and partly in parallel with the longitudinal directions of the other indikators <NUM> and <NUM>, see below and <FIG>) but has a first end or end part 101A that changes direction about or exactly <NUM>°, i.e. this end 101A extends perpendicular into a free end adapted for contact with the arming bar <NUM> as for the former first indicator <NUM>). The other position C for the striker bar <NUM> is a second position and/or an intermediary end position where the rat trap <NUM> has been triggered and the striker/killing bar <NUM> has been released and moved or swiped or rotated or turned quickly from its start position A into a physical other position C hitting a rat/mouse and killing it, thereby ending, i.e. being stopped in its movement against the body of the rat/mouse <NUM>. The other and/or end/second position B is an end position where the rat trap <NUM> has been triggered and the striker bar <NUM> has been released and moved or swiped or rotated or turned quickly from the start position A into a physical other position B not hitting a rat/mouse and thereby not killing it and ending/being stopped in its movement at this physical other position B by mistake, i.e. unintentionally, e.g. due to an error. In this final or end/second position B, the striker bar <NUM> is in contact with a second stop or second end anvil or second end/second indicator <NUM> closing a circuit between the end indicator <NUM> of <FIG> and the third indicator <NUM> of <FIG> via killing bar <NUM> and spring <NUM> and connection P. In the intermediary or other position C for the striker bar <NUM>, the striker bar is not in contact with any indicator. In the intermediary or other position C' for the arming bar <NUM>, the arming bar is not in contact with any indicator. Each of these indicators <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are configured for closing an electric circuit with the third indicator <NUM> of <FIG> via spring <NUM> and connection P when the striker bar <NUM> and arming bar <NUM> comes into contact with its indicator in positions A' and B above and shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>.

The spring <NUM> of the mouse/rat trap <NUM> is a spring configured for primarily biasing/loading the strike bar <NUM>, such that it is very swiftly swept/moved and hits the rat/mouse with enough force for a quick kill when the trap <NUM> is triggered. The spring <NUM> of the rat trap <NUM> comprises a first end 2A. The first spring end 2A is configured for being in conductive/electrical contact with a third indicator <NUM> shown in <FIG>, this indicator <NUM> is the same for both aspects of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, and <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, respectively, the same goes for the second end/second indicator <NUM>. The trap <NUM> is adapted for being placed adjacent or against or in contact with or at a distance from a vertical object, such as a wall or the like. The striker trap <NUM> is adapted for standing on a horisontal layer or surface or floor or the like. The trap <NUM> may be partly attached to the vertical wall/section and/or the horisontal layer/floor if an enhanced stability of the striker trap is desired, but such attachment is not necessary in all applications, i.e. the trap is able to be fully free-standing in a stable way.

The spring-loaded strike trap <NUM> comprises the at least one spring <NUM>, the housing <NUM>, the at least one striker bar <NUM>, the at least one arming bar <NUM>, the at least one trigger plate <NUM>, and the at least one trigger <NUM>. The arming bar <NUM> and the trigger plate <NUM> is releasably held by the trigger <NUM> (see <FIG>, and <FIG>/<FIG>) in the first positions A, A'. The arming bar <NUM> and the trigger plate <NUM> is releasably held by the trigger <NUM> in contact with the ready indicator <NUM>, <NUM> in the first positions A, A' (see <FIG> and <FIG>/<FIG>). The ready indicator <NUM>, <NUM> indicates that the spring-loaded strike trap <NUM> is armed/charged by closing a circuit formed between the ready indicators <NUM>, <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> and the third indicator <NUM> via arming bar <NUM> and spring <NUM> and connection P. The spring <NUM> is configured for biasing the bars <NUM>, <NUM> to move from their first positions A, A' into the at least one other position B, B', C, C', where the bar movements are stopped, when/after the spring-loaded strike trap <NUM> is triggered releasing the bars. The striker bar <NUM>, when the spring-loaded strike <NUM> trap is triggered releasing the striker bar, is either (releasably) biased by the spring <NUM> into contact with the firing indicator <NUM> in the final/end position B, if a rat or mouse <NUM> is not hit, or biased into contact with a rat or mouse <NUM> of a first/certain/predetermined size hitting and killing it in the intermediary position C not in contact with any of the indicators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, wherein no circuit between arming/striking bars <NUM>, <NUM> and spring <NUM> and connection P and the third indicator <NUM> is closed indicating a "catch" of a rat or mouse <NUM>.

The trap <NUM> and/or its components making it up can be made of non-wood related materials such as plastics, metal, e.g. aluminium etc. or a mixture of two or more of those materials as long as the parts for conductive/electrical connections provides reliable closing and opening of the electrical circuits as explained herein. The trap <NUM> and its parts <NUM> to <NUM> and <NUM> to <NUM> and <NUM> to <NUM> are made of recycleable materials. The spring <NUM>; pivot axis P; striker bar <NUM>; arming bar <NUM>; ready indicators <NUM>, <NUM>; firing indicator <NUM> and the other/third indicator or energiser <NUM> are at least partly conductive and/or made of conductive material to enable closing and cutting electric circuits depending on their positions and to which entities they are in conductive connection. Preferably, the spring <NUM>, the pivot axis P, striker bar <NUM>, the arming bar <NUM>, the ready indicator <NUM>/<NUM>, the firing indicator <NUM> and the other/third indicator or energiser <NUM> are at least partly made of conductive metal.

The trigger plate <NUM> is configured for engaging the firing indicator <NUM> to displace the firing indicator a distance D (see <FIG>), as measured in the direction of trigger plate movement. This displacement D of the firing indicator <NUM>, when a rat/mouse <NUM> having a second size/being smaller than the first/certain/predetermined size is hit by the striker bar <NUM>, away from its location when the striker bar is in its final/end position B shown in upper right part view of <FIG> with the firing indicator <NUM> in solid lines in both this part view and the larger lower view of <FIG>, towards another location where the firing indicator is not in contact with the striker bar <NUM> as shown with the firing indicator <NUM> in dotted lines in the larger lower view of <FIG> similar to an intermediary position C for the striker bar <NUM>. This function is common for all aspects.

The firing indicator <NUM> and/or the ready indicator <NUM>/<NUM> and/or the energiser <NUM> is/are made of a flexible material and/or has a shape making it flexible. Preferably, the firing indicator <NUM> and/or the ready indicator <NUM>/<NUM> and/or the energiser <NUM> is/are flat elongated metal strips as seen in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. This is common for all aspects.

The bottom plate <NUM> of the detachable inner inset <NUM> comprises an upper side 8A and lower side 8B. The trigger plate <NUM> is configured for being movably/pivotally attached to the upper bottom plate side 8A via the rotary/pivot axis P extending substantially in parallel or in parallel with the extension plane of the bottom plate or its bottom plate side. The bottom plate <NUM> of the detachable inner inset <NUM> has a plate shape defined by its upper side 8A and lower side 8B and two long sides 8C and two short sides 8D. The upper side 8A and lower side 8B are configured for forming substantially parallel and opposite planes extending substantially perpendicular to the long and short sides 8C, 8D. The long 8C and short 8D sides are configured for forming pairwise substantially parallel and opposite sides relative each other. The ready indicator <NUM>/<NUM> comprises a first end 100A/101A configured for being arranged at one of the short 8D or long 8C sides of the bottom plate <NUM> for conductive connection with the arming bar <NUM> when in its first position A' when the detachable inner inset <NUM> is assembled as a removable inner part or module into the trap <NUM>. The ready indicator <NUM>/<NUM> comprises a second end 100B/101B configured for being arranged at one of the other short 8D or long 8C sides of the bottom plate <NUM> in conductive connection with the arming bar <NUM> when the detachable inner inset <NUM>, i.e. the striking/killing unit, is assembled as a removable inner part or inner module into the trap <NUM> as charged. This is common for all aspects. The indicators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are in some aspects part of the inner inset <NUM>. The indicators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are in some aspects part of the detachable outer bottom casing <NUM>. The indicators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are in some aspects parts of the detachable outer bottom casing <NUM> and the inner inset <NUM>. The second indicator ends 100B, 101B, 110B, 120B are introduced into the end with electronics <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>' of the detachable outer bottom casing <NUM> as seen in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>/<FIG> to be in operational/electrical connection with the electronics when assembling the inset <NUM> therein.

The ready indicator <NUM>/<NUM> is configured for being arranged as a part of the detachable inner inset <NUM> (see <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>/<FIG>) or the detachable inner insert <NUM> (see <FIG>) and/or the detachable outer bottom casing <NUM>, the same goes for the firing indicator <NUM> and the energiser <NUM>.

The trigger plate <NUM> comprises a first end 30A adjacent the firing indicator <NUM> and a second end 30B at or closer to the ready indication <NUM>/<NUM>. The second trigger plate end 30B has a shape such that its lower part is supported against the upper side 8A of the bottom plate <NUM> at a lower position than its first end 30A. The first trigger plate end 30A is a free end that can tilt downwards toward the firing indicator <NUM> when a rat/mouse <NUM> presses it down, but the other trigger plate end 30B hinders the first trigger plate end 30A from tilting upwards not more than into a horisontal position, i.e. the trigger plate <NUM> can tip its first end 30A below a horisontal level as seen in <FIG> but cannot tip its first end 30A upwards past or beyond the horisontal level as seen in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>/<FIG> as its second/other end 30B engages or abut the upper side 8A of the bottom plate <NUM>, at or close to adjacent a first level Δ<NUM>. The trigger plate <NUM> is kept horisontal by the trigger <NUM> and its second end 30B when no rat or mouse <NUM> presses it down and the trap <NUM> is charged, i.e. in its positions A, A' for the ready and firing indicators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. This is common for all aspects.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>/<FIG>, the ready indicator <NUM>/<NUM> and firing indicator <NUM> are elongated and flat and configured for extending from their first ends 100A, 101A, 110A at a position arranged on/at or above a first level Δ<NUM> defined as extending along the plane of the upper bottom plate side 8A, towards the lower plate side 8B and along this lower plate side at a second level Δ<NUM> defined as extending along the lower plate side towards and ending at their second ends 100B, 101B, 110B. The energiser <NUM> is elongated and flat configured for extending from a first end 120A at a position arranged on/at or above the first level Δ<NUM> of the upper bottom plate side 8A, towards the lower plate side 8B and along this lower plate side at the second level Δ<NUM> of the lower plate side towards and ending at a second end 120B. The indicators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> have different shapes and lengths but have at least one part extending lowest, i.e. extending along the second level Δ<NUM> to enable coming into contact with any water or the like conductive fluid when present to indicate excess water level, e.g. to alert a house owner of water or sewage leakage of the like. <FIG>/<FIG> show heights H and h, where H corresponds to the difference in level or distance or height between the two levels Δ<NUM> and Δ<NUM> and h corresponds to the difference in level or height between the first ends 100A, 101A, 110A, 120A of the indicators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the first level Δ<NUM>. In regard of the second level Δ<NUM>, this second level Δ<NUM> is the same for the lowest part of all the indicators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> as seen in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>/<FIG>, this being in particular clearly seen in <FIG> and <FIG>. This alignment of the indicators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> at the same second level Δ<NUM> ensures a secure and repeatable indication of excess water or the like conductive fluid. This is common for all aspects.

A system/network <NUM> of traps <NUM> is schematically shown in <FIG> where the traps are arranged at/in houses <NUM>. However, one or more traps <NUM> could be placed in sewers or the like. This system or trap network comprises at least two traps <NUM>. These at least two traps <NUM> are operatively connected to cooperate for eliminating or at least reducing or at least minimising a population of rats and/or mouses <NUM> in houses or before they reach the houses <NUM>. These at least two traps <NUM> are configured to form a MESH network in which at least one and/or each and/or all traps continuously monitor presence of water or the like conductive fluid and that one or more of the traps is configured for registering if existing water or the like conductive fluid are at/over a certain/predetermined level, i.e. the second level Δ<NUM> by use of the indicators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that are conductively connected forming a closed circuit when the water or the like conductive fluid has reached the certain/predetermined level Δ<NUM>. This is common for all aspects.

One or more or each or all traps <NUM> comprises a communication device <NUM>, such as a transmitter <NUM> for sending associated signals by wire and/or wirelessly depending on the number of traps <NUM> in the network <NUM> and/or their distance to each other and/or directly to one or more databases <NUM> and/or a central/external/internal unit or control unit or controller <NUM>, <NUM>' that is operatively connected to the one or more data bases of <FIG> (the sizes of the traps <NUM> and their equipment are not to scale in this figure and may be located under/below and/or outside and/or inside the houses <NUM> or sewers or the like). This communication between at least one trap <NUM> and at least one other trap <NUM> or directly between any of the traps <NUM> and the controller/-s <NUM>/<NUM>' is achieveable in many ways nowadays with the widespread technology. This is common for all aspects.

The principal functionality of the system/network <NUM> of traps <NUM> is enabled by one or more of the traps <NUM> being configured for registering if existing water or the like conductive fluid are at/over the certain/predetermined level Δ<NUM> also being operatively connected to the central unit <NUM> and/or internal trap controllers <NUM>' which is optionally operatively connected to the at least one data base <NUM>. The registering of the closing of the circuit of the indicators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> when the water or the like conductive fluid has reached the predetermined level Δ<NUM> is configured for triggering an alert signal (illustrated by lightning like arrows in <FIG>) indicating excess water/conductive fluid that is sent to one or more of the other traps and/or to the central unit <NUM> that monitors all the traps and their functionality, which central unit is configured for notifying associated personnel of water/sewage leakage or the like. One or more of the traps <NUM> could be a master unit, i.e. a more intelligent trap <NUM>.

One or more traps <NUM> could be placed in remote locations in large areas, e.g. industrial and/or production areas where cable connections are disproportionately expensive, then wireless communication as shown in <FIG> is preferred. Cable connections with power supply may, in some contexts, constitute a safety hazard caused by cable defects induced by e.g. pests, wherefore one or more batteries <NUM> in a trap <NUM> is preferred as power source.

In the context of traps <NUM> for pest control, it is desired, on the one hand, to achieve the longest possible service intervals between e.g. battery change or battery recharging to reduce costs. On the other hand there is a need, when using traps <NUM>, and in many countries a legal requirement, for quick removal of the rat/mouse <NUM> that was caught in the trap <NUM>. This can be ensured by the individual trap <NUM> having long service intervals for e.g. battery change/charge and by the individual trap <NUM> being capable of reporting via one or more transmitters <NUM>, with comparatively short delay, if something has happened in the trap <NUM>, e.g. by a rat/mouse <NUM> caught in the trap <NUM> being detected via the indicators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Such a solution is very attractive in the market and solves major practical problems in connection with trap installations with a large amount of traps e.g. in hospital areas as the faulty triggering/misfire due to catching of small rats/mouses is eliminated reducing manual work to check the traps <NUM>. This also secures that the need for or a requirement for quick removal of pests from the trap <NUM> or comparatively frequent controls of each trap <NUM> are optimised.

The trap <NUM> for pest control may partake in a network, similar to the one <NUM> in <FIG>, of decentralised traps <NUM> that wirelessly send data packages to the central unit <NUM> directly or indirectly by using other ones of the controllers <NUM>' of decentralised traps <NUM> as intermediate stations. Such networks are known as e.g. the so-called MESH networks. They are often preferred since they are capable of ensuring, to a higher degree, communication with the most remote traps <NUM> and associated communication apparatuses <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>' in the network <NUM> despite interruption of some of the network paths in the network, e.g. in case of temporary closing of metal doors or when placed in sewers of metal or when other signal-disturbing circumstances occur.

The wireless communication between the units <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>' and traps <NUM>, in the data network takes place in accordance with a network protocol, which may be a MESH network protocol or another open or proprietary protocol. The control unit/-s <NUM>, <NUM>' is/are therefore configured to implement the network protocol for executing transmission and repeater functionalities.

In some aspects, the control unit/-s <NUM><NUM>' is/are provided with an identification code which is unique in the network <NUM> that the trap/-s <NUM> is/are part of. One or more of the traps could also comprise a controller <NUM>' as part of its own electronics controlling the trap <NUM>, e.g. as a part of the operational components being the battery <NUM> and/or another controller of the trap <NUM> and wireless transmitter <NUM>, and cooperating/controlling these entities. The internal trap controller <NUM>' and/or external control unit <NUM> of the network <NUM> could also be configured with a timer. Exemplary, during the period when the controller <NUM>'/control unit <NUM> is in its normal mode, it transmits its report during a time interval whose start is determined by the identification code and sets the transmitter or radio transceiver <NUM> to act as repeater. Via the network protocol, the controller <NUM>'/control unit <NUM> ensures that dispatch of the report is not interrupted by its repeater function, e.g. by using mutually non-overlapping respective time intervals. A wireless transmitter/radio transceiver <NUM> has a receiver circuit and a transmitter circuit. The circuits can be integrated with each other or can be separate circuits. They will often share the same antenna. When the radio transceiver <NUM> acts as repeater, it will often use the transmitter and receiver circuits alternatingly. When the radio transceiver <NUM> dispatches the report, there is a need for the transmitter circuit. In some aspects, the receiver circuit is used in a unit for listening in on ongoing transmissions, if any, from other controllers <NUM>' and/or control units <NUM> and/or traps <NUM> before the controller <NUM>'/control unit <NUM> and/or trap autonomously/itself starts its transmission by the transmitter circuit.

A monitoring unit, e.g. in operative connection with the internal trap controller <NUM>' may be built integrally into a trap <NUM> to the effect that it constitutes, along with the trap, a trap that can be activated to be in wireless communication with other apparatuses and/or traps <NUM> in a data network. Alternatively, such a monitoring unit can be made as a building-on or a building-in unit that is configured for being directly compatible with an existing trap <NUM> or compatible upon modification of the existing trap. Such a monitoring unit could also be a function of the internal trap controller <NUM>' that monitors the indication of any excess water or the like by means of the indicators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The radio transmitter <NUM> is configured for converting a signal from the control unit <NUM>' of a trap <NUM>, typically a digital signal, to an airborne radio-wave signal via an antenna. The radio transmitter transmits and receives on one or more selected radio frequencies, e.g. frequency bands in the range around eg <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A spring-loaded strike rodent trap (<NUM>) comprising at least one spring (<NUM>), a housing (<NUM>), at least one striker bar (<NUM>), at least one arming bar (<NUM>), at least one trigger plate (<NUM>), and at least one trigger (<NUM>), the spring being configured for biasing the bars (<NUM>, <NUM>) to move from a first position (A, A'), where the arming bar and the trigger plate is releasably held by the trigger and in contact with a ready indicator (<NUM>, <NUM>) to indicate that the spring-loaded strike rodent trap (<NUM>) is charged, into at least one other position (B, B', C, C') where the movement of the bars is stopped, after the spring-loaded strike rodent trap is triggered releasing the bars, wherein the striker bar (<NUM>), when the spring-loaded strike rat (<NUM>) trap is triggered releasing the striker bar, is either biased by the spring (<NUM>) into contact with a firing indicator (<NUM>) in a final/end position (B), if a rat or mouse (<NUM>) is not hit, or biased into contact with a rat or mouse of a first/certain/predetermined size hitting and killing it in an intermediary position (C) not in contact with any of the indicators (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>),
characterized in that the rodent trap (<NUM>) further comprises a movement and/or presence sensor (<NUM>) adapted for detecting a rodent (<NUM>) and that the indicators (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) are conductively connected to enable the rodent trap to continuously monitor and detect presence of water or like conductive liquid/fluid by use of the indicators forming one or more closed circuits if existing water or the like conductive liquid/fluid is at/over a certain/predetermined level (Δ<NUM>), wherein the presence sensor (<NUM>) is configured to notify detection of presence of one or more rodents (<NUM>) and the indicators (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) are configured to - when a closed circuit is formed - to notify detection of presence of excess water or the like conductive liquid/fluid, by means of emitting one or more signals from the rodent trap (<NUM>) in response to the detection(s) for direct communication with another rodent trap (<NUM>) and/or directly with a data base (<NUM>) and/or directly to or via a central unit (<NUM>) and/or an internal unit (<NUM>') to one or more other rodent traps and/or data bases.