Patent Description:
There are different types of traps available today, such as mazes or cages to use when trying to get rid of rodents. Another type of rodent trap is a snap trap. The snap trap is designed to trap and kill a rodent between a spring loaded bar, here referred to as a kill bar, and a base of the trap.

Commonly these traps are made for mice or rats. The main difference between a trap made for rats and a trap made for mice is that rat traps are larger and made such that the bar hits the rat with a greater force than the mouse in the mouse trap.

A problem with these traps is that they might fail in trapping or killing a rodent which has triggered the trap. A rodent may be fast enough to escape the trap before being trapped by the kill bar. A rodent may also be so large that even if it is hit by the kill bar it is not killed or not even trapped by the rodent trap.

Thus, improvements to rodent traps which allows for confirming the trapping or killing of the rodent, if the trap has sprung empty or if the trap is armed is desirable.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to overcome or alleviate the above described problems.

One objective is to provide a rodent trap which is robust and reliable in determining an armed ready state, a sprung empty state and if a rodent has been caught in a caught state thereof.

One or more of these objectives, and other objectives that may appear from the description below, are at least partly achieved by means of a rodent trap according to the independent claims, embodiments thereof being defined by the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect, a rodent trap according to claim <NUM> is herewith provided.

According to a second aspect, a method according to claim <NUM> is herewith provided.

Further examples of the disclosure are defined in the dependent claims, wherein features for the first aspect may be implemented for the second and subsequent aspects, and vice versa.

Having a sensor configured to detect at least three different distances between the trigger member and the base provides for a robust and reliable detection of different states of the rodent trap, since the position of the trigger member can be accurately determined, where said position is indicative of whether a rodent has been caught or not after the trap has been triggered.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for a more robust and reliable detection of a ready state, a sprung empty state and a caught state of a rodent trap.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for a facilitated and more efficient managing of a plurality of rodent traps in a rodent trap system.

Still other objectives, features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will appear from the following detailed description, from the attached claims as well as from the drawings.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of which examples of the invention are capable of will be apparent and elucidated from the following description of examples of the present invention, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which;.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

<FIG> is a schematic perspective view of an example of a rodent trap <NUM> comprising a base <NUM> and a kill bar <NUM>. The kill bar <NUM> is pivotably connected to the base <NUM> by a connection bar <NUM> extending across the base <NUM> essentially in parallel with the kill bar <NUM>. The kill bar <NUM> is also connected to a spring (not shown), for spring loading of the kill bar. <FIG> shows an armed ready state of the rodent trap <NUM> where the rodent trap <NUM> has been set by forcing the kill bar <NUM> against the spring and locked in place by a locking mechanism <NUM>. The example in <FIG> shows the locking mechanism <NUM> engaging with an angled extension bar <NUM>' of the kill bar <NUM>, where the angled extension bar <NUM>' locks into a notch <NUM>' of the locking mechanism <NUM>. It should be understood however that the kill bar <NUM> may be locked into place in an armed ready state of the rodent trap <NUM> by various locking mechanisms.

The rodent trap <NUM> comprises a trigger member <NUM>. The kill bar <NUM> is releasable from the locking mechanism <NUM> by the trigger member <NUM>. The trigger member <NUM> is engaged with the locking mechanism <NUM> so that pivoting of the trigger member <NUM> unlocks the locking mechanism <NUM> from an armed position when holding the kill bar <NUM> in the ready state. Thus, the trigger member <NUM> is pivotably connected to the base <NUM> and arranged between the base <NUM> and the kill bar <NUM> such that when the trigger member <NUM> is activated by the rodent, the locking mechanism <NUM> is released which thereby releases the kill bar <NUM> which in turn traps or kills the rodent. The kill bar <NUM> may e.g. be released by releasing the angled extension bar <NUM>' from notch <NUM>'. Thus, the effect of the rodent triggering the trigger member <NUM> is that the kill bar <NUM> quickly and forcibly moves towards the base <NUM> and thus hits and traps the rodent against the base <NUM>. Ideally, the kill bar <NUM> will hit the rodent with a force which is enough to produce an impulse which kills the rodent instantaneously.

A bait is usually placed on or in a bait holder <NUM> which may be arranged on or near the trigger member <NUM> in order to attract a rodent towards the trigger member <NUM>. When a rodent comes into contact with the trigger member <NUM> it should pivot the trigger member <NUM> which unlocks the locking mechanism <NUM> and thus releases the kill bar <NUM> as explained above.

The rodent trap <NUM> comprises a sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, which is configured to detect at least three different distances (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>) between the trigger member <NUM> and the base <NUM>. <FIG> show examples of such detected distances (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>) between the trigger member <NUM> and the base <NUM>. The sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, is thus arranged to sense the position of the trigger member <NUM> relative to the base <NUM> as the trigger member <NUM> pivots with respect to the base <NUM> during the operational states of the rodent trap <NUM>, as exemplified in <FIG>. <FIG> and <FIG> show examples where the sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, is arranged at an end of the rodent trap <NUM>, essentially opposite the end where the rodent is trapped by the kill bar <NUM>. It should be understood however that the sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, may be arranged at other positions, along the extension of the base <NUM> and trigger member <NUM> to detect at least three different distances (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>) between the trigger member <NUM> and the base <NUM> while providing for the advantageous benefits as further described below. Increasing the distance between the sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, and a pivot point of the trigger member <NUM>, which may be the arranged at or adjacent the connection bar <NUM> in some examples, provides for increasing the length of the range of motion of the trigger member <NUM> relative to the base <NUM>. This may provide for a facilitated distinguishing and detecting of the at least three different distances (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>), and thus for a more accurate detection of the states of the rodent trap <NUM>.

The sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, may comprise a sensor suitable to detect the distance (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>) between the trigger member <NUM> and the base <NUM>, e.g. one or more of an electrical sensor, mechanical sensor, electro-mechanical sensor, optical sensor, or a magnetic sensor. The sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, may comprise one or more sensor components <NUM>, <NUM>, arranged on the base <NUM> and/or on the trigger member <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> show examples where the sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, comprises two sensor components <NUM>, <NUM>, arranged on the trigger member <NUM> and the base <NUM>, respectively. In one example, a first sensor component <NUM>, arranged on the trigger member <NUM>, may be arranged essentially opposite a second sensor component <NUM> arranged on the base <NUM>. The first and second sensor components <NUM>, <NUM>, may be in communication to detect a variation in the separation between the first and second sensor components <NUM>, <NUM>, as the trigger member <NUM> pivots relative to the base <NUM>. At least three different distances (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>) between the trigger member <NUM> and the base <NUM> may thus be determined as the amount of said separation varies. In some examples the first or second sensor component <NUM>, <NUM>, is a passive component which do not need a power supply, such as a magnet. In some examples the first or second sensor component <NUM>, <NUM>, is a part of the structure forming the trigger member <NUM> or the base <NUM> which is chosen as a passive detection point for e.g. a proximity sensor, such as an optical sensor, configured to detect the at least three different distances (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>) between the trigger member <NUM> and the base <NUM>. The passive detection point be in such case be a flat surface in the material from which the trigger member <NUM> or base <NUM> is formed. The first sensor component <NUM> and the second sensor component <NUM> may comprise such passive detection point and proximity sensor, respectively, in one example.

In one example, the sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, comprises a magnetic sensor <NUM>, <NUM>. The magnetic sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, may comprise a magnet <NUM> as a first sensor component <NUM> and a magnetic sensor unit <NUM> as a second sensor component <NUM>, as described further below.

Having a sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, detecting at least three different distances (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>) between the trigger member <NUM> and the base <NUM> provides for a robust and reliable detection of different states of the rodent trap, since the position of the trigger member <NUM> can be accurately determined, where said position is indicative of whether a rodent has been caught or not after the trap has been triggered. Having the sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, detecting the position of the trigger member <NUM> alleviates the need for having detection capability directly on the position of the kill bar <NUM> in sensor-based rodent traps. This allows for optimizing the function of the kill bar <NUM> separately, e.g. with respect to speed, force, or re-useability, without having concern of providing detection functionality. A more efficient rodent trap <NUM> is thus provided with a more reliable detection of the different states of the rodent trap.

Detection of at least three different distances (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>) between the trigger member <NUM> and the base <NUM> is exemplified in <FIG>. <FIG> shows an armed ready state of the rodent trap <NUM>, i.e. the kill bar <NUM> has been forced to its armed position and locked by the locking mechanism <NUM> (<FIG>), where the sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, is arranged to detect a distance denoted A<NUM> between the trigger member <NUM> and the base <NUM>. The trigger member <NUM> assumes a first position (p<NUM>) in this state, as further denoted in <FIG>. <FIG> shows an alternative side-view of this state of the rodent trap <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a state of the rodent trap <NUM> where the kill bar <NUM> is in an unloaded position and in abutment with the base <NUM>. This state corresponds to a sprung empty state of the rodent trap <NUM>, i.e. the trigger member <NUM> has been triggered, moving the kill bar <NUM> forcibly down towards the base <NUM>, but no rodent is trapped by the kill bar <NUM>. The kill bar <NUM> cause movement of the trigger member <NUM> from the first position (p<NUM>) to a second position (p<NUM>) when the kill bar <NUM> moves from the armed position (<FIG>) to the unloaded position in <FIG>. The sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, is arranged to detect a distance denoted A<NUM> between the trigger member <NUM> and the base <NUM>, which accordingly is different from the distance denoted A<NUM> in <FIG>. <FIG> shows an alternative side-view of this state of the rodent trap <NUM>.

The trigger member <NUM> is movable relative the kill bar <NUM> in a direction towards the base <NUM> from the second position (p<NUM>) to a third position (p<NUM>) while the kill bar <NUM> is in said unloaded position, as schematically illustrated in <FIG>. Thus, a gap (d) can be arranged in between the second (p<NUM>) and third positions (p<NUM>) of the trigger member <NUM> which accommodates at least part of the rodent (R) when trapped in the rodent trap <NUM>, as further schematically illustrated in <FIG>. The position of the trigger member <NUM> in the second position (p<NUM>) is schematically illustrated in <FIG> with dashed lines for comparison. This is referred to as the caught state of the rodent trap <NUM>. The sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, is arranged to detect a distance denoted A<NUM> between the trigger member <NUM> and the base <NUM>, which is different from the distance denoted A<NUM> in <FIG> since the trigger member <NUM> has moved to the third position (p<NUM>), e.g. by a rodent (R) pushing down on the trigger member <NUM> as exemplified in <FIG>. <FIG> shows an alternative side-view of this state of the rodent trap <NUM>. It should be understood that while the trigger member <NUM> is movable relative the kill bar <NUM> from the second position (p<NUM>) to the third position (p<NUM>) while the kill bar <NUM> is in said unloaded position, as described with reference to <FIG>, the trapping of a rodent (R) under the kill bar <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, can alter the position of the kill bar <NUM> depending on how large part of the rodent is trapped. Regardless, having a trigger member <NUM> which is movable from the second position (p<NUM>) to the third position (p<NUM>) as described above provides for the detection of the third distance A<NUM> when a rodent has been trapped, independent on the current position of the kill bar <NUM> (in <FIG>).

The trigger member <NUM> may be resiliently movable from the second position (p<NUM>) to the third position (p<NUM>) upon application of a force (F) on the trigger member <NUM> towards the base <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. Thus, the trigger member <NUM> may be biased to move from the third position (p<NUM>) to the second position (p<NUM>) when the force (F) is removed. The provides for having the trigger member <NUM> returning to the second position (p<NUM>) if a rodent first depresses the trigger member <NUM> to the third position (p<NUM>) but later manages to escape from underneath the kill bar <NUM>. The sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, then detects the second distance A<NUM> (different from A<NUM> and A<NUM>) which is indicative of the sprung empty state of the rodent trap <NUM>, and may additionally provide the information that a rodent was first trapped but then escaped.

The sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, may thus be configured to relate a first trigger distance (A<NUM>) of the at least three different distances (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>) to the first position (p<NUM>) and the ready state of the rodent trap <NUM>. The sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, may be configured to relate a second trigger distance (A<NUM>) of the at least three different distances (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>) to said third position (p<NUM>) and the caught state of the rodent trap <NUM>. Further, the sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, may be configured to relate a third trigger distance (A<NUM>) of the at least three different distances (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>) to the second position (p<NUM>) and the sprung empty state of the rodent trap <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top view of an example of the rodent trap <NUM>. From this view it can be seen that the kill bar <NUM> may be formed in such a way that the kill bar <NUM> extends outside of the trigger member <NUM> on a left side 30a and right side 30b of the trigger member <NUM>. the inner separation between arms 11a, 11b, which connect to the horizontal kill bar <NUM> is wider than the width (w) of the trigger member <NUM>. The kill bar <NUM>, or the arms 11a, 11b, thereof may thus strike against edges 25a, 25c, of the base <NUM> on a left and right side of the trigger member <NUM>, without having the arms 11a, 11b, interfering with the trigger member <NUM>. Edges 25a, 25c, may in some examples comprise teeth and/or grooves, also denoted 25a and 25c in <FIG>. Thus, the kill bar arms 11a, 11b, may extend to, and conform with, the arrangement of the aforementioned edges 25a, 25c, in the examples of <FIG> when activated and forced down by a kill bar spring (not shown). The edges 25a, 25c, will therefore limit the downward movement of the kill bar <NUM> toward the base <NUM>. Further, when the kill bar <NUM>, and/or arms 11a, 11b, thereof rest on edges 25a, 25c, a top of the kill bar <NUM> (denoted with reference numeral <NUM> in <FIG>), extending in parallel with a top edge 25b of the base <NUM>, and in some examples interior to the top edge 25b, will push down on the trigger member <NUM>, as illustrated and described above with reference to <FIG> and the second position (p<NUM>) of the trigger member <NUM>. The trigger member <NUM> may be biased to move towards the first position (p<NUM>) in some examples. This provides for facilitating the arming of the rodent trap <NUM> in the ready position (<FIG>). In case the trigger member <NUM> has such bias, the kill bar <NUM> keeps the trigger member <NUM> from moving towards the first position (p<NUM>) when pushing down on the trigger member <NUM> (<FIG>).

The bias of the trigger member <NUM> may be provided by a trigger spring (not shown), which urges the trigger member <NUM> upward back to the first position (p<NUM>). In an example, the trigger member <NUM> may not be connected to the trigger spring but instead the trigger member <NUM> strives towards the first position (p<NUM>) due to the trigger member <NUM> having a larger mass on a locking mechanism side <NUM> of the connection rod <NUM> than towards a side <NUM> of the trigger member <NUM> where the rodent triggers the trigger member <NUM> (see references in <FIG>). Thus, the locking mechanism side <NUM> of the trigger member <NUM> may act as a counterweight to the opposite side <NUM> of the trigger member <NUM>. So, the locking mechanism side <NUM> is heavier, and this will make the trigger member <NUM> return to the first position (p<NUM>) (<FIG>) unless the kill bar <NUM> is pushing the trigger member <NUM> down (<FIG>).

A top of the kill bar <NUM> may in some examples extend above the trigger member <NUM> along edge 25b. The kill bar <NUM> or the trigger member <NUM> may in those examples comprise a linkage member that mechanically connects the kill bar <NUM> and the trigger member <NUM> so that the trigger member <NUM> is kept in a position corresponding to the second position (p<NUM>). Regardless, the trigger member <NUM> is configured to move from the second position (p<NUM>) to the third position (p<NUM>), to accommodate a rodent, as described above with reference to <FIG>, independent on how the pivot angle of the trigger member <NUM> is restricted to the second position (p<NUM>) at the sprung empty state of the rodent trap <NUM>.

In some examples the edges 25a-c of the base <NUM> comprises a sharp elevation from the base <NUM>. Alternatively, or in addition, the edges 25a-c comprises teeth and/or grooves. The rodent trap <NUM> may only have teeth/grooves and/or sharp elevations along one edge 25a-c. Teeth/grooves and/or sharp elevations may be mixed or combined along different edges 25a-c. In one example the edges 25a-c do not comprise teeth/grooves, or sharp elevations, but only blunt edges.

The sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, may comprise a magnetic sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, as mentioned above. In one example, the trigger member <NUM> comprises a magnet <NUM> and the base <NUM> comprises a magnetic sensor unit <NUM>. The magnetic sensor unit <NUM> is configured to detect the magnetic field from the magnet <NUM>. The magnetic field varies depending on the amount of separation between the magnet <NUM> and the magnetic sensor unit <NUM>. The magnet <NUM> and the magnetic sensor unit <NUM> may be arranged essentially opposite eachother on the trigger member <NUM> and the base <NUM>, respectively. The magnetic sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, may thus relate the variation in magnetic field to the aforementioned at least three different distances (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>) between the trigger member <NUM> and the base <NUM>. In an example, the magnetic sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, comprises a Hall effect sensor or a reed switch which is configured to detect and convert a magnetic field into a current and/or voltage difference which can be related to the different distances (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>). Other types of magnetic sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, may also be used to detect the magnetic field and relate the magnetic field to the distances (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>). It is conceivable that in one example the magnet <NUM> is arranged on the base <NUM> and the magnetic sensor unit <NUM> is arranged on the trigger member <NUM>.

In an example where the magnetic sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, comprises a reed switch, the number of reed switches used in the rodent trap <NUM> may be chosen to correspond to at least the number of distances (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>) that should be sensed minus one. if three distances (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>) need to be distinguished, <NUM>-<NUM>=<NUM> reed switches suffices to detect the three distances (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>). This is due to the reed switch being an on-off switch.

Having a magnetic sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, as described allows for accurately determine if the rodent trap <NUM> is in the ready state to catch a rodent, if the trap is in a sprung empty state, i.e. in false-positive state, or in the caught state when the rodent has been caught. At the same time, a magnetic sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, provides for reduced complexity and a robust rodent trap <NUM> with minimal maintenance.

The sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, may however comprise any sensor suitable to detect the distance (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>) between the trigger member <NUM> and the base <NUM>, e.g. one or more of an electrical sensor, mechanical sensor, electro-mechanical sensor, or an optical sensor.

In an example and to further increase a distance between the three different trigger distances (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>), the trigger member <NUM> comprises an extension <NUM>. The extension <NUM> may comprise the magnet <NUM>, as schematically illustrated in e.g. <FIG> and <FIG>. By having the extension <NUM>, the distance between the three different trigger distances (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>) is increased and thus also aids in facilitating distinguishing and detecting the three different distances (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>) by the magnetic sensor <NUM>, <NUM>.

The detection of the different distances (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>) is further exemplified with reference to <FIG>. The sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, comprises a magnetic sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, in the described example. <FIG> is a side view of an example of the rodent trap <NUM> when there is a relatively small distance A<NUM> between the magnet <NUM> and the magnetic sensor unit <NUM>, i.e. the trap is in the ready state. In this ready state, the trigger member <NUM> and the magnet <NUM> may be arranged in a parallel or almost parallel position relative to the base <NUM>. In the ready state the magnet <NUM> is arranged in close proximity to the magnetic sensor unit <NUM> and the first distance A<NUM> is thus very small, or the magnet <NUM> can even abut the base <NUM>. The magnetic sensor unit <NUM> is configured to relate this first distance A<NUM> to the ready state of the rodent trap <NUM>. The ready state means that the kill bar <NUM> is locked in place by the locking mechanism <NUM> and thus can be activated when the rodent activates the trigger member <NUM>.

Illustrated in <FIG> is a side view of an example of the rodent trap <NUM> when there is a relatively large distance A<NUM> between the magnet <NUM> and the magnetic sensor unit <NUM>. The rodent trap <NUM> is here in the caught state, corresponding to the description with respect to <FIG> above. The trigger member <NUM> and the magnet <NUM> may here be arranged in a maximum or close to maximum tilted position relative to the base <NUM>. The magnet <NUM> may thus be arranged at the largest distance A<NUM> away from the magnetic sensor unit <NUM>. The magnetic sensor unit <NUM> is configured to relate this second distance A<NUM> to the caught state of the rodent trap <NUM>. Hence, the rodent trap <NUM> has caught the rodent in the rodent trap <NUM>.

In the illustrated examples, the trigger member <NUM> may pivot around the connection bar <NUM>. In other examples, the trigger member <NUM> may pivot around other parts of the rodent trap <NUM>. Thus, at the end of the rodent trap <NUM> with edges 25a-25c, an end of the trigger member <NUM> may be fully depressed to abut the base <NUM>, when in the maximum or close to maximum tilted state. At the opposite end of the trigger member <NUM>, the magnet <NUM> together with the base <NUM>, and/or locking mechanism <NUM> may stop the trigger member <NUM> from tilting in an opposite direction, so that the trigger member <NUM> may assume a parallel position with respect to the base <NUM>, i.e. in the ready state.

After the locking mechanism <NUM> has disengaged the trigger member <NUM>, and the kill bar <NUM> has been released, the trigger member <NUM> may be kept in a somewhat tilted position by the kill bar <NUM>, as illustrated in e.g. <FIG>. In order to get the trigger member <NUM> to fully tilt, and in some examples touch the base <NUM>, and thus having the magnet <NUM> and magnetic sensor unit <NUM> at the largest or maximum distance A<NUM> something need to be placed in between the kill bar <NUM> and the trigger member <NUM>. Thus, the largest distance A<NUM> is only realized when the rodent is actually caught and placed between the kill bar <NUM> and the trigger member <NUM>, as exemplified in <FIG>.

Illustrated in <FIG> is a side view of an example of the rodent trap <NUM> when there is a medium distance A<NUM> between the magnet <NUM> and the magnetic sensor unit <NUM>, the rodent trap <NUM> is in the false-positive or sprung empty state. The trigger member <NUM> and the magnet <NUM> is arranged in a slightly tilted position relative to the base <NUM> and the magnet <NUM> is arranged at the distance A<NUM>, which is between the first A<NUM> and second distance A<NUM>, to the magnetic sensor <NUM>. This is the same position of the trigger member <NUM> as discussed above in relation to <FIG>, i.e. when the kill bar <NUM> pushes on the trigger member <NUM>. The magnetic sensor unit <NUM> is configured to relate this third distance A<NUM> to the false-positive or sprung empty state of the rodent trap <NUM>. In the false-positive state the rodent or something have triggered the trigger member <NUM> to unlock the locking mechanism <NUM> and thus sending the kill bar <NUM> downward to the edges 25a and 25c. However, due to the configuration of the kill bar <NUM>, edges 25a and 25c and the trigger member <NUM>, as discussed above in relation to <FIG> and <FIG>, the trigger member <NUM> will not be tilted in the maximum tilted position. Thus, if the trigger member <NUM> triggers the locking mechanism <NUM> to release the kill bar <NUM> but there is no rodent or something else placed between the kill bar <NUM> and the base <NUM>, the trigger member <NUM> will thus be placed in the slightly tilted position, as seen in <FIG>, or the position p<NUM> in <FIG>, different from the maximum tilted position, as seen in <FIG>, or the position p<NUM> in <FIG>.

In some examples, the magnet <NUM> and/or magnetic sensor unit <NUM> is arranged on or attached to the trigger member <NUM>, or any extension <NUM> of the trigger member <NUM>. The attachment can be performed by e.g. gluing the magnet <NUM> to the trigger member <NUM>.

In an example, there may be two connection rods <NUM> making up the connection bar <NUM>, one on each end of the kill bar <NUM>. In these cases, there might be two kill bars <NUM>, each connected to respective connection rod <NUM>. In these types of rodent traps <NUM>, the kill bars <NUM> may be placed next to each other and sometimes joined together by a weld. In some examples, the kill bar <NUM> and the connection rods <NUM> are made from one continuous piece which is bent into the shape of the kill bar <NUM> and connection rod(s) <NUM>.

Illustrated in e.g. <FIG> is an example wherein the rodent trap <NUM> comprises a wireless transmitter <NUM>, exemplified by an antenna denoted with reference numeral <NUM>. In some examples the rodent trap <NUM> may also comprise a wireless receiver, exemplified by an antenna denoted with reference numeral <NUM>' in <FIG>. The wireless transmitter <NUM> is in communication with the sensor <NUM>, <NUM>. The communication may be electrical and/or wireless. The wireless transmitter and/or receiver <NUM>, <NUM>', may be any of a cellular unit such as GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) unit, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> unit, a wireless network unit, a Bluetooth unit or the like. In an example, the rodent trap <NUM> comprises a sim card holder for communication with the cellular unit. In some examples the wireless transmitter and/or receiver <NUM>, <NUM>', may be embedded in the base <NUM> and may communicate with external antennas <NUM>, <NUM>'. In some examples the transmitter and/or receiver <NUM>, <NUM>', may be embedded with the antennas <NUM>, <NUM>'. In some examples one antenna <NUM> may be utilized for the wireless communication. Alternatively, a plurality of antennas <NUM>, <NUM>', may be utilized, depending on reception needs.

The wireless transmitter <NUM> may be configured to transmit any of the at least three different distances (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>) to a receiver <NUM>, such as a remote receiver <NUM>, as schematically illustrated in <FIG>. Alternatively, or in addition, the wireless transmitter <NUM> is may be configured to transmit any of a ready state, a sprung empty state and a caught state of the rodent trap <NUM> associated with the at least three different distances (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>), as described above, to a remote receiver <NUM>.

Hence, the wireless transmitter <NUM> allows for communicating the detected state, i.e. the armed ready state, the caught state, or the false-positive/sprung empty state, and/or the distances (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>), to a receiver <NUM>. The receiver <NUM> can e.g. be a mobile phone, a computer, lap-top, a tablet, a webserver or the like that is configured to receive the detected state and/or distance (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>). This communication can be performed by sending and/or receiving a signal and/or data that comprises the detected state and/or distance (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>).

<FIG> is a flow chart of a method <NUM> for determining a ready state, a sprung empty state and a caught state of a rodent trap <NUM>. The rodent trap <NUM> comprises a base <NUM>, a kill bar <NUM> and a trigger member <NUM> arranged between the base <NUM> and the kill bar <NUM> such that when the trigger member <NUM> is activated the kill bar <NUM> is released and traps or kills the rodent. The method <NUM> comprises detecting <NUM> at least three different distances (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>) between the trigger member <NUM> and the base <NUM>. The method <NUM> thus provides for the advantageous benefits as described for the rodent trap <NUM> in relation to <FIG> above. The method <NUM> provides for a robust and reliable detection of different states of the rodent trap <NUM>.

<FIG> are further flow charts of a method <NUM> for determining a ready state, a sprung empty state and a caught state of a rodent trap <NUM>. The method <NUM> may comprise detecting <NUM> a first position (p<NUM>) of the trigger member <NUM> when the kill bar <NUM> is in an armed position in the ready state of the rodent trap <NUM>. The method <NUM> may comprise relating <NUM> a first trigger distance (A<NUM>) of the at least three different distances (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>) to said first position (p<NUM>) and the ready state of the rodent trap <NUM> (<FIG>).

The method <NUM> may comprise detecting <NUM> a second position (p<NUM>) of the trigger member <NUM> when the kill bar is in an unloaded position and in abutment with the base <NUM> corresponding to the sprung empty state of the rodent trap <NUM>. The method <NUM> may comprise relating <NUM> a third trigger distance (A<NUM>) of the at least three different distances (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>) to said second position (p<NUM>) and the sprung empty state of the rodent trap <NUM> (<FIG>).

The method <NUM> may comprise detecting <NUM> a third position (p<NUM>) of the trigger member <NUM>, whereupon the trigger member <NUM> is movable relative the kill bar <NUM> in a direction towards the base <NUM> from the second position (p<NUM>) to said third position (p<NUM>) while the kill bar <NUM> is in said unloaded position. A gap (d) arranged in between the second and third positions (p<NUM>, p<NUM>) of the trigger member <NUM> may accommodate part of a rodent when trapped in the rodent trap <NUM>, in the caught state thereof. The method <NUM> may comprise relating <NUM> a second trigger distance (A<NUM>) of the at least three different distances (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>) to said third position and the caught state of the rodent trap <NUM> (<FIG>).

The method <NUM> may comprise transmitting <NUM> any of the at least three different distances (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>) to a receiver <NUM>, and/or transmitting <NUM>' any of the ready state, the sprung empty state and the caught state of the rodent trap <NUM> associated with the at least three different distances (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>) to a receiver <NUM>.

Illustrated in <FIG> is an example wherein the remote receiver <NUM> may be in direct communication with the wireless receiver and/or transmitter <NUM>, <NUM>', which in turn is in communication with the sensor <NUM>, <NUM>. In other examples the remote receiver <NUM>, such as a mobile phone or computer, may communicate with the wireless receiver and/or transmitter <NUM>, <NUM>' of the rodent trap <NUM> via different types of relays such as a cellular tower, one or more webserver, apps, WIFI-protocols and so on.

In an example of the communication of the detected distances (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>) between the rodent trap <NUM> and the remote receiver <NUM>, the magnetic sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, first detects e.g. distance A<NUM>. The distance A<NUM> is then communicated to the wireless transmitter <NUM>, and then further to a cellular tower which relays the communication further to the remote receiver <NUM>, such as a mobile phone <NUM>. The mobile phone <NUM> can be programmed to show an alert that displays a given name of the rodent trap <NUM>, a location of the rodent trap <NUM> and the detected distance A<NUM>, and/or the state related to A<NUM>, i.e. the false-positive/sprung empty state of the rodent trap <NUM>.

In some examples, other parameters related to the rodent trap <NUM> can also be comprised in the communication to the remote receiver <NUM>, such as temperature, humidity, sound alerts, or settings of the rodent trap <NUM> related to e.g. firmware, light commands for controlling connected light sources, error codes and so on. In some examples, the communication is only one way, i.e. the receiver <NUM> only receives communication. In other examples, the communication is a two-way communication where the remote receiver <NUM> can send communication to a wireless receiver <NUM>' of the rodent trap <NUM>.

The rodent trap <NUM> may comprise a notification unit <NUM> configured to emit an audible alert, and/or a visual alert to a user. A notification unit <NUM> is schematically indicated in the illustration of <FIG>. The audible and/or visual alert may be associated with any one of the ready state, the sprung empty state, and the caught state of the rodent trap <NUM>. The notification unit <NUM> may thus be in communication with the sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, as schematically illustrated in <FIG>. Each of the aforementioned states may be associated with a different audible and/or visual notification signal which notifies the user of the different states.

In an example illustrated in <FIG>, a plurality of rodent traps <NUM> are combined into a rodent trap system <NUM>. The rodent trap system <NUM> comprises at least one remote receiver <NUM>. The rodent trap <NUM> comprises a wireless transmitter <NUM> in communication with the sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, and which is configured to transmit any of the at least three different distances (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>) to the at least one remote receiver <NUM>. Alternatively, or in addition, the wireless transmitter <NUM> is configured to transmit any of a ready state, a sprung empty state and a caught state of the rodent trap <NUM> associated with the at least three different distances (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>) to at least one receiver <NUM>. By having the rodent trap <NUM> and/or the system <NUM> configured to send and/or receive the detected state and/or distance (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>) from at least one rodent trap <NUM> it is possible to minimize any time spent on checking the rodent traps <NUM> if they are triggered. It allows also for sending out the best fitted person for the job depending on the detected state of the rodent trap <NUM>. For example, if the detected state of the rodent trap <NUM> is the false-positive/sprung empty state any one close to the rodent trap <NUM> may arm the rodent trap <NUM> again. If the detected state is the caught state, then a pest controller could be sent to the rodent trap <NUM>.

The rodent trap <NUM> may comprise a battery compartment <NUM>, as schematically illustrated in e.g. <FIG>, which may hold batteries for powering e.g. the sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or the wireless transmitter and/or receiver <NUM>, <NUM>'. The battery compartment <NUM> may be accessible from underneath the rodent trap <NUM>, or in other examples from above the rodent trap <NUM>. In other examples the sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or the wireless transmitter and/or receiver <NUM>, <NUM>', may have their own built-in battery. In the illustrated example of <FIG>, a connection port <NUM> is also illustrated which may allow for communication with internal components such as a PCB (printed circuit board), the sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or the wireless transmitter and/or receiver <NUM>, <NUM>', of the rodent trap <NUM>. The connection port <NUM> may also allow for charging the batteries, either in the battery compartment <NUM> or built in batteries. In some examples, the connection port <NUM> may allow for externally powering rodent trap <NUM>, if there are no batteries in the rodent trap <NUM>. The connection port <NUM>, as well as the rodent trap <NUM> as a whole may be classified according to IP class <NUM> or any other suitable IP class that allows for the rodent trap <NUM> to be placed in e.g. humid, wet and dusty conditions.

Illustrated in <FIG> is a bottom view of the rodent trap <NUM> and an example of the battery compartment <NUM> of the rodent trap <NUM>. In this example three batteries fit in the battery compartment <NUM>. The number and type of batteries may be different depending on e.g. the power requirement of the sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or the wireless transmitter and/or receiver <NUM>, <NUM>'. The batteries may be based on lithium, alkaline or other types of battery technologies.

The rodent trap <NUM> may comprise a removable battery contact <NUM>, illustrated in the example of <FIG>, which may be in electric connection with electrical components of the rodent trap <NUM>, such as the sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or the wireless transmitter and/or receiver <NUM>, <NUM>'. By having a removable battery contact <NUM>, it is possible to make the rodent trap <NUM> more compact since components that requires only temporary access can be hidden behind the removable battery contact <NUM> and do not need a designated open access to the outside on the rodent trap <NUM>.

Illustrated in <FIG> is a bottom view of the rodent trap <NUM> and an example of two components having connectors 29A and 29B facing out into the battery compartment <NUM>. Such components could be a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector, a SIM (Subscriber identity module) card holder, a power charger connector and/or a PCB connector.

Claim 1:
A rodent trap (<NUM>) comprising
a base (<NUM>),
a kill bar (<NUM>), wherein the kill bar is pivotably connected to the base,
a trigger member (<NUM>), wherein the trigger member is pivotably connected to the base and arranged between the base and the kill bar such that when the trigger member is activated the kill bar is released and traps or kills a rodent, the rodent trap further comprises
a sensor (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to detect at least three different distances (A<NUM>, A<NUM>, A<NUM>) between the trigger member and the base,
a wireless transmitter (<NUM>), the wireless transmitter is in communication with the sensor and is configured to transmit any of the at least three different distances to a receiver (<NUM>), and/or transmit any of a ready state, a sprung empty state and a caught state of the rodent trap associated with the at least three different distances to a receiver (<NUM>).