WASTE CONTAINER WITH INTEGRATED DEVICE FOR CAPTURING AND/OR KILLING MICE, WATER VOLES AND RATS

Abstract

 A waste container adapted to capture and/or kill mice, water voles and rats, comprising an inner part (4) intended to contain the waste which comprises a body, a covering element and at least one introduction mouth of the waste into said body, one or more coupling means adapted to handle and connect the body to a waste collection device, an outer part (5) shaped to contain in compartments (3), obtained in the outer part (5) at least one trap device (10) adapted to capture and/or kill mice, water voles and rats, and at least one trap device (10), wherein each trap device (10) can be removed and extracted from its corresponding compartment (3) independently from the operation of the waste container and is provided with one or more openings (6) of any shape or size, which allows the rodents to access said at least one trap device (10) directly from the outside of the container.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a rigid container, with the features of durable goods, of any capacity and material, of stationary or movable type on wheels, which combines two functions: use as container intended for collecting waste and as fixed and/or movable device, of any type (mechanical, electric, etc.) adapted to capture and/or kill mice, water voles and rats, which is or can be integrated in the fixed structure of the container, in an appropriately confined space not communicating with the waste containing bin of the container itself.

[0002] A similar innovative solution may be applied, both to new container models to be made ex novo and to a device/kit which can be used to modify the current containers already in use. In both cases:

1. it allows a broad dissemination of the rat control activity in urban areas and on roads, also in places open to the public;

2. it can be positioned in zones that the rodents (mice, rats, etc.) predilect because the waste container is itself attractive as a result of its particular primary function, because of the presence of the rat control device and its baits, and because it is placed in the immediate proximity of possible waste disposed of incorrectly and/or exceptional piles of waste;

3. it allows a safe and widespread urban positioning, the easy accessibility to the materials, mechanical and chemical product normally used for rat control to humans and other animals being prevented;

4. it avoids the need, present in rat control traditional equipment, to anchor/fix such equipment to other fixed structures (walls, poles, etc.) to guarantee that they cannot be removed;

5. it avoids possible thefts of the asset (which may be public property), damage or vandalism by vandals or thugs or due to carelessness/negligence, occurrences which are not uncommon in the case of traditional rat control equipment;

6. it reduces/avoids the possible, deliberate or accidental contact with the material and with the chemical products used for the rat control activity by humans or animals, occurrences which are not uncommon in the case of traditional rat control equipment;

7. it improves urban cleanness by integrating equipment/devices with different purposes in a single functional structure.

[0003] It is apparent that the constructive solution which is the object of the invention can be implemented on all types of containers for waste collection, regardless of volume and constructive material, or whether the container is movable or not.

[0004] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent by making reference to the appended drawings which illustrate some preferred embodiments, by way of example.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] In the drawings:

Fig. 1 shows a stationary waste container of traditional type;

Fig. 2 shows a movable waste container on two wheels of traditional type;

Fig. 3 shows a bait mouse trap/device of traditional type;

Fig. 4 shows a front view from user access side of a waste container of stationary type with integrated trap/device, according to the invention;

Fig. 5 shows a front and side view, respectively, of a movable waste container on two wheels, with integrated trap/device according to the invention;

Fig. 6 shows a section of a stationary waste container with integrated trap/device, according to the invention, in the version with two housings for rodent traps/devices;

Fig. 7 shows a section of a stationary waste container with an integrated trap/device, according to the invention, in the version with four housings for rodent traps/devices;

Fig. 8 shows a detail of a section of the base of a stationary waste container with integrated trap/device, according to the invention, in the version with four housings for rodent traps/devices;

Fig. 9 shows a detail of a front view of the base of a stationary waste container with integrated trap/device, according to the invention, in the version with four housings for rodent traps/devices;

Fig. 10 shows a front and side view of a movable waste container on two wheels, with integrated trap/device according to the invention;

Fig. 11 shows a side view of a movable waste container on two wheels, with integrated trap/device according to the invention, with the movable component during the step of extracting;

Fig. 12 shows a possible technical solution made of metallic material of the movable component of the rodent trap/device, according to the invention;

Fig. 13 shows a possible technical solution made of metallic material of the movable component of the rodent trap/device, according to the invention, open to allow inserting the baits;

Fig. 14 shows a possible technical solution made of plastic material of the movable component of the rodent trap/device, according to the invention;

Fig. 15 shows a possible technical solution made of plastic material of the movable component of the rodent trap/device, according to the invention, open to allow inserting the baits;

Fig. 16 shows a detail of a front view of a stationary waste container with integrated traps/devices, according to the invention, positioned on the side of the bin of the container;

Fig. 17 shows a detail of a front view of a stationary waste container with the trap/device kit, according to the invention, installed and positioned underneath the bin of the container.

PRIOR ART

[0006] It is known that the waste containers currently available on the market are unified with regards to design and construction features (see standard UNI-EN 12754:2006 and amendments), such as:

* volume;

* size;

* construction materials used;

* lid type (flat, hinged or dome-shaped, pivoting or not pivoting) provided with one or more openings;

* the presence of wheels or not identify the containers as "movable" or "stationary";

* opening devices of the lid(s) by the user (by means of pedal and/or manual) and for the purposes of emptying the container into the vehicle intended for collection (controlled by the vehicle, gravity-operated); etc.

[0007] In all cases, regardless of volume and construction material, the waste containers substantially consist of two main components/assemblies: a "bin" (part of the container in which the waste is introduced), which is sealed (in which the presence of a drain, also sealed, for evacuating liquids from the bottom of the waste container is permitted) and a "cover/lid".

[0008] It is also known that there are various types of the devices (or traps) for capturing rodents (mice, water voles and rats) currently available on the market:

• mechanical or electric,
• intended to capture the mice alive to later release them or those which kill them (bait, spring, snap traps, with glue, electric shock),
• for capturing one or multiple animals.

[0009] There are:

• "live traps": normally consisting of a metal cage, greater or lesser in size, with a spring-operated flap which closes automatically as soon as the rodent takes the bait, whereby entrapping it alive inside. They are not suited for use in places open to the public;
• "spring or snap traps": are particularly cruel towards the rodents which, if they are not killed instantly, may remain trapped with their snout or a limb. They cause slow, painful death. They are not suited for use in places open to the public;

• "gas traps": when the mouse penetrates inside, an electronic system closes the entrance hole and then releases a sufficient amount of carbon dioxide to cause its death within a few minutes, but these traps are not available to the public and can only be used by specialized exterminators;
• "electronic traps": the rodent, having penetrated inside, is killed by an electric shock which causes its death by cardiac arrest. They are not suited for use in places open to the public;
• "bait traps": these are substantially boxes, normally made of plastic polymer (see Fig. 14), which represents the best choice from the cost and technical points of view. The rodents will remain entrapped with the box after having been attracted by the appealing food contained in the baits and in the glue traps. They may be used, with the due precautions, also outdoors, but they normally must be fixed (on walls, poles, etc.) to prevent accident movement.

[0010] Waste collection containers also comprising devices for capturing and/or killing mice and rats have been known for some time. For example, patent US-A-1 223 525 describes a container with a specific gap underneath the waste containing bin for positioning a box in which mice, rats and the like are captured and/or killed.

[0011] Such container however has the drawback that, in order to attract the rodents, it expressly uses the smell of the waste in the waste container above as "bait" and envisages that the bottom of the bin in which the waste is collected is in communication with said box through a plurality of holes, fact that, however, allows the waste water which collects in the waste bin to be dispersed inside the box itself, so as to work directly as bait, but which makes opening the box and extracting the animals hazardous operations for the environment, even if they are performed by authorized people.

[0012] It is the task of the invention to eliminate such drawback by providing an innovative container in which, regardless of the different shape and manufacturing of the lid(s) of the container, of the lid opening-closing device, of the constructive features and of the construction materials, the device adapted to capture and/or kill the aforesaid rodents is movable, totally separate from the waste container bin/structure, is provided with a locking mechanism such to prevent the removal of the movable part thereof by unauthorized people, never comes into contact with the liquid or solid content of the waste containing bin and can be easily removed to replace the possible traditional baits or to extract the animals.

[0013] It is thus the object of the present invention a new model of container to be made ex novo or a device/kit which makes it possible to modify the current waste containers already in use, which integrates two functions:

that of waste container (see Fig. 4 and 5), regardless of the different shape and manufacturing of the lid(s), of the lid opening-closing device, of the constructive features, of the construction materials, in an appropriately confined space of the container itself, which is or can be integrated therewith,

that of a trap/device for capturing and/or killing mice, water voles and rats, which is either single or multiple (as a function of the size of the container), fixed and/or movable, of any type (mechanical, electrical etc.), manufactured and/or positioned normally on the bottom of the container and outside it under the bin of the container itself but separated therefrom, so as not to interfere with the usual functions and requirements of a waste container.

[0014] The invention is provided with one or more openings allowing access of animals to the trap/device and has a movable body, firmly coupled to the container itself during the step of operating by means of a stop mechanism, but which at the same time can be removed to replace the bait or to extract the animals, as a function of the type of trap/device used.

[0015] No container currently in use envisages the possibility of having the two functions of the waste container and of the rodent trap/device present at the same time as suggested by the present invention in a single constructive solution.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Some embodiments of the invention, in which the two particular features of the invention are present, are described below, i.e.:

allowing waste containment, and thus being usable for collecting waste, also in mechanized manner;

allowing the capture and/or killing of mice, water voles and rats by means of the presence of a trap/device provided with some openings, which allow access by the animal, and a movable body which, during the step of operating, remains firmly coupled to the container itself by means of a stop device, but can be removed to replace bait or to extract the captured animals: this allows the widespread positioning of the invention in the urban area, guarantees the positioning of the trap/device in a protected position, which is not easily accessible by humans and by other animals, avoiding the needs to anchor the trap/device to fixed structures (walls, poles etc.) in order to ensure that is cannot be removed by anyone (humans and/or animals) either voluntarily or accidentally.

[0017] With reference to the figures, the invention shown in Fig. 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9, has a traditional embodiment because it substantially mimics that of a right parallelepiped which has, at the user side (see Fig. 4), the usual features of a traditional container of stationary type, a bin and two lids consisting of a pivoting and symmetrically opening structure, as shown in standards UNI EN 12574-1 - 2006 and, in the lower part, under the waste containing bin 1, on the outside, there are housings 3 for housing the rodent traps/devices 10.

[0018] In particular, (see Fig. 6 and 7), according to the present invention, the waste container has, in the lower outer part of the bin 1, one or more housings 3 for containing the rodent traps/devices, made so as to guarantee the positions indicated in the UNI reference standard, such as, for example, the height of the bottom of the bin from the road surface and that of the feet 2. The housings 3 (see Fig. 8 and 9) are obtained in the outer part 5, underneath the inner part 4 of the waste containing bin, and clearly separate from it. Said housings envisage the presence of mechanisms/devices or guides 7 adapted to facilitate the insertion and extraction of the movable part of the movable trap/device 10. On the sides of the container there may one or more openings 6 to allow the pests (mice, rats etc.) to enter the traps/devices, to the advantage of the appearance of the container itself. Appropriate handles 9 are provided on the traps/devices 10 adapted to facilitate the extraction and handling together with an appropriate locking system 8 (preferably with a key) adapted to secure the device 10 to the inside of the housing 3, preventing the extraction thereof by unauthorized people and the accidental dropping of the devices during the step tipping/emptying of the waste container.

[0019] Fig. 5, 10 and 11 show a further construction solution of the invention, made on a waste container of the movable type 2 on wheels, in which the trap/device 10 (visible also during the step of extracting), the locking device/mechanism 8, the extraction/handling handle 9, the entrance opening of the animals 6 and the housing 3 of the device 10 can be seen.

[0020] In particular (see Fig. 12, 13, 14 and 15), some possible embodiments of the trap/device 10 belonging to the invention are shown, in which the openings for the entrance of the animals 6, the animal entrance tunnel 13, the trough with baits 12 and the safety closing system key 11 are shown.

[0021] The suggested solution eliminates the issues related to the positioning of the mice and rat traps in outdoor environments, thus avoiding the contact with people or other animals. Indeed, the traps currently on the market, which can be used outdoors, must:

• be positioned in restricted, well-supervised areas, and
• be fixed to other fixed supports (walls, poles, etc.) being such devices easily removable and potentially also prone to vandalism and within the reach of children and other animals.

[0022] With the innovative solution which is described, the dissemination of the capturing device is facilitated by pairing it with an item which is very widespread in urban areas, such as waste collection containers, increasing its presence for effective rat control campaigns;
the possibility of success of the rat control effect is increased, because the trap/device is positioned in the environment most frequented by rodents (mice, rats), because they are attracted by the waste and refuse contained in or placed nearby the waste container; and, finally,
the possibility of involuntary "contact" by people and other animals with the trap/device is decreased.

[0023] Fig. 16 shows a further possible constructive solution which envisages the positioning of the device 10 for capturing and/or killing mice, water voles and rats on the side parts of the waste containing bin.

[0024] Fig. 17 shows an assembly kit for modifying a container already in service. Substantially, it consists of a fixing element, generically indicated by reference numeral 14, which displays the same technical features as the trap/device 10 integrated in the container. The assembly is simple: the housing structure 14 of the movable trap/device 10 of the invention is appropriately fixed to the outer bottom of the waste container bin 1 because a reinforcement and supporting structure of the ground feet 2 of the container is usually provided. The movable element of the device 10 is then inserted and firmly fixed into the housing 14 to transform the preexisting container into a container according to the invention.

Claims

1. A waste container with specific housing (3) for positioning trap devices (10) adapted to capture and/or kill mice, water voles and rats,
characterized in that it comprises:

an element (4) intended to contain the waste, comprising a body or bin, a covering element, at least one introduction mouth of the waste into said body or bin, one or more coupling means adapted to handle and connect said element to a waste collection device, and

a further element (5), integrated but not communicating with the element (4), shaped to contain, in specific compartments (3) obtained in the element (5) itself, at least one trap device (10), adapted to capture and/or kill mice, water voles and rats,

wherein each trap device (10) can be removed and extracted from its corresponding compartment (3) of the aforesaid element (5), independently from the operation of the waste container, and is provided with one or more openings (6) of any shape or size, which allows the rodents to access said devices or traps (10) directly from the outside of the container.

2. A container according to claim 1, characterized in that element (5), suited to contain devices (10) adapted to capture and/or kill mice, water voles and rats, is placed under the element (4).

3. A container according to claim 1, characterized in that the element (5), suited to contain devices (10) adapted to capture and/or kill mice, water voles and rats, is placed on the sides of the element (4).

4. A container according to the preceding claims, characterized in that said devices or traps (10) have gripping mechanisms (9) adapted to facilitate their extraction from the aforesaid compartments (3) and their handling.

5. A container according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the devices or traps (10) have locking mechanisms (8) adapted to prevent the extraction from the compartments (3) of the aforesaid element (5) by unauthorized people or the accidental dropping during the step of picking, tipping, emptying and handling of the container.

6. A container according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the devices or traps (10) consist of a box structure equipped with lid, provided with at least one opening (6) communicating with the outside so as to allow the animals to penetrate inside and allow them to later exit.

7. A container according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the devices or traps (10) are provided with devices which use any technology (mechanical, electric etc.) for closing the entrance compartment, adapted to prevent the aforesaid animals from exiting from the device or trap (10).

8. A container according to the preceding claims, characterized in that there is at least one device (12) for containing and administering bait to the animals inside said devices or traps (10).

9. A container according to the preceding claims, characterized in that said devices or traps (10) are provided with a safety closing device (11), independent from the locking device (8) used for fixing them to the element (5).

10. A container according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the devices or traps (10) use any technology (mechanical, electric, etc.) for capturing and/or killing mice, water voles and rats.

11. A container according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the element (5) to which the device (10) for capturing and/or killing mice, water voles and rats can be applied consists of an assembly kit which can be applied by means of an appropriate fixing system into the outer part under the element (4) of the preexisting waste container.

Drawing