CA1164211A - Animal trap - Google Patents
Animal trapInfo
- Publication number
- CA1164211A CA1164211A CA000386511A CA386511A CA1164211A CA 1164211 A CA1164211 A CA 1164211A CA 000386511 A CA000386511 A CA 000386511A CA 386511 A CA386511 A CA 386511A CA 1164211 A CA1164211 A CA 1164211A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- trap
- jaws
- base plate
- fence
- open
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01M—CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS; APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS
- A01M23/00—Traps for animals
- A01M23/24—Spring traps, e.g. jaw or like spring traps
- A01M23/26—Spring traps, e.g. jaw or like spring traps of the double-jaw or pincer type
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Pest Control & Pesticides (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Insects & Arthropods (AREA)
- Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
- Zoology (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Catching Or Destruction (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A trap of the type including generally C-shaped jaws pivotally mounted for movement between the open or set position and the closed or sprung position includes a base plate for supporting the jaws and the usual pawl, trigger lever and trigger plate; a generally U-shaped spring for biasing the jaws closed; and a semi-cylindrical fence integral with the base plate which, when the trap is placed on the mouth of a burrow, defines a tunnel extending in essentially the same direction as such mouth;
i.e., the tunnel is substantially coaxial with the mouth of the burrow for directing the animal into the trap and preventing the entry of larger animals into the trap.
A trap of the type including generally C-shaped jaws pivotally mounted for movement between the open or set position and the closed or sprung position includes a base plate for supporting the jaws and the usual pawl, trigger lever and trigger plate; a generally U-shaped spring for biasing the jaws closed; and a semi-cylindrical fence integral with the base plate which, when the trap is placed on the mouth of a burrow, defines a tunnel extending in essentially the same direction as such mouth;
i.e., the tunnel is substantially coaxial with the mouth of the burrow for directing the animal into the trap and preventing the entry of larger animals into the trap.
Description
This invention relates to an animal trap and in particular to a trap for small animals such as gophers or prairie dogs.
The trap of the present invent;on ;s ;ntended for use at the mouth or open;ng of a burrow. The trap ;s designed to direct the animal into the trap, and to ensure that the animal steps on the trigger of the trap. The trap is also designed to impede or prevent access to the jaws of the trap by larger animals.
Traps of the above described type are disclosed, for example, by Canadian Patent No. 104,918, which issued to J. Gass on April 23, 1907.
The Gass patent relates to a beaver trap of the type including a pair of jaws pivotally mounted on a base plate for movement between open and closed posit;ons. The jaws are spring biased to the closed position, and can be held open by a pawl. The pawl releases the jaws when pressure is applied to a tr;gger plate. A skeleton guard or fence is mounted on the base of the trap to ensure that only a mature animal can gain access to, i.e., step on the trigger plate.
The trap disclosed by U.S. Patent No. 2,240,594, which issued to G. B. Warren on May 6, 1941, is a somewhat compl;cated version of a trap of the type contemplated by the present inventor, i.e., a trap with a hood or cage for ensur;ng that the an;mal com;ng out of the burrow enters the trap. The jaws and trigger mechanism of the trap are more complex than is necessary, except if one wishes to avoid damge to the pelt.
The animal trap described in U.S. Patent No. 3,114,985, which issued to G. Killinger on December 24, 1963, is a very compl;cated, rela-tively expensive structure, which retards or prevents the entry of large . .
animals while facil;tating the trapping of smaller animals.
The object of the present invention is to provide a relatively simple, inexpensive trap for small animals~ particularly prairie dogs.
Accordingly, the present invention relates to an animal trap for small animals comprising base plate means; a pair of substantially C-shaped jaws including free ends pivotally mounted on said base plate means for rotation between an open or set position and a closed or sprung position; spring means biasing said jaws to the closed position, pawl means pivotally mounted on said base for releasably holding said jaws in the open position; trigyer means for releasably engaging said pawl means, said trigger means holding said pawl means in engagement with said jaws when the jaws are in the open position and releasing said jaws when stepped on by an animal to spring the trap; and fence means integral with said base plate means, said fence means being substantially semi-cylindrical and ex-tending upwardly from outside of one jaw to outside of the other jaw in the open position to define a low tunnel to the trap in the open position, whereby, when the trap is placed in the mouth of a burrow, the Fence means forms a tunnel generally coaxial with the longitudinal axis o-F the open end of the burrow.
An important feature of the present invention is the simplicity of the base and fence structure. By making the fence integral with the base, i.e., by making a one-piece base and fence, the structure of the trap is simplified and weight can be kept to a minimum. Another important feature of the trap of the present invention is the use oF upstanding teeth at each open end of the fence for encouraging an animal to step onto the
The trap of the present invent;on ;s ;ntended for use at the mouth or open;ng of a burrow. The trap ;s designed to direct the animal into the trap, and to ensure that the animal steps on the trigger of the trap. The trap is also designed to impede or prevent access to the jaws of the trap by larger animals.
Traps of the above described type are disclosed, for example, by Canadian Patent No. 104,918, which issued to J. Gass on April 23, 1907.
The Gass patent relates to a beaver trap of the type including a pair of jaws pivotally mounted on a base plate for movement between open and closed posit;ons. The jaws are spring biased to the closed position, and can be held open by a pawl. The pawl releases the jaws when pressure is applied to a tr;gger plate. A skeleton guard or fence is mounted on the base of the trap to ensure that only a mature animal can gain access to, i.e., step on the trigger plate.
The trap disclosed by U.S. Patent No. 2,240,594, which issued to G. B. Warren on May 6, 1941, is a somewhat compl;cated version of a trap of the type contemplated by the present inventor, i.e., a trap with a hood or cage for ensur;ng that the an;mal com;ng out of the burrow enters the trap. The jaws and trigger mechanism of the trap are more complex than is necessary, except if one wishes to avoid damge to the pelt.
The animal trap described in U.S. Patent No. 3,114,985, which issued to G. Killinger on December 24, 1963, is a very compl;cated, rela-tively expensive structure, which retards or prevents the entry of large . .
animals while facil;tating the trapping of smaller animals.
The object of the present invention is to provide a relatively simple, inexpensive trap for small animals~ particularly prairie dogs.
Accordingly, the present invention relates to an animal trap for small animals comprising base plate means; a pair of substantially C-shaped jaws including free ends pivotally mounted on said base plate means for rotation between an open or set position and a closed or sprung position; spring means biasing said jaws to the closed position, pawl means pivotally mounted on said base for releasably holding said jaws in the open position; trigyer means for releasably engaging said pawl means, said trigger means holding said pawl means in engagement with said jaws when the jaws are in the open position and releasing said jaws when stepped on by an animal to spring the trap; and fence means integral with said base plate means, said fence means being substantially semi-cylindrical and ex-tending upwardly from outside of one jaw to outside of the other jaw in the open position to define a low tunnel to the trap in the open position, whereby, when the trap is placed in the mouth of a burrow, the Fence means forms a tunnel generally coaxial with the longitudinal axis o-F the open end of the burrow.
An important feature of the present invention is the simplicity of the base and fence structure. By making the fence integral with the base, i.e., by making a one-piece base and fence, the structure of the trap is simplified and weight can be kept to a minimum. Another important feature of the trap of the present invention is the use oF upstanding teeth at each open end of the fence for encouraging an animal to step onto the
- 2 ..
trigger.
The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a preferred em-bodiment of the invention, and wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view from one end and above of the trap of the present invention in the closed or sprung pos1tion;
Figure 2 is a perspective view from the other end and above of the trap of Figure 1 in the open or set position;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the trap of Figures 1 and 2 with the fence removed to show the trigger mechanism of the trap.
With reference to the drawings, the trap of the present inven-tion includes a base plate 1l which has convex side edges 2 and straight parallel ends 3 and 4. The plate 1 includes a large opening 5 on one side of the centre thereof and smaller open;ngs 6 for reduc;ng the weight of the trap. A lug 7 extends upwardly from each end 3 and 4 of the plate 1 for pivotally supporting the ends of a pair of generally C-shaped jaws 8.
Teeth 9 are provided on the top end of each lug 7 for encouraging an animal to step into the trap, i.e., over the lugs 7.
Each of the jaws 8 includes a wide centre portion 10 and tapering ends 11 for pivotally mounting the jaws in the lugs 7. The jaws are normally biased to the closed position (Figure 1) by an elongated, generally U-shaped leaf spring 12. A loop 13 on the Free end of bottom arm 14 of the leaf spring 12 rests on the plate 1 around the bottom end of the lug 7 and a second loop 15 on the free end of the top arm 16 of the leaf spring 12 passes around both of the jaws 8. Shoulders 17 are provided ~ . - , , .
6~
on the jaws 8 for lim;ting movement of the top loop 15 along such jaws, i.e., once the jaws 8 have reached the closed position, the loop 15 is prevented from moving further and possibly jamming. A helical spring 18 between the two arms 14 and 16 of the leaf spring provides additional trap closing force, i.e., causes the jaws 8 to close rapidly. The trap is secured in one position by means of a chain 19 which is connected to the leaf spring 12 by a bracket 20.
The ends 11 of the jaws 8 are so shaped and mounted in the lugs 7 that such ends are spaced apart slightly in the closed position (Figure lG 1). This arrangement causes the jaws to close with a greater force at their centre portions 10. It will be appreciated that the jaws 8 will be more parallel throughout their length when closed on an animal than the jaws of conventional traps of this type wh;ch, when closed, define a V
(when viewed from either end).
The jaws 89 which are normally in the closed position9 can be held in the open position (Figures 2 and 3) by a pawl 21. The outer end of the pawl 21 is looped around a horizontal arm 22 at the top end of a lug 23. The lug 22 is integral with the base plate 1, and extends upwardly from one side thereof. In use, the inner end of the pawl 21 engages a notch 24 in the outer end of a lever 25. The lever 25 is pivotally mounted on a pin (not shown) integral with and extending between upstanding arms 26, which are integral with the base plate 1.
The lever 25 is part of the trigger mechanism for causing the trap to close. The remainder of the trigger mechanism is defined by a circular trigger plate 27, which is fixedly connected to the inner end of the lever 25.
It is readily apparent that the trap is retained in the open or set position (Figures 2 and 3) by a pawl 21 engaging the notch 24 in the lever 25. When an animal steps on the trigger plate 27, the plate 27 tilts to move the lever 25 out of engage-ment with the inner end of the pawl 21, releasing the jaws 8. As soon as the jaws 8 are released, the helical spring 18 drives the arms 14 and 16 of the leaf spring 12 apart ~o rapidly and forcefully close the jaws ~.
The trap is completed by a generally semi-cylindrical screen or fence 29, which extends between the ends 3 and 4 of the base plate l. The screen 29 defines a tunnel extending longitud-inally of the trap and open at each end of the trap. When the trap is placed in the mouth of a burrow (not shown), with open end 4 in the burrow, the tunnel defined by the fence 29 and base plate 1 forms a part o the burrow opening or mouth. The longitudinal axis of the tunnel is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the burrow at such mouth. It will be appreciated that the screen or fence 29 can be omitted, and the trap will still function in the same manner except that it will not prevent the entry of larger animals.
Thus, there has been described a simple, but effective trap or small animals.
~5
trigger.
The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a preferred em-bodiment of the invention, and wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view from one end and above of the trap of the present invention in the closed or sprung pos1tion;
Figure 2 is a perspective view from the other end and above of the trap of Figure 1 in the open or set position;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the trap of Figures 1 and 2 with the fence removed to show the trigger mechanism of the trap.
With reference to the drawings, the trap of the present inven-tion includes a base plate 1l which has convex side edges 2 and straight parallel ends 3 and 4. The plate 1 includes a large opening 5 on one side of the centre thereof and smaller open;ngs 6 for reduc;ng the weight of the trap. A lug 7 extends upwardly from each end 3 and 4 of the plate 1 for pivotally supporting the ends of a pair of generally C-shaped jaws 8.
Teeth 9 are provided on the top end of each lug 7 for encouraging an animal to step into the trap, i.e., over the lugs 7.
Each of the jaws 8 includes a wide centre portion 10 and tapering ends 11 for pivotally mounting the jaws in the lugs 7. The jaws are normally biased to the closed position (Figure 1) by an elongated, generally U-shaped leaf spring 12. A loop 13 on the Free end of bottom arm 14 of the leaf spring 12 rests on the plate 1 around the bottom end of the lug 7 and a second loop 15 on the free end of the top arm 16 of the leaf spring 12 passes around both of the jaws 8. Shoulders 17 are provided ~ . - , , .
6~
on the jaws 8 for lim;ting movement of the top loop 15 along such jaws, i.e., once the jaws 8 have reached the closed position, the loop 15 is prevented from moving further and possibly jamming. A helical spring 18 between the two arms 14 and 16 of the leaf spring provides additional trap closing force, i.e., causes the jaws 8 to close rapidly. The trap is secured in one position by means of a chain 19 which is connected to the leaf spring 12 by a bracket 20.
The ends 11 of the jaws 8 are so shaped and mounted in the lugs 7 that such ends are spaced apart slightly in the closed position (Figure lG 1). This arrangement causes the jaws to close with a greater force at their centre portions 10. It will be appreciated that the jaws 8 will be more parallel throughout their length when closed on an animal than the jaws of conventional traps of this type wh;ch, when closed, define a V
(when viewed from either end).
The jaws 89 which are normally in the closed position9 can be held in the open position (Figures 2 and 3) by a pawl 21. The outer end of the pawl 21 is looped around a horizontal arm 22 at the top end of a lug 23. The lug 22 is integral with the base plate 1, and extends upwardly from one side thereof. In use, the inner end of the pawl 21 engages a notch 24 in the outer end of a lever 25. The lever 25 is pivotally mounted on a pin (not shown) integral with and extending between upstanding arms 26, which are integral with the base plate 1.
The lever 25 is part of the trigger mechanism for causing the trap to close. The remainder of the trigger mechanism is defined by a circular trigger plate 27, which is fixedly connected to the inner end of the lever 25.
It is readily apparent that the trap is retained in the open or set position (Figures 2 and 3) by a pawl 21 engaging the notch 24 in the lever 25. When an animal steps on the trigger plate 27, the plate 27 tilts to move the lever 25 out of engage-ment with the inner end of the pawl 21, releasing the jaws 8. As soon as the jaws 8 are released, the helical spring 18 drives the arms 14 and 16 of the leaf spring 12 apart ~o rapidly and forcefully close the jaws ~.
The trap is completed by a generally semi-cylindrical screen or fence 29, which extends between the ends 3 and 4 of the base plate l. The screen 29 defines a tunnel extending longitud-inally of the trap and open at each end of the trap. When the trap is placed in the mouth of a burrow (not shown), with open end 4 in the burrow, the tunnel defined by the fence 29 and base plate 1 forms a part o the burrow opening or mouth. The longitudinal axis of the tunnel is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the burrow at such mouth. It will be appreciated that the screen or fence 29 can be omitted, and the trap will still function in the same manner except that it will not prevent the entry of larger animals.
Thus, there has been described a simple, but effective trap or small animals.
~5
Claims (3)
PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An animal trap for small animals comprising base plate means;
a pair of substantially C-shaped jaws including free ends pivotally mounted on said base plate means for rotation between an open or set position and a closed or sprung position; spring means biasing said jaws to the closed position; pawl means pivotally mounted on said base for releasably holding said jaws in the open position; trigger means for releasably engaging said pawl means, said trigger means holding said pawl means in engagement with said jaws when the jaws are in the open position and releasing said jaws when stepped on by an animal to spring the trap; and fence means integral with said base plate means, said fence means being substantially semi-cylindrical and extending upwardly from outside of one jaw to outside of the other jaw in the open position to define a low tunnel to the trap in the open position, whereby when the trap is placed in the mouth of a burrow, the fence means forms a tunnel generally coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the open end of the burrow.
a pair of substantially C-shaped jaws including free ends pivotally mounted on said base plate means for rotation between an open or set position and a closed or sprung position; spring means biasing said jaws to the closed position; pawl means pivotally mounted on said base for releasably holding said jaws in the open position; trigger means for releasably engaging said pawl means, said trigger means holding said pawl means in engagement with said jaws when the jaws are in the open position and releasing said jaws when stepped on by an animal to spring the trap; and fence means integral with said base plate means, said fence means being substantially semi-cylindrical and extending upwardly from outside of one jaw to outside of the other jaw in the open position to define a low tunnel to the trap in the open position, whereby when the trap is placed in the mouth of a burrow, the fence means forms a tunnel generally coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the open end of the burrow.
2. A trap according to claim 1, including upstanding teeth at each open end of said fence means for causing an animal to step into the trap.
3. A trap according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said spring means includes a substantially U-shaped leaf spring including one arm normally abutting said base plate means and one arm slidably engaging said jaws for holding said jaws together; and helical spring means extending between said arms and biasing said arms apart to the jaw closing position.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000386511A CA1164211A (en) | 1981-09-23 | 1981-09-23 | Animal trap |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000386511A CA1164211A (en) | 1981-09-23 | 1981-09-23 | Animal trap |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1164211A true CA1164211A (en) | 1984-03-27 |
Family
ID=4121011
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000386511A Expired CA1164211A (en) | 1981-09-23 | 1981-09-23 | Animal trap |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1164211A (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20210400950A1 (en) * | 2020-06-25 | 2021-12-30 | Roman Spandrio | Rodent trap bait cage, system and method |
| USD1001230S1 (en) | 2020-06-25 | 2023-10-10 | Roman Spandrio | Rodent trap bait cage |
-
1981
- 1981-09-23 CA CA000386511A patent/CA1164211A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20210400950A1 (en) * | 2020-06-25 | 2021-12-30 | Roman Spandrio | Rodent trap bait cage, system and method |
| USD1001230S1 (en) | 2020-06-25 | 2023-10-10 | Roman Spandrio | Rodent trap bait cage |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |