Abstract: A safety catch for a rotating frame animal trap of round wire stock. The trap has two similar frames each frame having jaw forming sides and ends extending between the sides to support the jaws. The catch comprises a helix of an internal diameter about equal to the external diameter of the round wire stock of the frame so that the helix can fit around a first frame of the trap. The spacing of the coils of the helix is at least equal to the diameter of the wire stock. A hook extending outwardly from the helix to be able to engage, when the catch is in its useful position on a set trap, the second frame of the trap to prevent rotation of the frames. The catch is easy to install, even in a manufactured trap, unlike prior art safety catches.

Abstract: An actuator for a rotating frame animal trap. The actuator comprises two arms spring biased at one end to tend to move the other ends of the arms outwardly. Each arm terminates in a ring that is adapted to encircle adjacent frames of the trap. The ring on each arm is inclined out of the longitudinal axis of the arm, towards the other ring on the other arm. The actuator is easy to make and provides excellent squeezing power where that power is required.

Abstract: An animal trap having two similar frames each having jaw forming sides that lie in a common plane and ends extending therebetween to support the jaws. The ends have a central portion in which the frames are pivotally connected through adjacent ends for rotation about a common axis between set and closed positions. Outer portions on each side of the central portion extend to the jaws. At least one actuator is capable of rapidly and forcefully effecting the rotation. The actuator has two arms spring-biased at one end so that the other ends, which terminate in rings encircling adjacent ends of both frames on opposite sides of said axis, would, if unobstructed, move apart to a distance substantially greater than the length of the frame ends. A trigger means releasably maintains the trap in the set position. The trigger means comprises a pivotally mounted treadle extending between the frames of the trap. Engagement means are associated with the treadle.

Abstract: An actuator for a rotating frame animal trap having two similar frames pivotally connected to each other. The actuator comprises two arms spring biased at one end and each terminating in a ring at the other. The rings have the dimensions so that the actuator can be mounted on the trap to encircle adjacent ends of both frames of the trap. On release of the trap, the actuator can rapidly and forcefully effect a rotation of the trap to its closed position. A rigid joint is formed in one arm of the actuator. The joint is breakable to separate the one arm by application of a force to the spring biased end of the actuator. The actuator does not affect the position of the set trap and is simple in construction.

Abstract: A trigger for a rotating frame animal trap has a trigger frame and filament attached thereto and positioned across it so that an animal sought to be trapped cannot pass through the trap without contacting the trigger frame or filament. The trigger is adapted to be positioned centrally in the plane between the jaws of the trap, when set, and is of sufficient size and so located that a desired animal cannot pass through the trap without contacting and moving the trigger to firing position.