Swinging Or Sliding Closure Patents (Class 43/61)
  • Patent number: 6588139
    Abstract: A gravitational animal trap. The trap includes a trap cage having a movable door, an unturned plate that can be adjusted in terms of different fulcrums thereof, and a sensing device that is pivotally jointed with the upturned plate to activate the door switch. When the prey enters the trap cage and steps on the upturned plate, causing the upturned plate to alter the state of equilibrium due to the gravitational force of the prey, the sensing device is activated to shut the movable door, thus achieving the object of entrapping the prey. A weight-adjusting balance device can be further installed with the present invention to effectively improve upon the sensitivity and timing for the shutting of the movable door of the gravitational animal trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventors: Huan Fu Kao, Shu Hsin Kao, Shu Yin Kao, Shu Lin Kao
  • Patent number: 6564501
    Abstract: A small animal trap that captures the animal alive and does not cause injury to the animal. The chamber of the trap is in two segments, the floors of which form an obtuse angle permitting the trap to rotate rearward when activated by the movement of the animal inside. The trap has a pivotal front door panel that is held horizontally open and supported on two legs to provide maximum access to the front opening. When set, the front segment is even with the supporting surface and when activated the front segment is raised causing the front door panel to pivot closed and become locked in place when two locking feet located on the bottom of each leg engage a locking channel on the underside of the chamber. The pivotal door panel is weighted to insure quick and secure closure. A removable back panel with a bait receiving element permits easy placement of bait at the very back of the chamber so that the animal will travel to the back end of the chamber and activate the trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Leonid Leonidovich Schislyonok
  • Publication number: 20030084603
    Abstract: An animal trap for capturing small animals, such as rodents, and birds and a method for using the trap. The trap includes a chamber having side walls, an entrance, and a perforated end wall opposite the entrance; a first platform adjacent the entrance pivotally mounted to the side walls, the first platform providing a path from the entrance; a second platform located away from the entrance pivotally mounted to the side walls and having a first end extending beneath the first platform; and means for holding the first and second platforms in an essentially horizontal position; wherein when an animal passes through the entrance and contacts the second platform, the second platform pivotally deflects and pivotally deflects the second platform wherein the first platform obstructs the entrance and the animal is captured. The means for holding the two platforms in an essentially horizontal position may be a rod or bar which engages part of the trap housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: David Lafforthun
  • Patent number: 6543179
    Abstract: An animal trap includes a housing having a bottom wall, side walls, a top wall and a front opening in the side walls, opposing slots in the side walls adjacent the opening, and opposing channels in the side walls immediately behind the slots; a door slidably mounted in the slots for movement between raised and lowered positions to unblock and block the opening; a platform pivotally positioned on the bottom wall; levers pivotally mounted to the side walls adjacent the opening, each having a front end catch for engaging a lower end of the door to hold the door in the raised position, and a rear end; and lifters slidably guided by the channels for vertical movement between the rear end of the lever and one end of the platform, to cause pivoting of the levers and closing of the door upon pivoting of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Chang Soon Lee
  • Patent number: 6539663
    Abstract: Presented is a humane wild animal trap device that includes a trigger mechanism having four easily assemblable elements for supporting the bait, a bottom flat sheet on which the trigger mechanism is supported when set and baited, and an enclosure the open side of which is superimposed on the flat bottom sheet and which enclosure is tilted upwardly from one end so that the elevated end rests on a selected one of the four elements included in the trigger mechanism and which element is released from a second element that supports the bait when a wild animal takes the bait, thus causing the elevated enclosure to fall onto the flat bottom sheet to trap the wild animal within the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Ross E. Mosher
  • Publication number: 20030019148
    Abstract: A gravitational animal trap comprises a trap cage having a movable door, an upturned plate that can be adjusted in terms of different fulcrums thereof, and a sensing device that is pivotally jointed with the upturned plate to activate the door switch. When the prey enters the trap cage and steps on the upturned plate, causing the upturned plate to alter the state of equilibrium due to the gravitational force of the prey, the sensing device is activated to shut the movable door, thus achieving the object of entrapping the prey. A weight-adjusting balance device can be further installed with the present invention to effectively improve upon the sensitivity and timing for the shutting of the movable door of the gravitational animal trap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Huan Fu Kao, Shu Hsin Kao, Shu Yin Kao, Shu Lin Kao
  • Publication number: 20020184812
    Abstract: Repeating animal traps incorporating one or more inclined plane trap assemblies with means to preclude an animal on the tilting floor member of the trap assembly from engaging the top and/or side edges of the door member of the trap assembly in an attempt to escape from the trap by pulling the door member down to thereby unblock access to the entrance opening. Additional means are shown to preclude an animal within the enlarged holding chamber or enclosure of the repeating animal trap from engaging the inner end portions of the floor member in an attempt to escape from the trap by pulling the floor member down, enabling the animal to climb onto the floor member and then attempt to pull the door member down to escape from the trap. A barrier in the form of sharpened projections and/or an inclined ramp is provided beneath the inner end portions of the floor member to discourage an animal entering or nesting within that space when the floor member is raised in the reset position of the trap assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Applicant: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Gehret, Clay Tully, John Gerberich, Joseph Radesky
  • Publication number: 20020178647
    Abstract: A door lock mechanism for an animal trap, an animal trap, and a method of capturing animals, typically, rodents and small animals. The door locking mechanism, trap and method employ a gravity-driven door and lock used for a door having a ledge and two bars that are pivotally mounted above the door. When activated by a release mechanism, the door and bars pivotally deflect whereby the bars engage the ledge on the closed door and prevent the door from being opened. The door lock mechanism may be used on any size and shape trap, but one typical trap for which the mechanism can be used is disclosed. A trap entrance arrangement having a conduit for leading animals to the entrance of a trap, that can be used with or without the disclosed door lock mechanism, is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: David W. Lafforthun
  • Patent number: 6484436
    Abstract: A prey trap comprises a body having two supporting frames; two gates arranged on the supporting frames of a body; an actuating plate; a hanging frame connected to another side of the actuating plate; and two ropes. Each gate is connected with one end of a rope, and another end of the rope is arranged to be across the supporting frame. Each bead at the end of the rope and the hanging frame are confined by one another, and thus are in a steady position. When the actuating plate is lifted upwards to a predetermined height; the gate is at an upper end of the supporting frame. When the actuating plate is pressed and is released from the confinement of the hanging frame, the gate then drops downs rapidly and freely and further the gate and the body forms a closing condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: T. S. Chang
  • Patent number: 6484672
    Abstract: A cat trap and cage for capturing, transporting, and temporarily housing stray, unclaimed, or feral cats. The trap is an elongated, box-shaped enclosure having a trap door at one end and a guillotine type sliding door at the other end. The trap door is mounted on hinges attached to the top wall of the cage and actuated when the cat steps on a rectangularly shaped pedal in the floor of the enclosure, causing the trap door to rotate to a closed position in order to trap the cat inside the enclosure. The guillotine door is used to obtain normal access to the cat, and the trap may be locked end to end with a litter box having a similar guillotine door. The trap door includes a detachable “squeeze” panel which may be used to urge the cat against the guillotine door at the other end of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Marie H. Versaw
  • Patent number: 6445301
    Abstract: An electronic pest monitoring system includes an electronic pest monitoring device which may be used in combination with or separate from a bait box. The electronic pest monitoring device is adapted to be removably attached to a bait box. The electronic pest monitoring device includes a pest detector, such as a passive IR detector, which provides a pest detection signal in response to the presence of a pest. A processor coupled to the pest detector includes a real-time clock, and stores in memory a time and date of occurrence of the pest detection signal and a duration of the presence of the pest. Such pest detection event information may be transmitted from the electronic pest monitoring device over a wireless communications channel, such as an IR communications channel, to a hand-held computer unit for display and analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: LiphaTech, Inc.
    Inventors: Melanie S. Farrell, Alan L. Smith, Edward F. Marshall
  • Publication number: 20020066222
    Abstract: Repeating animal traps incorporating one or more inclined plane trap assemblies with means to preclude an animal on the tilting floor member of the trap assembly from engaging the top and/or side edges of the door member of the trap assembly in an attempt to escape from the trap by pulling the door member down to thereby unblock access to the entrance opening. Additional means are shown to preclude an animal within the enlarged holding chamber or enclosure of the repeating animal trap from engaging the inner end portions of the floor member in an attempt to escape from the trap by pulling the floor member down, enabling the animal to climb onto the floor member and then attempt to pull the door member down to escape from the trap. A barrier in the form of sharpened projections and/or an inclined ramp is provided beneath the inner end portions of the floor member to discourage an animal entering or nesting within that space when the floor member is raised in the reset position of the trap assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Michael Gehret, Clay Tully, John Gerberich, Joseph Radesky
  • Publication number: 20020035801
    Abstract: A method for capturing mice with a baited cage incorporating a trigger mechanism whereby the mice are confined in the cage, characterized in that the trigger mechanism is kept inoperative for some time so as to allow a mouse to go on eating the bait, which is supplemented if it is short, eventually the mouse coming to feel as if the cage is its own home and forgets that it is a trap. The happy mouse allures its relatives and friends to the baited cages. It is at this stage when the trigger mechanism is set off to confine them in the cages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventor: Rikio Ogura
  • Patent number: 6327809
    Abstract: There is provided a system (10) for releasably securing an article to a frame structure (2). The system (10) generally comprises a collar member (200) secured to the frame structure (2) and a snare member (100) coupled to collar member (200). Collar member (200) is configured to substantially define a hoop. Snare member (100) includes a collapsible loop portion (110) displaceably captured by collar member (200) to pass through the hoop defined thereby, and an engagement portion (120) coupled to loop portion (110) for releasably engaging the frame structure (2). Loop portion (110) is operatively drawn to collapse about and constrict the article responsive to sufficient displacement of at least a portion of snare member (100) relative to collar member (200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventors: Joseph P. Comes, Edward E. Comes
  • Patent number: 6263612
    Abstract: A trap for rodents and the like, comprising an openable housing that, in use, has a normally closed interior space for containing a trapped animal, an entranceway formed in an outer wall of the housing and leading to the interior space, and entrance-closing door means constructed and arranged to permit one-way access into the interior space, and baiter means constructed and arranged for delivering limited amounts of bait into the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Donald E. Shultz
  • Patent number: 6202340
    Abstract: An electronically actuated animal trap for humanely capturing animals within an enclosure having an animal access opening through which an animal is drawn by bait. A swingably hinged vertically oriented trigger panel is disposed between the animal access opening and the bait area. As the animal attempts to enter the bait area, the vertically oriented trigger panel swings towards the bait closing an electric circuit powering a solenoid. The solenoid retracts at least one pin received through apertures formed in a vertically sliding door panel mounted to the animal access opening thereby causing the sliding door panel to vertically drop from a first raised configuration to a second lowered configuration. Consequently, the animal access opening is closed off by the sliding door panel effectively trapping the animal within the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Joniel Nieves
  • Patent number: 6178686
    Abstract: A live animal trap (20), having a trap wall (22), a closure mechanism (24), and a trip mechanism (26) is utilized to trap animals. The closure mechanism (24) includes a slicing closure door (56) which closes in a slicing direction (65) substantially perpendicular to an entry direction (67) into an internal chamber (28) defined by the trap wall (22). The trap wall (22) and the door (56) are substantially continuous to limit a trapped animals view thereby reducing agitation when the trap (20) is approached. The trap wall (22) is sized to inhibit a skunk from lifting its tail to spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Darren Batman
  • Patent number: 6164008
    Abstract: A sturdy lightweight enclosure that will capture alive animals and fowl is disclosed herein. The application of a downwardly directed pressure on a trip pad on an interior portion of the trap by an animal causes the trap mechanism to release the door which falls under gravity and encloses the animal or fowl in the enclosure. The invention is characterized by having a bell crank wheel which rotatively translates a vertically downwardly directed force into a horizontally directed force which allows the trap to close. The trap is additionally provided with adjustable sensitivity to allow only animals having a desired weight to spring the trap. The sensitivity is adjusted through a plurality of holes in a rod which allows selective compression of an actuating spring. The greater initial compression on the spring the larger the animal must be to spring the trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: A. J. Kelley
  • Patent number: 6164010
    Abstract: A modular pest control system which includes structure that is specifically designed to capitalize upon the physiology and/or behavior of a wide assortment of pests to render the system more attractive to the pests. The system is modular in nature whereby it may be configured as desired or necessary to target any combination of one or more species of pests. The modular system preferably includes, at minimum, a first component in the form of a pest control device that may be releasably connectable to a second component. The first component may contain one or more materials or structural features for controlling any individual species or combinations of species of ground crawling pests, termites and rodents. The second component may be a releasable base for securing the first component to vegetation, building surfaces and materials, or targeted areas of soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: B&G Equipment Company
    Inventors: Eric J. Snell, Bruce C. Yeagle, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6098334
    Abstract: A cage for trapping an animal having a timing system for indicating the time that the animal was trapped in an enclosure. The cage is defined by a housing having an opening therein with a door which is opened to allow an animal to enter the housing. A closure arrangement responds to the animal passing through the opening for closing the door to trap the animal in the housing. A clock, having a second hand, minute hand, hour hand and an indicator hand that move with respect to a dial face, is secured to the housing. A lever responsive to the closure of the door activates a switch to stop the clock and provide an indication of the time that the door was closed by the location of the hour hand and indicator hand. If the indicator hand is located on the left hand side of the hour hand an animal was trapped within the first twelve hours after the trap was set and if the indicator hand is on the right hand side of the hour hand the animal was trapped more than twelve hours after the trap was set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: John D. Stouffer
  • Patent number: 6029392
    Abstract: A trap for an animal having an elongate hollow body defining an elongate cavity, a closure at each end of the cavity, wherein the closures are adapted to permit entry by an animal to the cavity and to close behind the animal to prevent rearwards egress of the animal from the cavity, and an obturator which is able to move from end to end within the cavity and to restrict access by the animal to the closure remote from the point of entry of the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventor: David H. Relf
  • Patent number: 6023878
    Abstract: A snake trap including a trap housing defining a trap compartment accessible through a snake entrance opening; an elongated tubular snake entrance tube positioned within the trap compartment having an inlet opening positioned adjacent to the snake entrance opening; and a sliding trap door slidable into a closed position between the snake entrance opening and the inlet end of the elongated snake entrance tube by a triggerable trap door closure mechanism positioned within the trap compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventor: John Fore
  • Patent number: 6016623
    Abstract: A rodent trap which includes a central housing interior into which a rodent is lured by bait and enters on a rodent entry ramp and inside which is located a rotating trap door that is operated by a high speed DC motor which is actuated by an infrared sensor positioned inside the housing, the motor is engaged to rotate the trap door and timed by a cam switch to return to a closed position and ready to operate for the entry of the next rodent. When the rodent falls through the trap door, it falls into a rodent box which is received by an insertion in the housing lower section and which includes a spring biased sliding cover that automatically slides to an opened position when the box is inserted into the housing and automatically closes when removed from the housing. The rodent box also includes a rodent presence indicator that is actuated by a weight activated switch located on the bottom surface of the rodent box and indicates to the user if a rodent or rodents are in the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Inventor: Wallace Celestine
  • Patent number: 6009661
    Abstract: A snake trap is disclosed in which a trigger activated door (4) closes in response to a horizontal force being applied to the trigger (7) which is pushed against by the snake as it moves within the trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Graham R. Lloyd
  • Patent number: 6003265
    Abstract: A trap is described, for catching and possibly killing animals, especially small animals such as minks and the like. The trap comprises a relatively elongated cage 1 preferably formed with a bottom, side walls, and a roof made from bars. A first end wall 2 with a preferably circular first opening 4 intended to form an entrance for the animal, and a door 7 are provided, guided by guide elements 6 to take a first position with the trap activated. In the first position, opening 4 is open, and in a second position in which the trap is deactivated, the opening 4 is closed. The trap is also provided with an activation device 8, 9, and 10 provided to act upon door 7 to bring it from the first to second position with a first touching element 10 in the cage and a second end wall 3. According to the invention, the trap is primarily characterized in that it is provided with an optically readable indicator which is legible from a relatively large distance to indicate the activated or deactivated status of the trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Lars-Olof Lundgren
  • Patent number: 5979105
    Abstract: A modular trapping system that functions in a holding or a terminating mode on dry land, adjacent water or in water. The system comprises several interchangeable, user selectable components that may be conveniently assembled into a desired trap configuration in a minimal time period. The primary components are a cylindrical body with a tapered end, an entrance, and a terminus. In the preferred embodiments, the entrance and terminus may be threadably secured to the body. The entrance components generally comprise a hollow elongated tubular frame supporting a door controlled by a conventional actuating mechanism. The terminus components comprise a hollow elongated tubular frame with a transparent end wall. Several optional inserts may be placed inside the body to enhance the trap. An optional stand may also be used to place the trap adjacent or in bodies of water. The configured trap may be deployed in either a holding or extermination mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Max H. Marks
  • Patent number: 5953853
    Abstract: A mouse and rat trap that can be used to trap and rapidly kill at least one mouse, rat, rodent, and the like in a humane way, can be used multiple times in heavily infested areas, is inexpensive, easy to operate, durable, and allows for sanitary disposal of a plurality of the trapped and dead mice, rats, rodents, and the like without contact to humans who are required to dispose of the dead mice, rats, rodents, and the like. The mouse and rat trap has at least one entrance for at least one mouse, rat, rodent, and the like to enter therethrough, a bait container for attracting mice, rats, rodents, and the like, and an activation sensor for detecting presence of the mice, rats, rodents, and the like having entered the mouse and rat trap; a moveable partition for pushing and entrapping the mouse, rat, rodent, and the like past the entrance to an electrocution platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Bok M. Kim
  • Patent number: 5943813
    Abstract: An enclosing mousetrap includes a tubular housing, trap plates at each end, and a hanging hook for connecting the trap plates to the tubular housing. The ends of the tubular housing and the trap plates each contain a pair of holes through which the hanging hooks are engaged to connect the trap plates to the tubular housing. The extended end legs of the hanging hooks clip over cutouts formed in the rim of the tubular housing. The trap plates each have a curved shape and freely swing inward to allow a mouse to have easy access into the interior of the tubular housing. Once inside, however, the mouse cannot exit the tubular housing because the first and second trap plates are disposed such that when the trap plates are pushed outward with respect to the interior of the tubular housing, a lower periphery of the trap plates engages with an inner wall of the tubular housing, which stops the trap plates from swinging outside the tubular housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: Ching-Long Wang
  • Patent number: 5918409
    Abstract: The tunnel trap is electrically powered and kills by electrocution. The animal trips two triggers (infrared beams for example), one near each end of the trap, so that the animal is entirely inside the trap when the trap is set off, electrocuting the animal by electric contacts with its head and feet. An elevator then lifts the animal so that it can roll and/or slide out of the trap through an opening in a side of the trap. The triggering allows doors, one at each end opening of the trap, to drop and cover the openings. There are grids on the doors, electrically connected when the doors are down. The animal contacts one door grid or the other as it attempts to escape and electrical current passes from its head to its feet which are on an electrical grid on the floor of the trap. As the elevator rises it lifts the doors to reset them for the next cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: James R. Carnwath
  • Patent number: 5867934
    Abstract: A rugged, low cost small animal trap is disclosed. The trap comprises (1) unitary setting mechanism, (2) swingably mounted bait holder, (3) trap door, and (4) a cage body. One end of the trap is fixed closed and the trap door is mounted slidably at the other end of the trap for movement between a first position which is set in an open position supported on at least two points on the externally controlled unitary setting mechanism and a second gravity closed position. The removable bait holder is baited by removing the handle and cover and then after the handle and cover are replaced, the trap is then externally set. When an animal moves the bait holder by pushing, the setting mechanism is moved toward the closed fixed end, thereby allowing the trap door to close by means of gravity and trapping the small animal alive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: Gerret B. Conover
  • Patent number: 5864982
    Abstract: An animal trap of the type having a base, back wall and side walls made of metal mesh and a roof or lid made of metal sheet. A vertically sliding door is provided at the front of the trap which is held in an upper open position by a trigger mechanism until the trigger mechanism is released by an animal stepping on a bait pan inside the trap. The trap is provided with door slides snap-fitted on the opposite side walls at the front of the trap which improves the rigidity of the trap and the effectiveness of door operation. The slides are extrusions in metal or plastic, each having a first channel which snaps onto the respective side wall and a second perpendicular channel forming a guideway receiving one edge of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: Clay E. Tully, William E. Askins
  • Patent number: 5862624
    Abstract: A cage-like animal trap has a door mechanism at a front end of the trap which closes on an animal inside of the trap when the animal steps on an internal trip pan while going for bait positioned at the rear of the trap. The door mechanism has a main body panel pivoted to the roof of the trap and a reactor plate pivotally connected to the bottom edge of the body panel and urged away from the body panel by a spring. In the open position, the body panel and reactor plate are squeezed together and lie flat against the roof of the trap held in place by a hook-like trigger in the roof. When the trigger is released by an animal stepping on the trip pan, the body panel of the door is lowered by gravity and the reactor plate springs away from the body panel with its top edge sliding outwardly along the inside of the roof until it engages a stop at the front of the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventor: William E. Askins
  • Patent number: 5845432
    Abstract: An animal trap of the type having a base, back wall and side walls made of metal mesh and a roof or lid made of metal sheet. A vertically sliding door is provided at the front of the trap which is held in an upper open position by a trigger mechanism until the trigger mechanism is released by an animal stepping on a bait pan inside the trap. The trap is provided with door slides snap-fitted on the opposite side walls at the front of the trap which improves the rigidity of the trap and the effectiveness of door operation. The slides are extrusions in metal or plastic, each having a first channel which snaps onto the respective side wall and a second perpendicular channel forming a guideway receiving one edge of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: Clay E. Tully, William E. Askins
  • Patent number: 5832656
    Abstract: In order to support a bait which attracts a rodent into a trap, a recessed post member is formed on a lid member and secured to a post member formed on a housing member which is closed by the lid, using a tape which is lapped about the posts. The tape interferes with easy access to the bait so that a rodent will gnaw through the tape. Once the tape is broken its retaining function is removed and the door is free to close under the influence of a spring produced bias. The shape of the recessed post member is selected to reduce the amount of contact area with the tape and to facilitate release of the post from the binding hold of the tape once the tape is rent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Richard W. Copenhaver, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5809688
    Abstract: A reusable trap capable of trapping rodents alive is self-locking. The trap comprises an elongated tube with a first terminus entry opening and a second terminus having a moveable closure door. A trapping door and latch means are mounted within the elongated tube in a manner which allows the trapping door to swing inwardly towards the second terminus by a pushing force supplied by the rodent. The latching means ensures that the trapping door cannot fully swing outwardly towards the first terminus nor can the door be pulled inwardly. A support member secured to the elongated tube at or near the second terminus elevates the second terminus and provides a slightly upwardly slope towards the second terminus when the trap is placed on a horizontal surface. The upward slope enhances the initial appeal of the bait and the trap to the rodent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventor: John D. Wallen
  • Patent number: 5791292
    Abstract: A carrier for small animals includes a removable front wall which serves as a door, as well as a removable bottom wall which serves as a sliding floor. An animal is captured by removing the sliding floor, enclosing the animal from above, and replacing the sliding floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: Lawrence Jempolsky
  • Patent number: 5778594
    Abstract: A cage-type animal trap has side walls which fold inwardly concertina-wise and end frames with sliding doors which fold up against the roof of the trap so that the trap can be collapsed into a compact package for storage and transportation. When the trap is opened out for use the end frames form braces rigidly supporting the side walls. A trigger mechanism on the roof of the trap holds both doors open so that an animal can enter the trap from either end. A pivotal trip pan in the base of the trap is connected by cables to the trigger mechanism. When an animal steps on the trip pan from either end, the trigger mechanism releases both doors which slide closed under gravity. The trap can optionally be operated with one of the doors remaining closed and can be provided in a non-collapsible version.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: William E. Askins, Gary Roulston, Joseph F. Fiore
  • Patent number: 5720125
    Abstract: A disposable mousetrap consists of a clear plastic tube having a fulcrum centrally located on the tube. Bait is placed at the bait end of the tube. The opposite end of the tube has a mouse entrance. When the mouse enters the mouse entrance he causes the tube to teeter downward at the bait end. A ping pong ball then rolls to close the mouse entrance. A hinged wedge locks the ping pong ball in place. A fulcrum rod is then snapped off. The rod is inserted into the hinged wedge and tube, thereby permanently trapping the mouse. The trap is then disposed as hazardous waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventor: Bill Oviatt
  • Patent number: 5682705
    Abstract: An animal trap has a rectangular housing with one or more access openings in the side. The preferred trap has two access openings in adjacent sides, at diametrically-opposed corners. A tunnel leads from each access opening into the container. Within the tunnel is a gravity door, pivoted at the top and sloping inwardly so that an animal may push the door open to enter the container but cannot open the door to the outside. The door is perforated and carries a lure housing on its inside surface. An odoriferous lure is carried in the lure housing to attract animals into the access opening an through the tunnel. For use in very cold weather, a heating wire, preferably battery powered, may be used to warm the lure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventor: Michael Stahl
  • Patent number: 5615514
    Abstract: An animal trap comprising an elongated, U-shaped cage with a cover and vertically slideable doors at each end is disclosed. The trap further includes a triggering mechanism that results in the activation of at least one trap door when an animal removes bait from a bait tray. The triggering mechanism includes a vertical bait pin positioned above a hole in the bait tray, a flexible linking means connecting the bait pin to a latch pin that holds the trap door in an open position. When the bait is removed from between the bait tray and the lower end of the bait pin, the bait pin falls and accelerates through the hole in the bait tray creating tension in the flexible member which actuates the latch pin allowing the trap door to fall and lock in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Mercury Aircraft, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph F. Meade, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5588249
    Abstract: A rodent trap including a bottom, two opposing side walls, a front wall with inlet opening, a rear wall with access door, a horizontal partition defining upper and lower compartments, and an openable top. The rear access door allows rodent bait to be placed in the lower compartment. The front wall inlet opening allows rodent entry to the lower compartment. In the lower compartment is disposed a pivotal trigger mechanism which is connected by linkage to a trip mechanism of a mechanical intensifier disposed in the upper compartment, and a kinetic member of the mechanical intensifier is in turn connected by linkage to a release means for a door vertically slidable from a position above the inlet opening to a position closing the inlet opening. A conventional spring-striker mouse trap may be used for said mechanical intensifier, trip mechanism and kinetic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Inventor: John Flinner
  • Patent number: 5577341
    Abstract: An improved animal trap in the shape of an expandable, collapsible, prismoidal box is made of cardboard and has a stiff square top and bottom and four side walls which are foldable to the outside along central folding lines by pressure onto the top. Each side wall has an inwardly extending tongue and at least two tongues on opposite side walls are connected by elastic bands or cntracting springs which pull the walls back from their folded position into a partially planar state as soon as the pressure on the top is released. The square tops are connected by a baited string which hold the trap in its partial planar state thus creating corner openings through which an animal may gain access to the trap interior and baited string. When the baited string is eaten, the contracting spring or rubber band pulls the walls to a fully planar position which now forms a closed prismoidal box thus trapping the animal inside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Rodentia, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Mollo
  • Patent number: 5564221
    Abstract: An animal trap entrance device for attachment to a container, so as to form an animal trap, is provided. The device includes a tube, a moveable member and moveable member stop disposed within the tube and a fitting attached to the outside of the tube for mating the device to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Inventor: Joseph Henriques
  • Patent number: 5502918
    Abstract: A "Y" shaped mousetrap lures a mouse into an open end of the "Y" by means of smelly bait located at a closed end of the bottom of the "Y". The "Y" is pivotally supported horizontally by a stand. As the mouse walks past the pivot point, a ping pong ball rolls from the opposite short "Y" tube member and down to the entrance of the open ended tube member. The mouse is trapped alive and can be drowned by immersing the mousetrap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Inventor: Bill Oviatt
  • Patent number: 5501031
    Abstract: A trap for mice or the like animal comprises a spring-loaded displacement member (17) supported by a frame (10) with an opening for receiving the head of the animal. The displacement member (17) is connected to the frame (10) by means of a securing line (27) extending within reach of the animal in the frame (10) inside the opening (22). The frame (10) is formed in one piece and comprises a front wall (12), in which the opening is placed and on the outside of which the displacement member (17) is arranged so as to be displaceable transverse to the opening (22). The displacement member (17) is spring-loaded by means of rubber bands (25 and 26) fastened to the frame (10) and protected on the front side of the front wall (12) by covering parts (15 and 16) formed integral with the frame. The frame (10) with the displacement member (17) is loosely placeable in a surrounding box with a closed rear wall, the opening (22) of the frame (10) facing an opening in the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Erik Molgaard
    Inventor: Joergen Heilesen
  • Patent number: 5452539
    Abstract: A method of carrying rats and an apparatus for trapping rats capable of solving problems of a prior art apparatus by repeatedly using a single carrier during the carriage of a rat. In the course of carrying a rat inside a duct toward a processing site, air flow is generated to move a carrier which pushes and moves the rat to the processing site but the carrier is held so as to be returned to its original position. At this time, another air flow is generate to return the carrier to its original position to prepare for a next trapping operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Ikari Corporation
    Inventors: Toshishige Kurosawa, Satoru Ishizaka, She Rin, Mutsumi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5367820
    Abstract: An animal trap is provided which facilitates the humane capture of animals, especially rodents such as mice. The main components of the trap include a valve and latch located within a housing. The latch moves in response to movement of a plate within the housing, upon which bait is placed, releasing the valve to securely seal an entrance way into the housing. The valve is guided into the entrance way by a shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Inventor: David Lafforthun
  • Patent number: 5347747
    Abstract: An improved animal trap 10 includes a housing 12 with a hinged lid 14 that may be locked in a closed position by way of a latch 18 and a pin 20. When the lid 14 is closed, a non-linear passageway is formed within the trap 10 with two rectangular cross-sectional passageways 22, 24 that are secured at a right angle to each other. External access to the non-linear passageway is made through an opening 26 in a wall of the housing 12. Each of the two passageways 22, 24 maintains a door 36, 38, respectively, that opens only inwardly with respect to the interior of the housing 12. The doors 36, 38 are substantially prevented from being opened from the inside of the housing 12 by way of the non-linear characteristic of the passageway and a corresponding pair of slotted pivot regions 32, 34, respectively. Animals are attracted to the trap 10 with bait that is confined within a protruding cylinder 42 having a mating cap 44.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Inventor: Joseph Henriques
  • Patent number: 5345710
    Abstract: An animal trap is disclosed. The trap comprises a tubular housing which can be too small to accommodate movement of an adult hand inside. A trap door is mounted at one end of the housing for movement between a first position, set or open position and a second, closed position. The other end of the housing is closed. The trap further comprises a door latch, a bait stick and a bait stick holder. The trap is set by positioning the door latch so that it keeps the door in the first position until the bait stick is disturbed, whereupon the door latch is released and the door moves to the second, closed position. The bait stick is supported in a bait stick holder which, in turn, is positioned in an aperture in the housing and engages a portion of the housing wall. The trap is constructed so that the bait stick and the bait stick holder can be removed from the housing for baiting the bait stick outside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Inventor: Ray Bitz
  • Patent number: 5329723
    Abstract: A rat and wild animal catcher mainly comprise a cage having two lateral open ends each having a gate the top edge of which pivotly connects to the top grid of the cage and the bottom edge of which extends outward and downward toward the bottom grid of the cage. A step member inside the cage is pivotly connected to the bottom grid of the cage such that when a rat or wild animal enters the cage and touches the step member, the step member is subjected to a downward force and causes the up lifted gates to fall down at the same time and close the open ends of the cage to prevent the caught rat or wild animal from coming out of the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Inventor: Chia P. Liul