Abstract: An animal trap having two similar frames each having jaw forming sides and ends extending between the sides to support the jaws. The ends have a central portion in which the frames are pivotally engaged through adjacent ends for rotation about a common axis between set and closed positions and outer portions on each side of the central portion of the jaws. At least one actuator capable of rapidly and forcefully effecting the rotation is present. 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 the axis would, if unobstructed, move apart to a distance substantially greater than the length of the frame ends. There are trigger means for releasably maintaining the trap in set position.

Abstract: An improved trigger mechanism of the push-pull type which is particularly useful for a rotating frame animal trap, the present trigger mechanism causing the trap to be sprung on contact therewith by the animal regardless of the direction from which such contact occurs. The present trigger mechanism is slidably mounted on a frame member of the trap, the free ends of spaced prongs extending from the frame member toward the interior of the trap. A body member of the trigger mechanism mounts the spaced prongs, the anterior ends of the spaced prongs extending into overlapping engagement with the frame member and being movable relative thereto. The body member has an arcuate recess on an upper surface portion thereof, the recess loosely receiving at least a portion of the frame member therein.

Abstract: An improved frame for a rotating frame animal trap, wherein, when the trap is viewed in closed position, an outer portion of at least one of the ends of the frame encircled by the actuator rings is so shaped, as it progresses radially outwardly from the axis of rotation of the frames, that it extends to a point out of the common plane of the jaws of the frame on the side thereof remote from the other frame, and thence returns to said plane wherein it connects with one end of a jaw. The point may be located at a distance from the axis of rotation about the same as or greater than the distance of said jaw from this axis. The actuator rings of the trap according to this construction are adapted to exert sufficient clamping force on the jaws of the trap to quickly kill a desired animal trapped therein.

Abstract: An improved actuator for a rotating frame trap wherein the actuator rings are of generally oblong shape, being elongated in the general direction of the respective actuator arms. This construction results in a more effective and versatile trap.