Technical field

The present invention relates to a trap for animals, in particular rodents, e.g. rats or mice. The trap is adapted to be arranged on a substantially horizontal surface/face, and comprises at least a first flange and a second flange to the effect that the trap can be optionally arranged in at least two different positions and/or orientations. Background

Traps for animals, in particular rodents, e.g. rats or mice, have been used for a long time to trap and/or kill the rodents being menaces.

Rats and mice that move in built-up areas will often move along building walls and the like where they feel secure. For the same reason, today known poisoned traps are deployed along building walls. Thus, this means that the rats or the mice encounter them during their normal movements, following which smell lures them to eat the poison. That behaviour is particularly pronounced where large open spaces abound on built-up areas. However, it is also often seen inside buildings, or in closets or the like where the animals will also prefer to run along the walls. That behaviour is enhanced if the animals can, during their movements, seek shelter underneath a face that adjoins the wall. In the known traps, this is used to advantage in that they are equipped with a passageway that the animals may run into.

The drawback associated with the known poisoned traps is that the animals do not die in the same location as that of the trap as the poison does not take effect until after a period of time. This means that dead animals may be part of the natural food chain, the poison being absorbable by other animals such as domestic animals or birds that eat either the enfeebled and dying animals or their carcasses. Moreover, killing as such by means of poisoning is associated with suffering to the animals. That problem can be solved by use of non-poisoned traps such as e.g.

spring-loaded traps that comprise a spring-released strike mechanism that kills the animal.

However, the drawback of such known spring-loaded strike traps is that they are to be serviced frequently since they are capable of killing only one animal. Moreover, known spring-loaded strike traps are most often configured such that the animals may access the trigger mechanism from several sides. The latter causes the trap to sometimes fail, the animals not being hit by the "striker" or being hit thereby in such a manner that they are not killed or destroyed. Consequently known spring-loaded strike traps require much servicing work.

Moreover, many of the known traps are not intended to be placed in different positions and/or orientations making them less flexible to use.

Furthermore, many of the known traps are only possible to place steadily and use securely in one position and/or orientation.

Some known traps are only possible to be entered by animals from one single direction.

Object and brief description of the invention It is an object of the invention to remedy any of those drawbacks of prior art.

The present invention relates to a trap for animals, in particular rodents, e.g. rats or mice. The trap is adapted to be arranged on a substantially horizontal surface/face, i.e. either freestanding in a vertical upright position without support or laying down in a horizontal orientation with or without support and/or freestanding in an inclined orientation without support or laying down in an inclined orientation with or without support. The trap is adapted to be arranged upright or laying down where the substantially horizontal surface/face meets or is adjacent a substantially vertical surface/face and/or where these surfaces are close upon each other or in contact with each other, and comprises at least a first flange and a second flange to the effect that the trap can be optionally arranged in any of the above two different positions and/or orientations depending on need and optionally be supported by one or more flanges for stable/secure installation when freestanding and/or optionally be supported by the substantially vertical surface/face for stable/secure installation. This enables the trap to be placed on many different kinds of ground or soil, i.e. even and uneven, e.g. soft and/or uneven soil or soil frozen hard with bumps, without any need of additional support to stand securely. This also enables the trap to be placed on many different kinds of ground or soil, i.e. even and uneven, e.g. soft and/or uneven soil or soil frozen hard and uneven/bumpy, without changing the appearance of the lacking "floor" of the passage where the rodents pass as the flanges do not cover or enclose the passage or its floor or base fully.

The inventive trap is intended to be placed in different positions and/or orientations making it very flexible to use and easily adaptable to different and varying surroundings.

Furthermore, the inventive trap is possible to place steadily and use securely in more than one position and/or orientation, i.e. in different positions and/or orientations and/or surroundings. Moreover, the inventive trap enables for animals to enter the trap from more than one direction and also from different angles of the trap, i.e. not only from its front or back or side. This makes the trap able to catch a larger number of animals approaching the trap from different angles and/or positions as the trap has an optimized size, shape and number of its entrance/-s, e.g. at least two entrances and/or at least two entrances of different sizes and/or shapes and/or entrances placed at different positions in relation to the housing of the trap, e.g. one entrance at one side of the trap housing and another entrance at another side of the trap housing, in some cases, an entrance is larger than the other/-s and/or an entrance has a different shape and/or size enabling an animal to approach and enter this entrance from different angles and not only at a straight angle in the line of sight of the entrance, i.e. at an angle being perpendicular to the plane of the entrance but also may enter the trap from a direction being inclined in relation to the at least one trap entrance.

This is accomplished by the inventive trap in that, in both their positions, the flanges of the trap span a volume which is delimited such as to define a passage in which a rat/mouse may move; the trap housing further comprising an inner passageway that a rat/mouse may run into, said passageway extending from the one flange and into the trap housing, the passageway and trap housing comprising: a trigger mechanism and a killer mechanism. By configuring the trap with two flanges it is obtained that the trap can be arranged up against an inner wall, an outer wall or the like, to the effect that the one flange abuts on the wall while the other flange abuts on the support and hence forms a passage that a rat or a mouse can move into. As it is, it has been found that rats or mice that move in the vicinity of buildings, or - for that matter - within them, are driven by an instinct that makes them run along the inner walls or the outer walls. Moreover, experience has shown that often the animals have a tendency to hide in passages. This is used to advantage by the invention in that it forms a passage of the flanges, base and wall of the trap when it is arranged e.g. on a floor and up against a wall. The two substantially perpendicular and identical flanges enable that the one and the other, respectively, of the flanges are used to stabilise the trap against the support being one or more horizontal and/or vertical surfaces/faces and/or more or less inclined/steep surfaces/faces in relation to horizontal and/or vertical. By configuring the housing with an inner passageway extending from the one flange, it is accomplished that the animals come across that passageway when they seek shelter in the passage, and since they feel secure in such place they will often explore the inner passage which is fitted with a killer mechanism and a trigger mechanism that kill the animals that move into the inner passageway. According to one embodiment, the inner passageway comprises a killer mechanism that acts by means of current. By configuring the killer mechanism as a mechanism killing by using current, a trap is provided that is very fast-acting. According to one embodiment the inner passageway comprises a killer mechanism that acts by a striker mechanism. By configuring the killer mechanism as a mechanism which, e.g. by being spring-loaded, strikes the animal's nape, one accomplishes a mechanism that does not require power (e.g. from batteries), since it can be manually "charged", i.e. by hand by the user.

Moreover, the configuration of the trap with a housing and an inner passageway means that the animal is oriented in one way when the killer mechanism is triggered. Hence, the trap with striker function provides a very high degree of reliability that the animal is killed in a fast and reliable manner. According to an embodiment the inner passageway comprises at least two trigger mechanisms that are arranged to each their side of the killer mechanism, which trigger mechanisms are both to be activated before the killer mechanism is triggered. By configuring the trap with two trigger mechanisms at a suitable distance from each other and which are both to be activated before the trap's killer mechanism is released, it is accomplished that e.g. a leaf or a snail/slug cannot trigger the trap, since they cannot/will not activate both trigger mechanisms at the same time. By furthermore arranging those two trigger mechanisms to each their side of a killer mechanism, which may e.g. be a spring-loaded striker mechanism, a very high degree of reliability is obtained that the animal in the trap has such position that the killer mechanism hits the animal in an intended manner which is preferably such that the back of the animal is broken, and that it hence works optimally.

According to one embodiment, the trap comprises a bait box. By configuring the trap with a bait box, it is possible to provide the inner passageway with aromas that lure the animals into it. According to one embodiment, the trap comprises a trigger mechanism that is released mechanically. By that embodiment it is accomplished that the trigger mechanism as such does not require power. Trigger mechanisms of that kind are well known to the person skilled in the art from prior art spring- loaded strike traps, and hence they will not be described in further detail.

According to one embodiment, the trap comprises a trigger mechanism that is released by an electric connection being established by the animal's body between the two trigger mechanisms. By that embodiment, it is ensured that the animal's body has a specific orientation whereby the killer mechanism can be adapted to it with an ensuing increasingly reliable fatality rate.

According to one embodiment, the trigger mechanism of the trap comprises infrared sensors that are triggered by the radiation of heat from an animal. In other trap systems, infrared sensors have been found to provide a very high degree of reliability, and they will not entail erroneous firings in case of e.g. leaves or snail/slugs.

According to one embodiment the inner passageway comprises at least three trigger mechanisms, the two of which are arranged to each their side of the killer mechanism, which trigger mechanisms are all to be activated in order for the killer mechanism to be triggered. By configuring the trap with three trigger mechanisms, an even higher degree of security is obtained that the animal is positioned expediently relative to the killer mechanism, and the risk of "misses" is minimized.

According to one embodiment, the trap comprises a bait box located at the interior end of the inner passageway. By providing the trap with a bait box located at the interior end of the inner passageway, it is accomplished that the animal feels an urge to move into the passageway. Hereby a high degree of reliability is accomplished that the animal is oriented with its nose first and up against the bait box when the trigger mechanism is released. This brings about an increased fatality rate with a minimum of suffering to animals that are entering and activating the trap. By configuring the trap in this manner with a smell-box arranged at the interior end of the inner passageway, it is thus also accomplished that it is possible to locate a killer mechanism that comprises a striker mechanism in such a way that it hits transversally to the inner passageway and hence to obtain that it is capable of breaking the back of an animal with an increased probability of a quick kill.

According to one embodiment, the trap comprises two light sensors and two light emitters, wherein the light beams of the two light emitters hit the two light sensors, and the killer mechanism of the trap is moreover configured such that it is released when the two light sensors do not register light at the same time. By configuring the trap in this way, a very high degree of security is ensured, since both of the two light beams are to be interrupted in order for the killer mechanism of the trap to be activated. It is further accomplished that an easy way of registering kills is provided, it being possible to print an event log eg via the internet or the mobile network when the trap registers that the two light beams are/become interrupted.

According to another aspect of the invention, it relates to a method as set forth in the associated claim.

The application sets forth two or more flanges, wherein one flange may, of course, be constituted of a sidewall of the trap housing. The application uses the term "striker mechanism", which is not to be interpreted narrowly as an actual striker; rather it also comprises a mechanism such as a spring-loaded bail which is known from the ordinary traps where a bail is released, preferably over the animal's nape, when it touches an item of bait. A particular embodiment of such "bail trap" is described e.g. in US patent disclosure US 3 055 140 A.

The application and claims further use the term "killer mechanism". That is intended to be a mechanism capable of killing an animal in the trap or in its housing. In other words, a killer mechanism comprises mutually cooperating mechanical and/or electrical parts that, upon a given influence, carry out the killing. A killer mechanism is thus not e.g. conventional rat poison since that does not in itself comprise cooperating mechanical and/or electrical parts that kill an animal in such a way that it leads to death within the trap as such, but, of course, poison may be used in combination with a killer mechanism. An object of present disclosure is achieved by providing a trap for animals, in particular rats or mice, adapted for arrangement at a surface, where the rats or mice move. The trap comprises a trap housing, a first flange and at least one further/second flange. The flanges are configured for enabling the trap to be optionally orientated in at least two positions, which trap positions are substantially at right angles to each other. The flanges of the trap span a volume which is delimited such as to define a passage in which a rat or mouse may move. The trap housing comprises an inner passageway that a rat or mouse may run into. The inner passageway extends from the passage into the trap housing. The inner passageway and trap housing comprises a trigger mechanism and a killer mechanism. The trap comprises the at least one further/second flange being at least partly configured to extend

substantially perpendicularly to the first flange in one of the positions of the trap to form a surface that at least partly extends into the passage.

Another object of the present disclosure is achieved by providing a trap according to the trap above, where the at least one further/second flange is at least partly configured to extend substantially in parallel with the first flange in one of the positions of the trap to form a surface that at least partly extends into the passage.

An object of the present disclosure is achieved by providing traps for rodents, e.g. rats or mice, adapted for arrangement at a surface, where the rats/mice move. The trap comprises a housing, a first flange and at least one further and/or second flange. The flanges are configured for enabling the trap to be optionally orientated in at least two positions, which trap positions are substantially at right angles to each other or angled in relation to each other. The trap flanges span a volume being delimited to define a passage in which a rat/mouse may move. The trap housing comprises an inner passageway that a rat/mouse may run into. The inner passageway extends from the passage into the trap housing. The inner passageway and trap housing comprise a trigger mechanism and a killer mechanism. The trap comprises the at least one further/second flange being at least partly configured to extend substantially perpendicularly to the first flange in one of the positions of the trap to form a surface that at least partly extends into the passage.

Another object of the present disclosure is achieved by providing a trap for animals/rodents, e.g. rats or mice, adapted for arrangement at a surface, where rats/mice move. The trap comprises a housing, a first flange and at least one further/second flange. Its flanges are configured for enabling the trap to be optionally orientated in at least two positions, which trap positions are substantially at right angles or angled in relation to each other. The trap flanges span a volume being delimited to define a passage in which a rat/mouse may move. The trap housing comprises an inner passageway that a rat/mouse may run into. The inner passageway extends from the passage into the trap housing. The passageway and trap housing comprise a trigger mechanism and a killer mechanism. The trap comprises the at least one further/second flange being at least partly configured to extend substantially in parallel with the first flange in one of the positions of the trap to form a surface that at least partly extends into the passage.

According to one embodiment, the flanges of the trap are configured to enable the trap to be arranged so that the inner passageway extends in a direction (facing) upwards in at least one substantially upright position of the trap and in at least one substantially lying down position of the trap and in at least one angled position and/or orientation of the trap in relation to another position and/or orientation of the trap.

According to another embodiment, the trap flanges are configured to enable the trap to be arranged in at least a first position where the trap is orientated substantially upright and in at least a second position where the trap is orientated substantially horizontal and/or in at least a third position where the trap is angled/inclined in relation to any another position/orientation, wherein the inner passageway extends in a direction upwards in any trap position.

According to some embodiments, the at least one further/second flange is at least partly fenestrated; and/or the at least one further/second flange is at least partly configured as a grid; and/or the at least one further/second flange comprises a coating; and/or the at least one further/second flange comprises different materials; and/or the at least one further/second flange comprises through holes for fastening; and/or the at least one further/second flange comprises dents through only its surface.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is achieved by providing a method of using a trap for animals, e.g. rats or mice, at a surface, where the rats/mice move, according to any preceding aspect/object. The method comprises placing the trap in a position and orientation such that the animal must move substantially horizontal or at least somewhat angled to enter the trap and must move upwards to enter the inner passageway facing/being directed upwards in any position of the trap.

The at least one further/second flange is at least one further and/or second and/or third and/or fourth and/or fifth and/or sixth flange or more flanges. In another embodiment, the trap comprises at least one flange that in turn comprises at least one recess or cut-out. The recess/cut-out is in itself an entrance of the trap and/or part of one or more entrances of the trap and/or enables use of one entrance of the trap being angled/inclined in relation to another entrance of the trap.

Brief description of the drawings

In the following, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the figures, wherein: Figure 1 is an exemplary perspective view of how the trap can be arranged with the flange comprising the trap housing located up against a wall;

Figure 2 shows the trap interior with the killer mechanism in three positions;

Figure 3 shows the trap seen from below and an insert part for the inner passageway;

Figure 4 shows the bait box with lid being part of the trap;

Figure 5 shows the trap interior with a trapped animal;

Figure 6 is an exemplary perspective view of the trap, seen from below.

Figures 7 to 9 are exemplary views of the trap comprising flanges extending substantially in parallel to each other.

Figures 10 to 12 are exemplary views of the trap comprising flanges extending substantially perpendicular or at right angles in relation to each other.

Figure 13 is an exemplary view of the trap comprising at least two flanges connected to each other and extending substantially perpendicular or at right angles relative each other and at least one flange, opposite the other two, that extends in substantially the same direction as one of two other flanges.

Figure 14 is an exemplary view of the trap comprising at least three flanges being connected to each other and extending substantially perpendicular or at right angles in relation to each other.

Figure 15 is an exemplary view of the trap comprising at least four flanges in the form of at least two pairs of flanges, each pair comprising at least two flanges that are connected to each other and extend substantially perpendicular or at right angles in relation to each other and being similar to mirror images of each other.

Figure 16 is an exemplary view of the trap comprising at least four flanges of which at least three flanges are connected to each other and extend substantially perpendicular or at right angles in relation to each other and at least one flange is opposite the other three and extends in substantially the same direction as two of these three other flanges. Detailed description

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the inventive trap 1 , wherein it is located up against a wall 2. Fig. 9 and 12 show embodiments of the trap 1 when it is to be arranged up against the wall 2, i.e. the two arrows at the upper left of the trap visualise the directions of movement of the trap when positioning it up against the wall. In figs. 7 and 8, arrows to the upper left of the trap 1 show the direction of movement when laying down the trap 1 before moving it into position up against the wall 2 as shown in fig. 9. In fig. 9, the trap 1 is in a position being substantially horizontal or laying down, while in fig. 12, the trap 1 is in another position being substantially vertical or upright.

The trap 1 comprises a trap housing 3 and a first flange 4 and at least one second/third flange 5, 5', 5" to the effect that the trap can be optionally arranged in at least two positions and/or orientations. Any of these trap positions is where the wall 2 meets a floor. In the embodiment of the trap 1 in figs. 1 to 6, the first trap flange 4 is defined as the boundary of a bottom 9 (see in particular fig. 6) while the second flange 5 is defined as the boundary of a lower part of a front of the trap 1 . In the embodiments of the trap 1 in figs. 7 to 16, the first trap flange 4 is defined as the boundary of the lower part of the front of the trap 1 (see in particular figs. 7 and 10). In the embodiments of the trap 1 in figs. 7 to 16, the at least one second and/or third flange 5, 5', 5" may be defined as an extension of the bottom 9 (even though the bottom 9 and the second and/or third flange 5, 5', 5" do not have to be integrated or one and the same entity, i.e. they may be separate) in figs. 7 to 9, 13, 15 and 16 and defined as an extension of the first flange 4 in figs. 10 to 12, 14 and 16. Moreover, the second and/or third flange 5, 5', 5" of figs. 7 to 16 may be a detachable entity of the trap 1 or in relation to each other or an integrated part of the trap or in relation to each other. The second and/or third flange 5, 5', 5" may be slidable in guides in the same plane as the bottom 9 in figs. 7 to 9, 13, 15 and 16 similar to a trap door. The second and/or third flange 5, 5', 5" may be foldable via a hinge at the end of the first flange 4 or via a hinge between the flanges (but not freely foldable as it should be possible to lock/hold each flange in at least the position shown in figs. 10 to 12, 14 and 16). At least one flange 5, 5', 5" may be detachably or fixedly connected to each other and/or the first flange 4 in figs. 10 to 12, 14 and 16. When the trap 1 is arranged in one of the two positions it is capable of occupying, with at least one flange 5, 5', 5" in abutment on the wall 2, floor, wall, and flanges thus span at least partly a passage 6 but not its whole circumference. The passage 6 enables an animal 7 to enter the trap 1 .

Fig. 9 shows the positioning of the trap 1 into an arrangement where the trap is to be placed substantially lying down. Fig. 12 shows the positioning of the trap 1 into an arrangement where the trap 1 is to be placed substantially upright. The relative terms lying down and upright are defined as the trap in the shown embodiments has a height being larger than its width/depth, however, if the trap 1 is more symmetrically designed with more or less equal height and/or depth/width, then the relative positions would be defined as the vertical position instead of the upright one and the horizontal position instead of the lying down orientation as explained above. The term substantially means that an angle of inclination in relation to the horizontal and/or vertical plane/directions may vary at least somewhat around/about 90°, e.g. between 85° and 95° or preferably between 87° and 93°, or closer to 90°, as inclinations of both floor and the wall 2 also may vary within limits of

dimensions and tolerances for buildings.

In the shown embodiment, the trap 1 is arranged on an essentially horizontal face, and, as will appear from the figures, the trap is arranged up against an inner or an outer wall/floor 2. The trap comprises a housing 3 and a first flange 4 and a second and/or third flange 5, 5', 5" which are connected substantially at right angles to the effect that the trap can be arranged in two positions where the wall 2 meets the floor. It is thus depicted in the position in which the trap housing abuts on the wall, and the flange 5, 5', 5" abuts on the floor, but it may, of course, also be located such that the trap housing abuts on the floor, and the flange 5, 5', 5" abuts on the wall, either in a substantially horizontal or vertical and/or angled/inclined orientation. When the trap is arranged in one of the two positions it is capable of occupying, with at least one flange in abutment on the wall and/or floor and/or wall, which flange thus at least partly span a passage 6 which the animal 7 is capable of entering.

The trap housing 3 comprises an inner passageway 8 which is best shown in fig. 6, where the trap 1 with bottom or back 9 is shown from below. The dimensions of the passageway 8 may be between 45 and 55 mm, but in one embodiment it is about 50 mm. A rat 7 is capable of progressing further into that inner passageway when it has entered the passage 6.

The animal 7, which need not necessarily be a rat, rather it may actually also be another animal such as a mouse 7, must, in the position of the trap 1 in fig. 1 , move essentially vertically upwards in the inner passageway 8.

Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the trap 1 , where its bottom/back plate 9 (shown in figs. 6, 9 and 1 1 ) has been removed. Therein the killer mechanism is shown, which is constituted by a blade 10 which is provided with a (not necessarily sharp) serrated 1 1 front. The blade 10 is capable of penetrating the inner passageway 8 through a slot 14 which will also appear from fig. 4. Also in the shown embodiment, the inner passageway 8 is configured with one or more lids, preferably two lids 15, 16 that may be dismounted. This facilitates maintenance such as cleaning of the trap.

It also appears from fig. 2 that the trap 1 is provided with ribs 20 that extend on the inner side of the flange and on into the inner passageway 8 (best seen in fig. 6). The object of the ribs is to facilitate the animal's travel into the inner passageway 8. In the shown embodiment, the trap is configured with at least two flanges 4, 5; but, of course, it may also be configured with three 4, 5, 5', or, for that matter, four flanges 4, 5, 5', 5" to the effect that the animal 7 must enter an at least partly enclosed passage 6 to reach the inner passageway 8. For illustrative purposes, the blade 10 is shown in three positions 12', 12", and 12"', and the curve 13 it follows when it is about to kill an animal in the passageway is shown with a dotted line. The purpose of the serrations is not to make the blade sharp, but rather to ensure that the force from the blade 10 is transmitted to the animal 7 through a minimised area to thereby render it more efficient; but, of course, the blade 10 can also be configured to be sharp or, for that matter, without serrations.

The impact energy which the blade 10 possesses usually derives from a spring (not shown) which is biased when the blade is moved from position 12"' to position 12'. That is normally done manually, and to facilitate that operation, the blade may, at its outermost end, be provided with a grip 21 .

In fig. 3, the trap 1 is shown from below with the opening into the inner passageway 8, and below the trap as such (as shown in the figure) an adapter 22 is shown which may be introduced into the inner passageway 8. The object of that adapter is to reduce the diameter of the inner passageway 8. In the shown embodiment, the diameter is thus reduced to the size of the opening 23. By providing the trap with one or more associated adapters 22, it can thus be adapted to animals 7 of different sizes. Usually, it is a switch between rats and mice, and the diameter of the inner passage will, when the adapter is used, normally be about 20 mm, preferably between 16 mm and 24 mm and more preferably between 18 mm and 22 mm.

Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a bait box 30, and it is shown provided with a lid 31 therein. Downwardly, i.e. in the bottom 32 of the bait box, it may advantageously be provided with small openings (not shown). Fig. 5 illustrates how the blade 10 of the trap 1 will hit an animal across the nape when it has moved up into the inner passageway 8.

Fig. 6 illustrates how the trigger mechanism can be arranged in the inner passageway 8. Here, by reference numerals 40, 40' and 41 , 41 ' one may just make out that detectors are arranged therein. Usually such detectors are configured as sensors and, as one may also just make out in the illustration, there are two rows of sensors. One row is arranged toward the innermost part 40, 40' of the inner passageway 8, and one row 41 , 41 ' is located closer to the mouthing of the inner passageway. In the shown embodiment, they function in that at least one of those sensors in each row emits light (not necessarily visible). Such light is "shed" onto the opposing side of the inner passageway 8 which is provided with a reflective material. That reflective material will subsequently reflect the light at right angles, whereupon it will yet again hit the reflective material and again be reflected at right angles and hence be shed down towards the second sensor (detector) in the row. By thus configuring the inner passageway 8 with rows of light emitters and a light sensor, the trap's trigger mechanism can be coupled to them in such a manner that it releases the blade 10 when the one or both light sensors are blocked by the body of an animal 7. By allowing the light to move in a path that "intersects" the inner passageway 8 several times, one may accomplish a trap 1 that can/will be triggered merely if the animal 7 stands in the way of its light/blocks the light on its path from:

• light emitter towards a point on the reflective material;

• light from that point on the reflective material to another point on the reflective material;

• from the second point on the reflective material to the light sensor.

In this context, the term "point" is not to be interpreted narrowly, since it is usually an area.

The trap 1 may also comprise a combination of infrared sensors and the above-referenced system, thereby providing an even higher degree of reliability that the trap is not activated erroneously by e.g. leaves that trigger the "light blanket'Ythe light sensor system, e.g. as described above, since the triggering of the trap can thus be made to depend on both infrared sensor and light blanket or other trigger mechanism being activated at the same time. Such system also entails the option of monitoring the trap as it may emit alarm to the effect that the one system shows an error (be it the infrared or the "light blanket" system that has been blocked/activated) and provide information about required service. That may occur e.g. if the trap is clogged by leaves or snails/slugs (which will entail an alarm from a light blanket, but not from an infrared sensor). Alarms may also be made to depend on the "event" taking place throughout a certain period of time.

Usually the trap 1 will be provided with two rows of detectors (as illustrated), and they will usually be arranged to each their side of the area which the blade 10 will hit when it is released 42. And normally the trap will be con- figured such that it releases the blade only when both trigger mechanisms are activated. Thereby a high degree of security is ensured since an animal activating both trigger mechanisms must necessarily have one body part to each side of the hit range of the blade.

According to one embodiment, the trigger mechanism is configured such that only the one row of light emitters/light sensors is turned on in normal operation. Preferably it is the innermost row. When that row is activated, it will not trigger the blade 10 of the trap 1 , but rather it will turn on the second row of light emitters/sensors, and only in case the latter is also activated will the killer mechanism 10 of the trap also be released. By configuring the trap in this manner, one obtains a high degree of reliability that a kill will occur, but it is also obtained that the trap 1 does not spend energy on having two "eternally" active rows. Besides, the two rows that are both to be "triggered" also ensure that the trap's killer mechanism will not be activated by e.g. a leaf or a snail/slug "triggering" the one row. The trap 1 for animals 7, e.g. rats or mice, is adapted for arrangement at/on a surface, e.g. a floor, where the rats or mice move, in some cases at/up against the wall 2. The inventive trap 1 comprises the housing 3, a first flange 4 and at least a second/third flange 5, 5', 5". The flanges 4, 5, 5', 5" are configured for enabling the trap 1 to be optionally orientated in at least two positions. The trap positions are defined as moving the trap from one position and/or orientation to another by tilting/rotating/pivoting the trap 1 into another angle/inclination, e.g. around about 90°, which different positions are at different angles, e.g. substantially at right angles, to each other. The flanges 4, 5, 5', 5" of the trap 1 span a volume which is delimited so as to define the passage 6 in which the rat or mouse 7 may move.

The second and/or third flange 5, 5', 5" as shown in figs. 7 to 9, 13, and 15 works as a support/standard or supporting leg that is movably connected to the trap 1 . This flange movability is accomplished e.g. by sliding the flange 5, 5', 5" up and down in its plane and locking it in any desired position. This flange does not have to be stopped in the position shown, it could be slid halfway up towards the bottom 9 or any other distance between the shown one (in figs. 7 to 9, 13, and 15), and the end of bottom 9 where passage 6 starts, and then locked in that position. The trap 1 could then be inclined in different positions besides the ones shown in figs. 9 and 12. A similar adjustability of inclination of trap 1 is accomplished by making the flange 5, 5', 5" foldable by connecting it via a hinge to flange 4 or bottom 9 and lock- able in other angles than about 90° (substantially perpendicular to flange 4 and/or bottom 9) or 180° (substantially in parallel with flange 4 and/or bottom 9) as shown. In figs. 7 to 9, the trap 1 is shown with at least two flanges 4, 5, 5' extending substantially in parallel to each other. In figs. 10 to 12 and 14, the trap is shown with at least two 4, 5 or at least three flanges 4, 5, 5' extending substantially perpendicular or at right angles in relation to each other.

Fig. 13 shows the trap 1 with at least two flanges 5, 5' being connected to each other. The flanges 5, 5' extend substantially perpendicular or at right angles in relation to each other. Fig 13 also shows the trap 1 comprising at least one flange 4 opposite the other two flanges 5, 5'. The flange 4 extends in substantially the same direction as one of these two other flanges 5, 5'.

In fig. 14, the trap 1 is shown with at least three flanges 4, 5, 5' connected to each other. Here, the three flanges 4, 5, 5' extend substantially perpendicular or at right angles relative each other forming a U-shape when seen from the side of the trap 1 .

In fig. 15, the trap 1 is shown with at least four flanges 4, 5, 5', 5". Two 5, 5' of these four flanges 4, 5, 5', 5" form one pair by being connected to each other. Flanges 5, 5' extend substantially perpendicular or at right angles relative each other. The other two flanges 4, 5" form another pair by being connected to each other. These two flanges 4, 5" extend substantially perpendicular or at right angles in relation to each other. The two pairs of flanges 4, 5, 5', 5" form a U-shape turned upside-down when seen from the side of the trap 1 .

In fig. 16, the trap 1 is also shown with at least four flanges 4, 5, 5', 5". Three 4, 5, 5' of these four flanges 4, 5, 5', 5" are connected to each other. These three flanges 4, 5, 5' extend substantially perpendicular or at right angles in relation to each other, while one other flange, i.e. the fourth one 5" extends from the bottom 9 substantially perpendicular or at right angle in relation to flange 5 but substantially in parallel with flanges 4 and 5'. The two pairs of flanges 4, 5, 5', 5" also basically form a U-shape with its "mouth" or opening facing to the right as seen from the side of the trap 1 .

The housing 3 of the trap 1 comprises the inner passageway 8 that the rat or mouse 7 may run into. This passageway 8 extends from the passage 6 into the trap housing 3. The passageway 8 and the trap housing 3 comprise the trigger mechanism 40, 40', 41 , 41 ' and the killer mechanism 10, 14. The inventiveness of the trap 1 lies in that the second flange 5, 5' is at least partly configured to extend substantially perpendicularly to the first flange 4 in one of the positions of the trap 1 to form a surface 17, 18, 19 that at least partly extends into the passage 6, see figs. 10 to 12 and 14. The inventiveness of the trap 1 lies in that the second/third flange 5, 5', 5" is at least partly configured to extend substantially in parallel with the first flange 4 in one other of the positions of the trap 1 to form the surface 17, 18, 19 that at least partly extends into the passage 6, see figs. 7 to 9 and 13. The flanges 4, 5, 5', 5" are configured to enable trap 1 to be arranged so that the inner passageway 8 extends in a direction (facing) upwards in at least one substantially upright position of the trap (see figs. 10 to 12, 14 and 16) and in at least one substantially lying down position of the trap (see figs. 7 to 9, 13, and 15). Flanges 4, 5, 5', 5" are configured to enable the trap 1 to be arranged in at least a first position where the trap is orientated substantially upright and at least a second position where the trap is orientated substantially horizontal and/or in at least a third/further position where the trap is angled/inclined at another angle relative any another position, incl. the horizontal and vertical ones, wherein the inner passageway 8 extends in a direction upwards in any trap position.

One or more of the flanges 4, 5, 5', 5" of trap 1 is in some aspects at least partly fenestrated. In one aspect, the second and/or the third flange 5, 5', 5" is/are at least partly fenestrated. In another aspect, the surface 17, 18, 19 of at least the second and/or the third flange 5, 5', 5" is at least partly

fenestrated, while in another aspect, at least one flange 5, 5', 5" and its surface 17, 18, 19 are in parts fenestrated. The fenestration does not have to penetrate the material of any flange 4, 5, 5', 5", i.e. it may only be a shallow fenestration of its inner and/or outer surface, or penetrates its surface and/or its material fully as a fenestration with holes 60 cutting through the flange thickness/material, whereby the flange is able to be looked through windowlike recesses 60 (see fig. 8B). One or more of the flanges 4, 5, 5', 5" of the trap 1 , in some aspects, has a different size, i.e. length and/or width and/or height compared to one or more of the other flanges. One or more of the flanges 4, 5, 5', 5" of the trap 1 , in other aspects, has a different shape, i.e. it is provided with a cut-out or recess 60 in figs. 7, 7A, 8, 8A, 8B, 9, 9A,10, 1 1 , 12, 13, 13A, 14, 15, 15A and 16. In fig. 7A, the flange 4 has optionally at least one recess 60 (square shaped but could be rounded) to the left and optionally at least one more recess to the right or in its middle portion (not shown). In fig. 8A, the second and/or the third/fourth flange 5 has optionally at least one recess 60 with a rounded or elliptical shape or could have a shape with corners as the recess 60 in fig. 4 or even be square or quadratic or rectangular to the left and optionally at least one more recess to the right or in its middle portion (not shown). In fig. 8B, the second and/or the third/fourth flange 5 has optionally at least one recess 60. In fig. 8B, the second and/or the third/fourth flange 5 has optionally at least two recesses 60 being through holes making it fenestrated. In fig. 8B, the trap 1 is provided with at least two or more recesses 60, e.g. the second and/or the third/fourth flange 5 has optionally at least two or more recesses 60 with a shape with corners as the recess 60 in flange 4 of fig. 7A with a square or quadratic or rectangular shape and optionally the passage 6 has one recess 60 forming each of its entrances. In fig. 8B, at least one or more recesses 60 are provided on flange 5. In fig. 8B, at least one or more recesses 60 are provided to the right and/or left of the middle portion of flange 5. In fig. 8B, the recesses 60 are arranged substantially symmetrically or symmetrically on the flange 5. In fig. 8B, the recesses 60 could be a combination of larger and/or smaller recesses 60 being arranged substantially symmetrically or symmetrically and/or substantially unsymmetrically or unsymmetrically on the flange 5. In fig. 8B, the recesses 60 could be a combination of larger and/or smaller recesses 60 being arranged at least partly symmetrically and/or at least partly unsymmetrically on the flange 5. The recess 60 could be made as a hole through the flange 5 or only partly through it, similar to a surface dent.

The recess 60 in figs. 7 - 16 has different shapes and is provided at different sides of the trap 1 and to a differing number, i.e. one or two, but could be provided in any other number, e.g. three or four or more. As an example, two recesses 60 form entrances of the passage 6 at each end of the passage and one or more recesses are provided in flange 4 and/or the second and/or third/fourth flange 5, 5', 5" in figs. 7 - 8A. Entrances of passage 6 is formed by recesses 60 shaped with a rounded inner corner and substantially straight edges or straight edges extending from its corner to flanges 4 and 5, respectively, in figs. 7 - 16. Any of the recesses 60 of fig. 8B in flange 5 could also be provided in any of the other flanges 4, 5' and 5", respectively, and to any number and/or suitable shape and size in a similar way as explained above.

In one aspect, at least one flange 5, 5', 5" and/or its surface 17, 18, 19 are at least partly configured as a grid. The grid has a pattern that attracts rats and/or mouses. In another aspect, at least one or more of the flanges 5, 5', 5" comprises at least in part a coating 17. The coating 17 has features attracting rats/mouses. In yet another aspect, at least one or more of the flanges 5, 5', 5" comprises different materials 19. The material 19 has rat/mouse attractive abilities. In still another aspect, at least one or more trap flanges 5, 5', 5" comprises dents through only its surface 18.

To facilitate a secure upright position of the trap 1 , at least one of its flanges 5, 5', 5" comprises through holes for fastening.

According to the invention, it is of advantage to have the flanges 4, 5, 5', 5" of the trap 1 not enclosing or encircling the passage 6 fully, i.e. as a closed space before placing the trap 1 against the wall 2 and/or floor. At least parts of one side of the passage 6 is to be left "open" as a gate or window, in other words, the passage 6 is not a channel fully closed up by four solid sides or "walls". The at least one further flange 5, 5', 5" of the trap 1 is able to work as a support leg if the trap is not put up against the wall 2.

In all of its embodiments, the trap may have a built-in programmable computer capable of storing information on status, operation, etc.

Thus, in one embodiment, the trap is also provided with a SIM card or the like enabling it to communicate via e.g. the mobile network re operational status or when it has been activated. By equipping the trap with a SIM card or other communication functionality it is enabled that a trap system is obtained which is much more easily inspected and maintained. By furthermore configuring a trap system of the above-referenced traps, wherein the individual traps can communicate with each other, a system is obtained in which the individual traps are monitored by each other or by a shared "master".

By configuring such system with or without a master, not only activation of the trap can be registered; the traps are also capable of monitoring each other's functionality and issue a notice if a trap no longer works correctly or does not work at all.

Thus, such system provides enhanced reliability compared to a system in which the individual trap is provided with a SIM card, such system not providing the option of recording, with the same degree of reliability, when a trap is no longer working. As it is, it is in the nature of things that a broken- down trap is incapable of communicating its errors.

By allowing a number of traps in e.g. a built-up area to communicate with each other or a master, a monitoring of the traps is ensured to provide a higher degree of reliability since a broken-down trap can be registered and reported (via e.g. the mobile network) by either one of the other traps or by the master unit. Moreover, a system of mutually communicating traps in e.g. a built-up area means that not all of the traps need to be capable of transmitting to e.g. a master unit; it will suffice that one trap is capable of transmitting to the "master unit", and that the traps are capable of transmitting to each other. This means that any information regarding e.g. a kill will be communicable between the traps and on to the "master unit" from the one trap that communicates with it. In such system, the master will also be the only one which is provided with e.g. a SIM card.

By enabling traps to communicate with each other and with a "master unit", a system of traps is provided that will, with a high degree of reliability, be capable of communicating with the "master unit" to the effect that it will, e.g. via the mobile network, be able to report (e.g. by SMS/text message) e.g. which trap in the system is not functioning properly or which trap has been ascertained to have animals in its surroundings as explained below. The master unit may also report which trap has made a kill. The master unit may be constituted of an independent unit which does not necessarily have to be a trap; but, of course, it may also have the configuration of a trap.

Referring to fig. 1 , a further "feature" may be added to above embodiments, it being possible, as will appear by means of reference numeral 50, on the side of the trap 1 that faces away from the wall 2, to arrange a further detector, such as e.g. a camera or movement sensor as it is known e.g. from burglar alarms, designated collectively "detector" in the following.

As shown in the figure, the view of that detector goes out into the room, with the advantage that the trap is also capable of monitoring whether there are animals that, for some reason or other, do not enter the trap. The internal computer may also be programmed to record a movie every time the detector and/or camera is/are activated. The detector can be coupled via

communication explained above to the effect that a user is also able to connect to the camera if he/she needs e.g. to check status. In sections (page 10 and onwards) trap systems with or without a "master" are described. Those systems can also be used to advantage in other traps than the ones subject to the present invention. Thus, they may operate independently of trap type.

According to an aspect of the invention, it relates to a method for using the trap 1 according to any of the above, whereby the trap 1 is to be placed such that the animal must move upwards to enter the inner passage 8.

According to another aspect of the invention, it relates to a method of using a trap 1 for animals 7, e.g. rats or mice, at a surface, where rats or mice move, according to any preceding aspect. The method comprises placing the trap 1 in a position and orientation such that the animal 7 must move substantially horizontal to enter the trap and must move upwards to enter the inner passageway 8 facing/being directed upwards in any trap position.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a trap 1 for animals 7, e.g. rats or mice, concerning that the trap is adapted to be arranged at/on a substantially horizontal face, where this meets a substantially vertical face. The trap 1 comprises the housing 3, the first flange 4 and at least one further/second flange 5, 5', 5" that in at least one embodiment are connected substantially at right angles. This has the effect that the trap 1 can be optionally arranged in two positions, where the substantially horizontal face meets the substantially vertical face. In this aspect of trap 1 , its flanges and faces, in any position, span a volume which is delimited such as to define a passage 6 in which a rat or a mouse may move. The trap housing 3 further comprises the inner passageway 8 that a rat or a mouse 7 may run into. The inner passageway 8 extends from the one flange 4 and into the trap housing 3. The passageway 8 and trap housing 3 comprise a trigger mechanism 40, 40', 41 , 41 ' and a killer mechanism 10, 14. In this aspect of the trap 1 , a third/fourth flange 5', 5" is connected to the first flange 4 and/or the second flange 5 at a substantially right angle, such that the third flange is orientated substantially in parallel with the substantially horizontal face in any of the positions of the trap.

NOMENCLATURE

1 Trap 40 Detector (Innermost)

2 Inner and/or outer wall 40' Innermost detector row

3 Trap housing 41 Outermost detector

4 First flange 41 ' Outermost detector row

5 Second flange 42 Hit area for blade

6 Passage 50 Further detector

7 Animal, e.g. a rat or a mouse 60 Cut-out Recess/Dent of/on flange

8 Inner passageway

9 Bottom

10 Blade

1 1 Front of blade

12' First position of blade

12" Second position of blade

12"' Third position of blade

13 Curve of blade movement

14 Slot for blade penetration of inner passage way

15 A first lid of inner passage way

16 A second lid of inner passage way

17 Coating/Material on second flange

18 Surface of second flange

19 Pattern/Shape/Material of second flange

20 Ribs on inner side of trap

21 Grip of blade

22 Adapter for the inner passage way

23 Opening of the inner passage way

30 Bait box

31 Lid of bait box

32 Bottom of bait box