Patent Document

RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of Disclosure Document No. 612,396 filed Jan. 30, 2007, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention describes a method and a device for trapping and eliminating rodents with a spring-loaded “Z”-shaped bar configuration designed to apply a striking force over a greater surface area. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The pest control industry has changed dramatically over the last decade. One of these marked changes involves a reduction of the use of chemicals in homes, schools and the workplace in ridding them of pests. Health and well-being has seemed to take center stage in today&#39;s society. One of the latest trends regards the consumption of organic foods, so it seems rather counterproductive to employ chemicals in order to eliminate vermin. 
   Rats, mice and other rodents are indeed persistent problems in almost all areas of the world. In order to control such pests, people have resorted to various methods, including pesticides, to eradicate them. One of the most traditional methods of rodent elimination is now perhaps one that is most in keeping with the latest trends—a trap. In a typical configuration, a spring-loaded bar is held in place with a hair touch trigger typically loaded with bait such as cheese or other types of food. When the rodent attempts to move the bait, the trigger releases the spring which instantly swings the bar around and down upon the rodent thus trapping or killing it. While it is mostly effective, sometimes the bar does miss the rodent, due to the rodent&#39;s speed or position. In most cases a wider bar would be of assistance, but the increased weight would slow the movement of the bar down even more. 
   Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which the trapping efficiency of a rat or mouse trap can be increased. The development of the “Z”-Bar Rodent Trap fulfills this need. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 7,162,832 issued to Simpson and Price discloses a rodent snap trap device. This patent does not appear to disclose a device that possesses a zig-zag configured trap bar to increase efficiency of the device. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,655,077 issued to Trevino discloses a trap for a mouse. This patent does not appear to disclose a device that possesses a zig-zag configured trap bar to provide increased efficacy of the device. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,415,544 issued to Leyerle discloses a rodent trap with entrapping teeth. This patent does not appear to disclose a device that possesses a zig-zag configured trap bar to provide increased efficiency of the device. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,375,367 issued to Pust discloses a mousetrap with deep bait receptacle. This patent does not appear to disclose a device that possesses a zig-zag configured trap bar. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,245,423 issued to Sousa and Bumstead discloses an animal trap. This patent does not appear to disclose a device with a zig-zag configured trap bar for increased efficiency. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 2,724,209 issued to Cain discloses an animal trap. This patent does not appear to disclose a device that possesses a zig-zag configuration on the trap bar and this device does not appear to possess the trap bar range of motion of the instant invention. 
   The prior art appears to disclose various tools for trapping rodents and animals. The prior art does not appear to disclose a rodent trap with a zig-zag configured trap bar for maximizing trapping efficiency. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, it has been observed that there is need for a device that efficiently and effectively traps, contains and eliminates rodents. 
   The spring-loaded, zig-zag configured trap bar rodent trap provides a convenient and efficient device and method for rodent removal and extermination. 
   The spring-loaded, zig-zag configured trap bar rodent trap is ergonomically designed to apply force over a greater surface area with minimal wind resistance. 
   The spring-loaded, zig-zag configured trap bar rodent trap comprises a base, bait receiver, coiled spring, and a trap bar. 
   The device is envisioned to be introduced in a plurality of sizes to accommodate the trapping of various species of rodents. 
   The device is fabricated of wood, plastic and/or other synthetic materials with the coiled spring and/or the trap bar fabricated of metal. 
   The spring-loaded, zig-zag configured trap bar rodent trap possesses a base comprising a rectangular design dimensioned in accordance with the type and/or size of the rodent to be exterminated. The base comprises a top face, a bottom face, and four side faces. 
   The spring-loaded, zig-zag configured trap bar rodent trap possesses a coiled spring to provide the momentum force about a pivoting axis transverse to the length of the base and parallel to the upper side face and lower side face. The coiled spring provides the means to bias a trap bar to an unloaded orientation. 
   The trap bar is biased rotatably downward from a loaded orientation to an unloaded orientation via the coiled spring but may be pulled apart to form an opening whereas the device may be set to the loaded orientation. 
   The transverse section of the trap bar is secured in the center section of the coiled spring extending along the same longitudinal axis. 
   The trap bar comprises a circular cross-section with two (2) lateral members extending from the transverse section forming a zig-zag configuration. 
   The coiled spring comprises two (2) contact members extending outwardly from each end of said coiled spring. One (1) contact member engages one (1) lateral member and the other contact member contacts the top face of the base thereby providing a means to transform the stored energy of the coiled spring, when in the loaded orientation, to kinetic energy. This kinetic energy provides the momentum force, with the trap bar released, thereby biasing said trap bar in a rotational motion about the axis of the coiled spring, and consequently the axis of the transverse portion of said trap bar, towards a bait receiver. 
   The zig-zag portion of the trap bar, which is in a parallel arrangement with the transverse portion, rotates about the axis of the spring to contact the rodent. The zig-zag portion of the trap bar comprises a plurality of bar members that are angularly distant from one another in a sinusoidal fashion. The angles between each bar members and/or the lengths of each bar member are envisioned to vary with accordance to user preference and rodent size. 
   The zig-zag portion of the tarp bar provides an increased coverage area with the length of the bar members as well as the angle between while allowing minute wind resistance of the trap bar while in motion thereby increasing the likelihood of capturing the rodent. 
   The spring-loaded, zig-zag configured trap bar rodent trap possesses a bait receiver that is a platform for receiving bait such as food and/or other rodent attractants which attract and cause the rodent to be in close proximity to the bait receiver. The distal end of the bait receiver comprises a means to receive a locking bar that extends perpendicularly outward and is rotatably connected to a fastening loop. 
   The locking bar is rotatably secured thereto the fastening loop via a ring section that engages the fastening loop when the device is in the loaded orientation. In this orientation, the retention of the trap bar charges the coiled spring to provide a stored energy awaiting to be released into kinetic energy and provides a rotational motion to bring the trap bar towards the bait receiver. The locking bar secures the trap bar storing the energy awaiting to be released by the disturbance conducted thereto the bait receiver, releasing the trap bar and actuating the motion of trap bar. This also causes the zig-zag portion of the trap bar to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the trap bar, and move toward the top face of the base. 
   The spring-loaded, zig-zag configured trap bar rodent trap further comprises spikes or teeth on the trap bar. These spikes or teeth converge to a point in a cone-like shape suitably dimensioned to contact and thereby being removably inserted therein insertion apertures sized to removably receive said teeth. The spikes or teeth are designed to be operably spaced equidistantly apart in at least one (1) row spanning along the curvature of the bar members of the zig-zag portion. 
   The insertion apertures are drilled through the base and selectively receive the teeth which prevents accidental injury. The insertion apertures are alignable with each designated spike or tooth. The tooth-to-aperture method prevents a shearing motion when the device is in operation to transform from the loaded orientation to the unloaded orientation. 
   The spring-loaded, zig-zag configured trap bar rodent trap discloses a zig-zag portion on the trap bar without spikes or teeth extruding outwardly therefrom. 
   The universal joint extracting tool may be used by performing the following steps: putting a rodent attractant, such as food thereon the bait receiver; rotatably motioning the spring-loaded trap bar towards the upper face; engaging the locking bar to releasably secure said trap bar; and, strategically placing the device along a wall, crevice, or other-known areas-by which a rodent is more prone to travel; setting the device for operation by rotating the trap bar against the bias of the coiled spring toward the upper face of the base; securing the trap bar via a locking bar that is in operably engaged with the bait receiver; checking the device periodically to see if the device has captured a rodent; disposing of a trapped rodent in a safe manner; and, benefiting from the increased efficiency of the device and the enhanced health conditions in ones home from rodent elimination with the spring-loaded, zig-zag configured trap bar rodent trap. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a “Z”-bar rodent trap  10  in the loaded orientation, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the “Z”-bar rodent trap  10  in the unloaded orientation, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a top view the “Z”-bar rodent trap  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of the “Z”-bar rodent trap  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5   a  is a close-up view of a zig-zag section  55  with teeth  70  protruding therefrom, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
       FIG. 5   b  is a close up view of a top face  21  of a base  20  with insertion apertures  75  drilled therethrough, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
   
     
       
             
             
           
         
             
                 
             
           
           
             
               10 
               “Z”-bar rodent trap 
             
             
               20 
               base 
             
             
               21 
               top face 
             
             
               22 
               upper side face 
             
             
               23 
               lower side face 
             
             
               24 
               right side face 
             
             
               25 
               left side face 
             
             
               30 
               bait receiver 
             
             
               40 
               coiled spring 
             
             
               42 
               contact member 
             
             
               50 
               trap bar 
             
             
               52 
               transverse section 
             
             
               53 
               lateral member 
             
             
               55 
               zig-zag section 
             
             
               57 
               bar member 
             
             
               58 
               angle 
             
             
               60 
               locking bar 
             
             
               65 
               fastening loop 
             
             
               67 
               ring section 
             
             
               70 
               teeth 
             
             
               75 
               insertion aperture 
             
             
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 5   b . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and that example configurations shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
   The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
   The present invention describes a device and method for a mouse, rat, and/or any other rodent trap device having a spring-loaded zig-zag configured spring trap bar  50  ergonomically designed to apply force over a greater surface area whilst still comprising minimal wind resistivity. The “Z”-bar rodent trap (herein described as the “device”)  10  comprises a base  20 , bait receiver  30 , coiled spring  40 , and a trap bar  50 . The device  10  is envisioned to be introduced in a plurality of sizes to accommodate the trapping of rodents of a plurality of sizes and shapes. The device  10  is envisioned to be fabricated of wood, plastic and/or other synthetic materials with the coiled spring  40  and/or the trap bar  50  fabricated of a metallic process. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , perspective views of the device  10  are disclosed, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The device  10  comprises a base  20  of rectangular design dimensioned in accordance with the type and/or size of the rodent to be exterminated. The base  20  comprises a top face  21 , a bottom face (not pictured), and four ( 4 ) side faces  22 ,  23 ,  24 ,  25 . A coiled spring  40  is envisioned to be utilized to provide the momentum force about a pivoting axis transverse thereto the length of the base  20  as well as parallel thereto the upper side face  22  and lower side face  23 . The coiled spring  40  provides the means to bias a trap bar  50  to an unloaded orientation. The trap bar  50  is biased rotatably downward from a loaded orientation, as depicted in  FIG. 1 , to an unloaded orientation, as depicted in  FIG. 2 , via the coiled spring  40  but may be pulled apart to form an opening whereas the device  10  may be then set to the loaded orientation. 
   The transverse section  52  of the trap bar  50  is secured therein the center section of the coiled spring  40  extending therealong the same longitudinal axis. The trap bar  50  is envisioned to comprise a circular cross-section with two (2) lateral members  53  extending from the transverse section  52  perpendiculary thereto leading towards a zig-zag configuration  55 . The coiled spring  40  comprises two (2) contact members  42  extending outwardly therefrom each end of said coiled spring  40 . One (1) contact member  42  engages one (1) lateral member  53  and the other contact member  42  contacts the top face  21  of the base  20  thereby providing a means to transform the stored energy of the coiled spring  40 , when in the loaded orientation, to kinetic energy. The kinetic energy provides the momentum force, with the trap bar  50  released, thereby biasing said trap bar  50  in a rotational motion about the axis of the coiled spring  40 , and consequently the axis of the transverse portion  52  of said trap bar  50 , towards a bait receiver  30 . When in the loaded orientation, the contact members  42  instigate tension along the axis of the spring  40 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , views of the device  10  are disclosed, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The zig-zag portion  55  of the trap bar  50 , which is in a parallel arrangement therewith the transverse portion  52 , rotates about the axis of the spring  40  to contact the rodent. The zig-zag portion  55  of the trap bar  50  comprises a plurality of bar members  57  that are angularly distant therefrom one (1) another in a sinusoidal fashion. The angles  58  therebetween each said bar members  57  and/or the lengths of each bar member  57  are envisioned to vary with accordance to user preference, rodent size, and the like. The zig-zag portion  55  introduces an increased coverage area with the length of the bar members  57  as well as the angle  58  therebetween while allowing minute wind resistance of the trap bar  50  while in motion thereby increasing the likelihood of catching the rodent. 
   The bait receiver  30  defines a platform for receiving bait such as food and/or other rodent attractants to appeal to the rodent to become in close proximity thereto. The distal end of the bait receiver  30  comprises a means to releasably receive a locking bar  60  that extends perpendicularly outward that is rotatably connected thereto a fastening loop  65  for securement thereto. The locking bar  60  is rotatably secured thereto the fastening loop  65  via a ring section  67  that engages said fastening loop  65  while the device  10  is in the loaded orientation. In the loaded orientation, the retention of the trap bar  50  charges the coiled spring  40  such to provide a stored energy awaiting to be released into kinetic energy such to provide a rotational motion to bring forth the trap bar  50  towards the bait receiver  30 . The locking bar  60  secures the trap, bar  50  thereby storing the energy awaiting to be released by the disturbance conducted thereto the bait receiver  30  thereby releasing the trap bar  50  and actuating the motion of said trap bar  50 . Upon depression of the bait receiver  30 , the locking bar  60  releases the spring-loaded trap bar  50  allowing the zig-zag portion  55  of said trap bar  50  to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the transverse section  52  of said trap bar  50 , thereby causing the mutually facing surfaces of said zig-zag portion  55  to move toward the top face  21  of the base  20 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b , close-up top views of the device  10  are disclosed, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The spikes or teeth  70  are envisioned to converge to a point in a cone-like shape suitably dimensioned to contact and thereby being removably inserted therein insertion apertures  75  sized to removably receive said teeth  70 . The teeth  70  are designed to be operably spaced equidistantly apart therefrom in at least one (1) row spanning along the curvature of the bar members  57  of the zig-zag portion  55 . The insertion apertures  75  are drilled therethrough the base  20  for selectively receiving the teeth  70  while not in use thereby preventing accidental injury thereof. The insertion apertures  75  are alignable with each designated spike or tooth  70 . The tooth-to-aperture method prevents a shearing motion when the device  10  is in operation to transform from the loaded orientation to the unloaded orientation. 
   An alternate embodiment of the present invention may disclose a zig-zag portion  55  without teeth  70  extruding outwardly therefrom. 
   The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. The present invention describes a means by which a rodent may be trapped and thereby exterminated in the most efficient manner. After initial purchase or acquisition of the device  10 , it would be configured as indicated in  FIGS. 1 through 5   b.    
   The method of utilizing the device may be achieved by performing the following steps: putting a rodent attractant, such as food thereon the bait receiver  30 ; rotatably motioning the spring-loaded trap bar  50  towards the upper face  22 ; engaging the locking bar  60  to releasably secure said trap bar  50 ; and, strategically placing the device  10  along a wall, crevice, or other known areas by which a rodent is more prone to travel. 
   To set the device  10  into the loaded orientation, the trap bar  50  is rotated against the bias of the coiled spring  40  toward the upper face  22  of the base  20 . The contact members  42  of the coiled spring  40  causes a resistive force transferred from said coiled spring  40 . The trap bar  50  is releasably secured via a locking bar  60  that is in operable engagement therewith the bate receiver  30 . Thus, when the locking bar  60  is engaged with the bait receiver  30  in the loaded orientation, the trap bar  50  is tilted slightly resting thereagainst said locking bar  60 . 
   When a rodent contacts the bait receiver  30 , the locking bar  60  releases the stored energy of the coiled spring  40  thereby allowing the trap bar  50  to rotate towards said bait receiver  30 . Further, teeth  70  are provided to exterminate the rodent in a quicker and more humane fashion. Insertion apertures  75  are provided in relation to said teeth  70  for operably receiving, especially for the stowage or unloaded orientation. The exterminated rodent may then be released from the device  10  by simply motioning the trap bar  50  away from the bait receiver  30  toward the upper face  22  of the base  20 . 
   The zig-zag configuration section  55  provides for a wider capture surface without the additional wind or weight resistance thereby allowing the trap bar  50  to travel at a high rate of speed. The effective wider configuration makes it much more likely that said trap bar  50  to strike some part of the rodent&#39;s body resulting in a higher trap or kill ratio. 
   The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Technology Category: 1