Abstract: An animal trap especially suited for trapping rodents such as rats and other small animals, in one embodiment comprising a generally cylindrical or rectangular container having a movable top adapted for limited rotation in one direction about a pair of centrally positioned fulcrum points in response to the animal's weight on one side of the top on which is provided a suitable bait. The top is normally positioned horizonally fully covering the interior of the container. Upon activation of the top in response to the animal's weight on the trigger side of the top, the top rotates to a substantially vertical position causing the animal to fall into the container and permitting the top to reset itself horizontally for trapping another animal. The trap is preferably configured to cause the animal to have all of his weight on the non-trigger side of the top before it goes after the bait on the trigger side of the top.

Abstract: An animal trap especially suited for trapping rodents such as mice and other small animals, comprising a disposable, elongated container having two contiguous bottom surfaces forming an obtuse angle therebetween and a hinged door for selectively enclosing the container after the animal has entered and sprung the trap. When set, the trap rests on a first of the two bottom surfaces with the door held elevated from the container to permit an animal to enter the trap. The second of the two bottom surfaces is elevated from the underlying support surface. When the animal enters the portion of the container where the bait is positioned, the animal's weight lowers the second bottom surface and elevates the first bottom surface releasing the door and closing the container trapping the animal. The door is sealed by magnetic force and/or a latch which hooks into an aperture in the first bottom surface.