CA2809610A1 - Vertical insect bait station with ground anchor - Google Patents

Abstract

A generally cylindrical, vertically disposed insect bait station adapted with an improved ground anchor defines a vertically disposed reservoir having an open top for containing a flowable bait.
A float is disposed within the reservoir to provide insects a floor upon which to stand thereby preventing inadvertent drowning. A spindle projects upward from the bottom of the reservoir to maintain the float properly oriented and centered within the reservoir. A
removable cover protects the bait from environmental degradation. An improved ground anchor projects downward from the bottom of the main body, and includes a shaft with recessed areas that function to provide a more secured attachment to the earth.

Description

VERTICAL INSECT BAIT STATION WITH GROUND ANCHOR
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
N/A
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED
RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
N/A
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
I. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to devices for use in exterminating pests, and more particularly to an insect bait station that contains a liquid, gel, or granular pest control substance, such as an insecticide or pesticide.

2. Description of the Background Art Human populations have long encountered problems co-existing with various insects, particularly ants. There are more than ten thousand species of ants, a number of which infest structures, lawns, parks, and other areas frequented by humans, as well as agriculture and crops.
The various species of ants vary widely in many respects including size, color, shape, distribution, food preference, and nest locations. Many other species of ants routinely disrupt activities in homes, offices, parks, and protect homopteran pests that can impact agriculture crops and ornamental plantings. As a result, controlling insect populations is therefore necessary.
A primary means of pest control involves the use of pest control substances, commonly referred to as pesticides or insecticides. Those substances typically comprise toxicants, such as liquid poison. The spraying of liquid poison is a common method of pest control, Spraying liquid poison, however, involves a number of inherent disadvantages. A primary disadvantage involves the risk of exposing humans to the toxic chemical formulations.
Furthermore, spraying poison is often harmful to the environment and often causes damage to vegetation and other animal species in addition to the targeted pest population. In addition, liquid poison that has been applied by spraying often degrades over time and/or is washed away by rain or irrigation water thereby reducing effectiveness and requiring repeated treatment and/or the use of greater quantities. Toxicants can also leach into the soil and end up contaminating the ground water.
For these and other reasons it has been found preferable to contain liquid or gel toxicants in bait stations, which stations provide structures that contain the poison while providing access to insects. Bait stations differ from trap devices in that the insect is not killed at the bait station.
Instead, bait which is poisoned with pesticide is provided for consumption by the insect. The bait typically includes an attractant component that is intended to lure the insects, and a toxicant component that is intended to exterminate the insects, The insect enters the bait station, devours the bait, exits the bait station, and dies elsewhere. The background art reveals a number of attempts directed to pest control, The .following patents provide examples of these attempts.
4,648,201 Sherman 5,875,586 Ballard et al.
4,782,621 Wissm an 5,943,816 Hyatt et al.
4,793,093 Gentile 5,943,817 Miller 4,823,506 Demarest et at. 5,953,854 Hyatt 4,841,669 Demarest et al, 5,983,558 Las et al, 5,446,992 Stewart 6,041,542 Payton et al, 5,501,033 Weller 6,189,259 Soller 5,775,026 Pearce et al. 6,195,933 Woodruff 5,802,761 Demarest et al. 6,216,384 Dickson et al.
6,532,696 Clark III, et al.
U.S. Patent No. 4,793,093, issued to Gentile, discloses a feeding station for vermin that allows for ingress of the vermin to feed on poisoned bait held at a central portion therein, The bait is contained within a central well and ingress is facilitated by an inclined ramp leading to the chamber. A cover is joined to the top of the base member to cover the central well holding the poisoned bait.
U.S. Patent Nos. 4,823,506 and 4,841,669, issued to Demarest et al., each disclose an insect bait device for exterminating crawling insects. The devices comprise first and second housing portions joinable to form a housing that defines generally unobstructed entry into the device by an insect. U.S. Patent No. 5,802,761, also issued to Demarest et al., discloses a bait station including a base defining a bait-cup and a cover fastened to the base.
The Cover and base cooperate to form a door and walkway to admit targeted insects to enter the bait station thus gaining access to the bait cup.
U.S. Patent No. 5,501,033, issued to Weller, discloses a liquid delivery bait station having two reservoirs and fluid transfer systems to allow sequential delivery of two liquids. The liquids are preferably an insect attractant that is first delivered into an absorbent feeding pad and an insect toxicant that is next delivered to the absorbent pad.
U.S. Patent No. 5,775,026, issued to Pearce et A, discloses an insect bait station for attracting and killing insects that comprises a substantially fiat configuration with insecticide formulated as a solid coating on the surface of a sheet of moisture free material, and one or more breakable ampoules containing an attractant composition. The ampoules are held in a compressible portion of the housing permitting them to be manually broken to discharge their contents on command thereby releasing attractant vapors.
U.S. Patent No. 5,875,586, issued to Ballard et al., discloses a refillable liquid bait station formed to allow access by insects, but not by larger animals, The bait station includes a transparent housing that protects the liquid bait from wind and rain and which further prevents leakage if the bait station is tumbled and/or placed in an incorrect position by use of a series of inner walls and chambers.
.Patent No. 5,943,816, issued to Hyatt et al., discloses an insect bait station for to delivering a liquid toxicant. The bait station includes a reservoir, a feeding disk with capillary feeding pores, and a base that seals the feeding pores when configured in a closed position. U.S.
Patent No, 5,953,854, also issued to Hyatt, discloses a spill resistant granular bait station having a tunnel entrance leading to an interior bridged member haying an inner wall leading from the bottom surface to an inner surface haying an access opening in the bridge member leading to a bait source contained within the station. A cover defines a recessed portion thereon closely cooperating with the access opening in the base.
Patent No. 6,041,542, issued to Payton et al., discloses a spill-resistant liquid bait station for dispensing liquid bait. The liquid bait is contained in a reservoir at the bottom of the bait station base and a lid is secured over the end of the base. The interior of the bait station is configured for containing the liquid bait if the bait station is inverted.
Insects enter the bait station through one or more access ports and then travel through an interior passageway to the liquid bait.

U.S, Patent No. 6,189,259, issued to Soller, discloses an insect bait-and-switch liquid delivery apparatus for the control of insects, The apparatus includes a reservoir defining a first chamber containing a liquid attractant and a second chamber containing a liquid toxicant. A first feeding station is provided in the first chamber and a second feeding station is provided in the second chamber. A passageway connects the first and second chambers, and an access port is disposed to initially prevent or limit access of an insect to the second feeding station during an initial feeding period and the subsequently enable access to the second feeding station via the passageway after the initial feeding period.
U.S. Patent No. 6,195,933, issued to Woodruff, discloses a bait station for delivery of liquid insecticide formed from a base having at least one feeding station and a reservoir for storing liquid beneath the base. The insecticide is transferred by capillary action from the reservoir to the feeding station via a connecting tube.
US. Patent No, 6,216,384, issued to Dickson et al., discloses an insect bait station having a continuous outer wall leading from a base to an upper annular surface having a central axial recessed opening therein leading down to a bait source contained in the interior of the station, The interior of the station defines an inverted conical concave part for concentrating the bait to the lowest point of the cone in proximity with an opening in the bottom of the central axial recessed opening.
U.S. Patent No. 6,532,696, issued to Clark Ill, et at, discloses a holder for liquid insect bait comprising a sealed container having a bottom portion defining contours that form reservoirs and channels wherein liquid bait may be located and flow. The device is deployed by orienting the device in a vertical configuration whereby the liquid bait flows to specified internal reservoirs, cutting an entrance opening in the container at a specified location, and placing the container in a horizontal configuration wherein the liquid bait flows to additional reservoirs accessible to the insects.
The present inventor has contributed significant advancements in the art of insecticide delivery using insect bait stations. In U.S, Patent No. 6,871,444, the present inventor discloses a user activated, disposable insect bait station particularly adapted for use with liquid bait, including attractants and toxicants. The bait station is formed as a sealed container fabricated from two primary parts, an upper half and a lower half sealingly connected along common peripheral edges. The bait station includes first and second internal chambers. The first internal chamber contains a liquid bait reservoir wherein all of the liquid bait is stored prior to use, and the second internal chamber is adapted to function as an entrance providing insects access to the second chamber. Manual manipulation of the bait station is required for activation whereby a frangible seal is broken placing the first and second chambers in fluid communication thereby allowing liquid bait to flow into the second chamber. Further advancements relating to the bait station are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,310,908 in the name of the present inventor.
In U.S. Patent No. 6,502,348, the present inventor advanced the art by providing a compact reusable bait station having an inner bait chamber with small access ports sized to allow access by an insect and nothing larger providing limited outside access that functions to reduce evaporation, drying, and contamination of the liquid bait by preventing unnecessary exposure to the environment. A freely floating raft provides insects with access to the bait while preventing inadvertent drowning which would thereby reduce the effectiveness of the bait station.
In 'U.S. Patent No. 7,937,886, the present inventor advanced the art by providing a spill-resistant insect bait station having a generally hollow blow molded main body defining an internal reservoir for containing flowable bait. A ground anchor projects downwardly from the bait station for anchoring the bait station to the ground.
While the insect bait stations disclosed in the art are generally suitable for the purposes for which they are intended, there exists a need for an improved spill resistant insect bait station designed for secure anchorage to the ground.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the limitations and disadvantages present in the art by providing a generally cylindrical, vertically disposed insect bait station adapted with an improved ground anchor to allow for anchored deployment on the ground. In a preferred embodiment, the bait station comprises a main body having an upper portion defining a generally cylindrical, vertically disposed reservoir having an open top for containing a flowable, preferably liquid, insect bait. A float is disposed within the reservoir and is buoyantly supported on the surface of the liquid bait to provide insects a floor upon which to stand thereby preventing inadvertent drowning. A vertical, axially disposed shaft or spindle projects upward from the bottom of the reservoir and is insertedly received within an aperture formed in the float thereby providing a guide to maintain the float properly oriented and centered within the reservoir. A
removable cover sized for removable installation in covering relation with the reservoir and functions to provide insects with access to the reservoir while protecting the bait from environmental degradation, In a preferred embodiment, the cover has a generally cylindrical wall having an inner surface disposed in generally concentric radially spaced relation with the outer surface of said bait reservoir thereby forming a gap or space through which insects may pass to gain access to the open top of the bait reservoir and the liquid bait contained therein. The lower edge of the cover includes a plurality of notches that define openings to allow insects to enter the bait station interior. The bait reservoir outer surface includes a plurality of radially outwardly projecting ribs which provide dual functions, namely as guides to direct insects upward toward the top of the reservoir, and as spacers between the reservoir and the cover.
An improved ground anchor projects downward from the bottom of the main body, and includes a shaft with recessed areas that function to provide a more secured attachment to the earth.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a spill resistant insect bait station.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an insect bait station that is deployed in a vertical configuration so as to have a minimal footprint.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such an insect bait station having an internal bait reservoir having a float stabilized by vertically disposed axial shaft.
Another object of the present invention is to provide such an insect bait station with an improved ground anchor.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved insect bait station having a cover that protecting the bait from environmental degradation.
Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:
FIG 1 is a top perspective view of an insect bait station in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is bottom perspective view thereof;
FIG. 3 is a front view thereof;
FIG, 4 is a rear view thereof.;
FIG, 5 is a left side view thereof;
FIG. 6 is a right side view thereof;
FIG. 7 is a top view thereof;
FIG. 8 is a bottom view thereof;
Fla 9 is an exploded top perspective view thereof;
FIG. 10 is an exploded bottom perspective view thereof;
FIG. 11 is an exploded front view thereof;
5 FIG. 12 is an exploded rear view thereof;
FIG. 13 is an exploded left side view thereof;
FIG. 14 is an exploded right side view thereof;
FIG. 1 5 is a top view of the insect bait station with the cover disposed alongside; and FIG. 16 is a bottom view thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
With reference to the drawings, FIGS. 1 ¨16 depict a generally cylindrical, vertically disposed insect bait station, generally referenced as 10, in accordance with the present invention, Bait station 10 has a height that is significantly greater than its width or diameter. In a prefermd embodiment, bait station 10 has a height that is approximately four times (4x) its width or diameter. Accordingly, bait station 10 is characterized as having its major or largest dimension constitute its vertical dimension, whereby bait station 10 has a relatively small deployed footprint. Bait station 10 comprises a reusable, refillable bait station that may be deployed in a -vertically standing configuration that minimizes the required deployed footprint. As best illustrated in FIGS, 9 ¨ 14, bait station 10 comprises a main body 12 and a removable cover 14.
Main body 12 and cover 14 are preferably formed from a suitable plastic material, and may be fabricated by an injection molding process. Main body 12 is preferably fabricated from transparent or translucent material to allow the user to visually check the fill level as more fully discussed herein below.
Main body 12 includes an upper portion having a base 16 and a generally cylindrical, vertically disposed wall 18 projecting upward from base 16, and a lower portion including a ground anchor as further discussed below, Wall 18 is joined at its lower most portion to base 16 and has an open top, referenced as 18a, such that an internal volume, bounded by the upper surface of base 16 and the interior surface of wall 18, forms a reservoir capable of receiving and containing bait, such as a liquid insecticide. The top 18a of wall 18 may be provided with a removable seal such that bait station 10 may be pre-filled with liquid bait at the factory. In accordance with this pre-filled embodiment, the user would remove the seal prior to deploying the bait station. As noted above, at least wall 18 is preferably fabricated from transparent or translucent material to allow for visual determination of liquid bait fill level. A float 20, comprising a buoyant member capable of floating on the liquid bait is disposed within the reservoir and provides insects with a floor upon which to stand thereby preventing inadvertent drowning, Preventing inadvertent drowning is important since dead insects give off a chemical signal that warns other insects to stay clear of the immediate area, Float 20 preferably comprises a disk-shaped structure 'formed of a suitable buoyant material, and has a diameter that is less than the inner diameter of cylindrical reservoir wall 18 such that an annular space or gap is formed between the outer edge of float 20 and wall 18 whereby insects have direct access to the liquid bait. Float 20 further defines an axially disposed aperture, referenced as 21, A vertical, axially disposed shaft or spindle 22 projects upward from the bottom of the reservoir and is insertedly received within aperture 21 thereby providing a guide to maintain the float properly oriented and centered within the reservoir. As should be apparent, float 20 is buoyantly supported by liquid bait contained within the reservoir and is capable of moving up and down in conjunction with the -liquid bait level thereby always providing insects with access to the bait, Removable cover 14 is intended to cover the bait reservoir thereby protecting the bait from environmental degradation by minimizing the evaporation rate of the liquid bait, as well as protecting the bait from environmental contamination as well as dilution by rainfall and/or water sprayed by surrounding irrigation systems. In a preferred embodiment, cover 14 includes a vertical side wall 30 having an upper portion terminating in a closed top 32 and a lower portion terminating in a peripheral lower edge 34 defining an open end. Side wall 30 has faceted outer surfaces that improve the user's ability to grip the cover as more fully explained below. Side wall 30 is sized such that it has an inner surface is larger in diameter than the outer surface of cylindrical wall 18 such that cover 14 may he disposed in generally concentric radially spaced relation therewith thereby forming a gap or space through which insects may pass to gain access to the open top 18a of the bait reservoir, Cover 14 has a vertical dimension that allows for portions of lower edge 34 to engage the upper surface of base 16 when operatively installed.

Side wall 30 preferably further defines two diametrically opposed outward planar surfaces 31 that provide space for affixation of the manufacturer's trademark or other indieia.
Cover 14 includes a lower edge 34 that defines a pair of diametrically opposed cutout portions 36 that define access openings that allow insects to enter the bait station when cover 14 is operatively installed. A vertical slotted aperture 38 extends upward from cutout portions 36 and allows the user to visually inspect the reservoir fill level by visually exposing the transparent or translucent reservoir wall 18 whereby the user my determine the level of liquid bait contained within the reservoir with the cover in place, and without having to touch the bait station. Slotted aperture 38 further forms additional access openings. A pair of locking flanges 17 project radially outward from side wall 18 along base 16, Locking flanges 17 are sized to be received within slotted apertures 38 on cover 14 when installed in the operative position. Accordingly, when cover 14 is operatively installed on main body 12, the lower edge 34 engages base 16, and locking flanges 17 are received within slotted apertures 38 thereby helping to secure cover 14 to main body 12 by press fit engagement.
A further significant aspect of the present invention involves providing internal guides to direct insects to the open top edge 18a of the bait reservoir upon entering bait station 10. In that regard, the outer surface of side wall 18 defines a plurality of radially outwardly projecting, vertically disposed ribs 19. Ribs 19 preferably project radially outward a sufficient distance so as to engage, or nearly engage, the inner surface of side wall 30 of cover 14 when the cover is operatively installed. Ribs 19 serve dual functions, namely to direct insects upward by forming barriers to circumferential travel, and further as reinforcing spacers between the reservoir side wall 18 and cover side wall 30.

=
A farther significant aspect of the present invention involves providing bait station 10, and particularly the lower portion of main body 12 with an improved ground anchor, generally referenced as 40. Ground anchor 40 projects downward from base 16 of main body 12, and includes a shaft 42 and a spiral earth engaging thread 44 helically projecting from shaft 42, Ground anchor 40 differs from a conventional ground anchor in that it incorporates recessed areas, generally referenced as 46, along shaft 42. Recessed areas 46 improve integration of ground anchor 40 with the ground by allowing earth to enter the recessed areas 46 thereby improving resistance to rotational movement and hence providing a more secured attachment to the earth.
Bait station 10 is deployed for use by removing a cover 14 and screwing bait station 10 into the ground until bottom of the main body base 16 is generally disposed at ground level, As noted above, the outer surface 30 of cover 14 is faceted, preferably including 6 substantially planar surfaces forming a generally hexagonal cross-section, The cross-sectional shape of cover 14 is significant in that it functions to aid the user in grasping and applying rotational force to drive ground anchor 40 into the ground. This is particularly important if the bait station or user's hands become wet and thus grasping becomes difficult because the cover becomes slippery, either by rain, morning dew, irrigation spray, or user perspiration. The user would then remove cover 14 and float 20, and fill the reservoir by pouring liquid bait through open top end 18a.
Float 20 is then inserted such that spindle 22 is received within aperture 21 whereby float 20 will ride on the surface of the liquid bait. As should be apparent float 20 minimizes evaporative loss by substantially covering the entire surface of the liquid bait. Next cover 14 is installed such that the diametrically opposed vertical slotted apertures 38 are aligned with and receive locking flanges 17, When operatively deployed as discussed herein, notches 36 at the lower edge of cover side wall 30 form openings for insects to enter the interior of the bait station between the outer surface of reservoir side wall 18 and the inner surface of cover 14. Ribs 19 function as barriers that prevent the insects from traveling a significant distance circumferentially thereby guiding the insects upward toward the open top 18a of the bait reservoir. Insects can traverse downward to reach the bait, and are prevented from drowning by float 20 which provides a buoyantly supported surface upon which the insects may stand while ingesting the bait.
Once the insects ingest the bait they exit the bait station to die at a location remote from the bait station.
The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be to the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious structural and/or functional modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.

Claims (11)

1. An insect bait station comprising:
a main body having an upper portion and a lower portion;
said upper portion defining a bait reservoir bounded by a base and a side wall projecting upward from said base, said side wall terminating at an open top;
a float contained in said bait reservoir;
said lower portion including a ground anchor, said ground anchor including a shaft projecting downward from said base, and a spiral earth engaging thread helically projecting from said shall;
a cover including a vertical side wall having an upper portion terminating in a closed top and a lower portion terminating in a peripheral lower edge defining an open end, said cover sized for installation in removable covering relation with the upper portion of said main body wherein said cover has an inner side wall surface being in concentrically spaced relation with said upper portion side wall;
said lower peripheral edge including at least one notch sized to allow insects access to said bait station.

2. The insect bait station according to claim 1, further including a spindle projecting upward from said base and disposed axially relative to the side wall projecting upward from said base, and said float defining an axial aperture for receiving said spindle inserted therethrough,

3. The insect bait station according to claim 1, wherein said upper portion side wall includes a plurality of radially outwardly projecting, vertically disposed ribs, said ribs forming barriers to guide insects upward to the open top of said reservoir.

4. The insect bait station according to claim 1, wherein the shaft of said ground anchor includes a plurality of recessed areas.

5. The insect bait station according to claim 1, wherein said cover has an outer surface which is faceted.

6. The insect bait station according to claim 5, wherein said cover outer surface defines a generally hexagonal cross-section.

7. The insect bait station according to claim 1, wherein said upper portion side wall is transparent.

8. The insect bait station according to claim 7, wherein said cover side wall defines a slotted aperture extending vertically.

9. The insect bait station according to claim 1, wherein said upper portion side wall is translucent,

10. The insect bait station according to claim 9, wherein said cover side wall defines a.
slotted aperture extending vertically.

11. An insect bait station comprising:
a main body having an upper portion and a lower portion;

said upper portion defining a bait reservoir bounded by a base and a generally cylindrical side wall projecting upward from said base;
said side wall being translucent;
a liquid bait contained within said reservoir;
at least one locking flange projecting radially outward relative to said side wall in proximity to said base said side wail terminating at a top defining an opening, said side wall sized with an inner diameter and all outer diameter;
a circular float concentrically disposed within said generally cylindrical side wall and floating on said liquid bait, said float having a diameter that is less than the inner diameter of said side wall, whereby an annular gap is formed between said float and said side wall;
a spindle projecting upward from said base and disposed axially relative to the side wall projecting upward from said base, and said float defining an axial aperture for receiving said spindle inserted therethrough;
said lower portion including a ground anchor, said ground anchor including a shaft projecting downward from said base, and a spiral earth engaging thread helically projecting from said shaft;
a cover including a vertical side wall having an upper portion terminating in a closed top and a lower portion terminating in a peripheral lower edge defining an open end, said cover sized for installation in removable covering relation with the upper portion of said main body wherein said cover has an inner side wall surface being in disposed in concentric spaced relation with said upper portion side wall;
said cover vertical side wall defining a hexagonal cross-section;

said lower peripheral edge including at least one notch sized to allow insects access to said bait station; and means for preventing rotation of said cover relative to said main body when said cover is installed.