Abstract: A system and method of detecting and signaling the activation of a spring-loaded rat trap located at a remote location. The system includes a wireless transmitter mounted inside a transmitter unit upon which a spring loaded rat trap is placed. When a rat is caught by the trap, the rat drags the trap over the top surface of the transmitter unit causing activation of one or more switches located on the top surface. The switch is coupled to the wireless transmitter that sends a signal to a wireless receiving unit located in the vicinity. Coupled to the receiving unit is a light or sound alarm that is activated when a signal is received from the transmitter unit indicating that the trap has been moved over the transmitter unit. The system may be used with one or more transmitter units so that system may be used to monitor rat infestation one or multiple locations.

Abstract: A rodent station includes a base with an entrance point and an exit point to allow a rodent to access the station. A hinged cover may be coupled to the base for housing an indicator device. The indicator device may be configured to show an operator that activity, such as capturing a rodent, has occurred within the rodent station. A killing device may be disposed in the base and configured to activate the indicator device upon being triggered by a rodent. The killing device may include an arm that rotates when triggered by the rodent. In one exemplary embodiment, a portion of the arm may contact a portion of the indicator device, resulting in an alert portion protruding from the cover of the rodent station, thereby indicating the triggering of the killing device. The indicator device may be, for example, a spring-loaded pop-up device or a rotating flag device.

Abstract: A rodent trap includes a base, a hoop pivoting relative to the base having a first and a second position, a bias arrangement, a retaining bar pivoting relative to the base and having a setting and a releasing position, a release arrangement comprising an over-center pivotally mounted keeper having first and second positions, the retaining bar including a locking lip to retain the hoop in a first set position when the retaining bar is in the setting position, the release arrangement for mounting a bait and release the retaining bar when subject to an upward force on the bait, the retaining bar automatically set to the setting position by drawing the hoop down onto the retaining bar against the bias and the retaining bar engaging a retaining lip of the release arrangement.

Abstract: An improvement on an animal trap that humanely and bloodlessly kills the object animal. The trap is particularly adapted to rodent rat snap-traps with upright life terminating engagement surfaces (LTES) that create a killing surface when the wire bail of the trap strikes the object animal.

Abstract: An animal trap having a jaw frame pivotally mounted to a base for pivotal movement between a cocked position and a sprung position. A spring means is provided for biasing the jaw frame towards the sprung position. A gear system is mounted proximate one side of the base that has a drive gear and a driven gear that are cooperatively engaged with each other. The driven gear is releasably engaged to the jaw frame when the jaw frame is in the sprung position. A lever means or electric motor is provided for the selective engagement with the drive gear. When the lever or electric motor is selectively engaged to the drive gear and is rotated, the drive gear is rotated causing the driven gear to rotate to thereby pivot the jaw frame to the cocked position. After the animal is trapped, the lever or drive gear is selectively engaged with the drive gear. This permits the jaw frame to be pivotally moved to the cocked position while simultaneously releasing the animal from the trap.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a magnetic mouse trap for catching mice including a magnet, a holding member, a trap bar, a spring bar, and a base to allow a person to trap mice without having the mice steal the bait before the trap is released. A person can attach the bait to the holding member using the magnet to prevent mice from stealing the bait without triggering the trap bar.

Abstract: An improved mousetrap has an upper jaw pivotally mounted with a lower jaw, and a bait platform mounted between the upper and lower jaws, The bait platform acts as a trigger to initiate jaw closure when depressed. A circumferential spring for closing the jaws around the bait platform encircles the jaws and is retained in a retaining groove of the lower jaw. The upper jaw has a rear, lower corner for retaining the spring when the jaws are open; and a rear, upper corner for retaining the spring when the jaws are closed. Contractile force of the spring pulls the spring from the lower corner toward the upper corner, to complete jaw closure.

Abstract: A rodent trap includes a base, a hoop pivoting relative to the base having a first and a second position, a bias arrangement, a retaining bar pivoting relative to the base and having a setting and a releasing position, a release arrangement comprising an over-centre pivotally mounted keeper having first and second positions, the retaining bar including a locking lip to retain the hoop in a first set position when the retaining bar is in the setting position, the release arrangement for mounting a bait and release the retaining bar when subject to an upward force on the bait, the retaining bar automatically set to the setting position by drawing the hoop down onto the retaining bar against the bias and the retaining bar engaging a retaining lip of the release arrangement.

Abstract: A rodent trap includes a pivotally mounted jaw which snaps to a closed position to enclose a rodent when activated by a rodent attempting to free itself from an adhesive coated removable trigger member. The trigger member and the rodent can be easily removed from the trap. The trigger member can be replaced with a new trigger member and the trap can be reset and reused.

Abstract: invention as presently conceived discloses a spring-loaded, baited mouse/rat/rodent trap device having a zig-zag configured spring trap bar. Although resembling a conventional spring-loaded mouse trap, the snap wire bar is not straight but has a “Z” or zig-zag shape. The zig-zag snap bar provides for a wider capture surface area of as much as an extra half-inch, dependent upon the overall trap dimensions. The bar's overall weight and wind resistance is still minor, and allows the bar to travel at a high rate of speed. The effective wider configuration makes it much more likely that the bar strike some part of the rodent's body resulting in a higher trap or kill ratio.

Abstract: An animal trap includes a base member, a spring-loaded pivotally mounted striker bail, a striker hold-down member, and a removable trigger member. The removable trigger member is pivotally mounted on the base member and includes a generally flat portion with upwardly directed flanges along defining peripheral edges. The upwardly directed flanges on the trigger member form a trough which may be filled with a non-drying, adhesive thereby forming an adhesive layer. The trigger member includes a catch portion which engages an end of the striker hold-down member. When a rodent touches the trigger member in an attempt to reach the bait, the rodent becomes ensnared by the adhesive layer. The motion of the rodent in an attempt to free itself moves the trigger member and causes the catch member to release the striker hold-down member thereby releasing the spring loaded striker bail which pivots to strike and kill the rodent.

Abstract: A trap and surrounding hollow station for killing target animals. The trap includes upturned sides that prevent debris from setting off the trap. The trap includes a safety catch that permits the striker to be cocked without setting the trigger. The trap includes a downwardly moving trigger retaining a bait against the trap base with a protective shell surrounding at least part of an edible bait and resisting deformation by the trigger. The station may be a sheet of foldable material that can be formed into a hollow housing with spaced apart end and side walls. Skirts on the base can be attached to a substrate to immobilize the station.

Abstract: A trap for rodents includes a trigger plate having an adhesive layer. A removable release layer covers the adhesive layer prior to use.

Abstract: The vertical rodent trap provides a rodent trap that is oriented in a substantially vertical direction and spaced apart from a support surface, thus requiring a rodent to achieve a substantially vertical position in order to attempt to remove bait therefrom. This vertical position of the rodent is optimal for capture and killing thereof. The vertical rodent trap includes a conventional rodent trap that is vertically spaced apart from a horizontal support surface, such as the ground. A base, adapted for being horizontally mounted on the horizontal support surface, is further provided, and the lower end of a rod is secured to the base. The rod projects upwardly from the base and supports the conventional rodent trap, both spacing the rodent trap from the base and vertically orienting the rodent trap. Preferably, steel wool is secured to a bait-receiving member of the rodent trap for retaining bait thereto.

Abstract: A single use, hermetically sealing mousetrap has a housing defining an enclosure that is accessible through a rotatably mounted door controlled by a spring-loaded door opening gear mechanism. Mounted to the bottom of the housing inside the enclosure is a spring-actuated setting axle/kill bar and setting bar combination that is movable between a kill position and a set position by manipulation of a setting handle positioned outside the enclosure. When the setting axle/kill bar is moved to the set position, the door opening gear mechanism causes the door to open while tensioning a torsional door spring. A trip latch and bait pedal are configured to operate together to secure the kill and setting bars in the set position, with subsequent movement of the bait pedal by a mouse serving to release the trip latch. When the trap is thereby triggered, the kill bar moves rapidly to the kill position while releasing the door opening gear mechanism. The tensioned door spring then closes the door.

Abstract: A mouse trap having a triggering plate is disclosed. It mainly includes a stationary base, rotatable cover, triggering plate, and a connecting rod assembly. When a mouse presses down this rear plate portion of the triggering plate, this rear plate portion moves down accordingly. It simultaneously lifts up a linking portion of the connecting rod assembly. Then, it will activate this rotatable cover to rotate from an opening position to a close position for avoiding a caught mouse escaping out. Besides, this invention's triggering sensibility is extremely high. It can trap a mouse that just tries to eat the bait. Plus, the caught mouse is hard to escape.

Abstract: The invention provides a trap for capturing and/or killing a mouse, the trap comprising: an enclosure comprising a base connected to at least one movable part and which houses a trigger; the trigger comprising an adhesive section; wherein the at least one movable part is urged against the force of a biasing means from a first position wherein the trap is in a closed state into a second position in which the trap is in a set state; wherein the at least one movable part is maintained in the second position by releasably engaging the trigger; and wherein the trap is triggered upon the mouse contacting the adhesive section and elevating the trigger so as to disengage the trigger from the at least one movable part so that it moves from the second position to the first position under the force of the biasing means.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a magnetic mouse trap for catching mice including a magnet, a holding member, a trap bar, a spring bar, and a base to allow a person to trap mice without having the mice steal the bait before the trap is released. A person can attach the bait to the holding member using the magnet to prevent mice from stealing the bait without triggering the trap bar.

Abstract: A gopher trap comprising has a first elongated body element pivotally attached at a substantially central point to a second elongated body element, a jaw structure at one end of each of the first and the second body elements such that the jaws close together by relative rotation of the body elements, a spring element placed to urge the first and second body elements apart on a side of the pivot point opposite the jaw elements, a moveable trigger mechanism spanning the two body elements on the jaw side of the pivot point, such that the trigger mechanism holds the jaws open until the trigger mechanism is tripped in a first direction, a tripping mechanism on the jaw side of the pivot point comprising a pivoted paddle extending forward and upward from a paddle pivot joined to one of the body elements, and a trip point that touches the movable trigger mechanism on one side, such that moving the paddle upward moves the trip point in the first direction.

Abstract: A trap having a housing and an entrance, a platform pivotally coupled to the housing, and a trigger that, when triggered by an animal, triggers the platform to pivot towards the housing to thereby trap the animal against the housing. The trap may further include a retention element for retaining the platform in the latched position and a biasing element biasing the platform towards the back wall when the trigger is triggered. The trap may further include one or more numbing fingers extending from the back wall. When the trap is triggered, an animal may be trapped between the platform and the numbing fingers.

Abstract: A trap having a housing and an entrance, a trigger plate pivotally coupled to the housing, and when triggered by an animal, the trigger plate pivots towards the housing to thereby trap the animal against the housing. The trap may further include a biasing element to bias the trigger plate towards the housing. The trap may further include blunt fingers extending from the back wall. When the trap is triggered, an animal may be trapped between the trigger plate and the blunt fingers.

Abstract: The vertical rodent trap provides a rodent trap that is oriented in a substantially vertical direction and spaced apart from a support surface, thus requiring a rodent to achieve a substantially vertical position in order to attempt to remove bait therefrom. This vertical position of the rodent is optimal for capture and killing thereof. The vertical rodent trap includes a conventional rodent trap that is vertically spaced apart from a horizontal support surface, such as the ground. A base, adapted for being horizontally mounted on the horizontal support surface, is further provided, and the lower end of a rod is secured to the base. The rod projects upwardly from the base and supports the conventional rodent trap, both spacing the rodent trap from the base and vertically orienting the rodent trap. Preferably, steel wool is secured to a bait-receiving member of the rodent trap for retaining bait thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mousetrap having an enclosure with a rotatable top part having a downwardly extending strike plate within the enclosure, and a bottom part having an upwardly extending catch plate within the enclosure, an aperture in each of the top part and the bottom part which are in substantial alignment when the mousetrap is set, and a trigger mechanism, wherein the mousetrap is set to incapacitate or kill the mouse by the manual rotation of the top part relative to the bottom part when a mouse activates the trigger mechanism causing the top part to rotate relative to the bottom part and thereby incapacitating or killing the mouse between the strike plate and the catch plate.

Abstract: A humane trap has a body with a lid at one end and an open end at the opposite end of the body thereof. A pair of coil springs have one end attached to the body and the opposite end attached to a strike retainer. The strike retainer having a strike extending integrally therefrom. The strike retainer and the strike rotating around an axis. A trigger rotationally attached to the body has a latch release part which releases a latch hooked into the latch release part. The latch releases the strike retainer. The strike retainer releases the strike.

Abstract: A novel type of an animal trap is provided for trapping animals of different sizes. The mechanism for controlling rotative movement of the trapping means provides high sensitivity of the trap. The trap is easy and safe to use and suitable for the purpose of controlling household rodents, such as mice, rats, or the like.

Abstract: One embodiment of a rat/mouse trap, reconfigured to increase efficiency of take down rates, utilizing two inline and opposing alloy bows (10) mounted on an elongated wooden platform or the main body (20). Mounting holes (18) one in each of the four corners, pre-drilled for ease of horizontal or vertical mounting. The opposing and inline bows (10) are rectangular in shape, comprised of sturdy alloy; two hold down rods (14), also comprised of a suitable alloy; two adjacent bait pedals (12), comprised of a material sturdy enough to hold rod in place and two tension springs (28), all of which are either adjacent or opposing. The trap is armed by pulling the bow (10) into the locking position with one hand and holding the bow (10) in place with the thumb while extending the hold down rod (14) over the bow (10) and placing the free angled end under the bait pedal (12) engagement surface, toward centerline (32) on the main body (20). This action is repeated on the opposite side.

Abstract: A versatile pest station for use with interchangeable inserts includes a housing, a lock mechanism, a first insert, and a second insert. The housing includes a base, a lid, and an opening. The base and the lid form a cavity, and the opening provides access to the cavity. The base has a bottom surface and is configured and arranged to be securely mounted to a surface. The lock mechanism interlocks the base and the lid. The first insert is configured and arranged to fit within the cavity, and the first insert includes an entrance mechanism. The second insert is configured and arranged to fit within the cavity, and the second insert includes a snap trap. The first insert and the second insert are interchangeable for individual use with the housing, and the first insert and the second insert are elevated relative to the bottom surface of the base.

Abstract: An animal trap remover holds and picks up a trap that contains a dead animal. The trap remover has a trap holder with a handle on it. The trap holder has a flat base that slides underneath the trap, two opposing sides that extend upward from the flat base, and flanges at the top of the two sides, with an opening between them. The handle is higher than the flat base.

Abstract: A rodent snap trap device includes a snap bar rotatably coupled to a base. The snap bar is rotatable between a spring biased, rest position and a loaded position. A unitary trigger is pivotably coupled to the base. The trigger includes a horizontal trigger portion with a rectangular platform and a vertical trigger portion with a catch. Disposed on an external side of the vertical trigger portion, the catch is located outside of a snap zone defined by a perimeter of the snap bar in the rest position such that setting up the trap does not require a user to expose his hand to the pathway of the snap bar. Adhesive material and/or rodent attractants may be disposed on a top surface of the rectangular platform. A removable cover is disposed over the platform, covering the adhesive material and/or rodent attractants.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an animal trap kit and method for luring animals to trap. The kit preferably includes a any well known animal trap in combination with a microencapsulated bait that can be applied during manufacturing of new traps or existing traps alike. The microencapsulated scent may be applied to the trap via brush, spray or adhesive backed tape. The bait can be activated by merely scratching the scented portion of the trap. Alternatively the microcapsules may be constructed and arranged for timed release of the scents, flavors or phermones contained in the bait.

Abstract: An animal trap includes a frame, a striker, a biasing member, a set lever and a trigger. The frame includes an upper wall, a first side member depending from the upper wall and a second side member spaced from the first side member and depending from the upper wall. The striker mounts to at least one of the upper wall, the first side member and the second side member. The biasing member biases the striker away from the upper wall toward a direction that the side members depend from the upper wall. The set lever retains the striker toward the upper wall. The trigger operatively connects to the striker via the set lever. Movement of the trigger a predetermined distance results in movement of the trigger.

Abstract: A method and a device for automatically detecting and signaling the presence of prey caught in a trap. The trap has inlet ports equipped with a one-way inlet mechanism such that once a rodent has passed a central point the rodent is contained within the trap. After the rodent has passed the central point, the trap is reset to the start position in order to attract additional prey. The trap is provided with a device for signaling the presence of vermin in the trap. The mechanism may be operable via a push button operated by movement of the vermin. Alternatively, means for detecting the rodent may include the use of vertical or horizontally elongated elements that are actuated by the movement of the vermin. A further embodiment includes a photocell, or a sensor, to indicate the presence of rodents. The mechanism for signaling may include lights or sound devices that can be secured to the trap or remotely activated via wired or wireless means.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant pest trap that has an outer housing that simulates a rock typically found in a garden or landscape area around a residence or building. The outer housing includes a substantially flat bottom member and a pivotally attached upper dome-shaped lid member. When the lid member is closed over the bottom member, a large cavity is formed inside the trap. Formed on the bottom member are two, inward extending tunnel cavities that form two partially concealed tunnels that extend under the trap when the trap is placed on the ground. Formed on the perimeter edge of the outer housing is an outer pest opening. From on the bottom member directly over the tunnel cavity is an inner pest opening that allows a rodent to enter the large cavity after traveling through the tunnel. Formed inside the outer housing is a holding tray designed to hold a rodenocide or a mechanical trap capable of killing the rodent. An optional bait paper tray is also formed in the bottom member to hold bait paper.

Abstract: A system for controlling rodents in the vicinity of dumpsters consisting of an assembly of two chambers joined together; the outermost having a rodent entry and exit port and the innermost having the same connecting to the outermost chamber. A rodent control device, either a mechanical trap or a chemical rodenticide coupled with bait is disposed in the innermost chamber. The assembly is positioned at the front and bottom of a dumpster with the innermost chamber forward of the outermost chamber such that when the dumpster is tipped forward for emptying, the rodent control device and any rodents in the innermost chamber will remain within that chamber.

Abstract: A rodent snap trap device includes a snap bar rotatably coupled to a base. The snap bar is rotatable between a spring biased, rest position and a loaded position. A unitary trigger is pivotably coupled to the base. The trigger includes a horizontal trigger portion with a rectangular platform and a vertical trigger portion with a catch. Disposed on an external side of the vertical trigger portion, the catch is located outside of a snap zone defined by a perimeter of the snap bar in the rest position such that setting up the trap does not require a user to expose his hand to the pathway of the snap bar. Adhesive material and/or rodent attractants may be disposed on a top surface of the rectangular platform. A removable cover is disposed over the platform, covering the adhesive material and/or rodent attractants.

Abstract: An animal trap includes a frame, a striker, a biasing member, a set lever and a trigger. The frame includes an upper wall, a first side member depending from the upper wall and a second side member spaced from the first side member and depending from the upper wall. The striker mounts to at least one of the upper wall, the first side member and the second side member. The biasing member biases the striker away from the upper wall toward a direction that the side members depend from the upper wall. The set lever retains the striker toward the upper wall. The trigger operatively connects to the striker via the set lever. Movement of the trigger a predetermined distance results in movement of the trigger.

Abstract: An arrangement for displaying the state of a plurality of animal traps is disclosed. Each trap senses the position of a movable trapping portion such as a trap door or jaw and rf transmits the state of the movable portion. A display unit receives the rf transmissions from the traps and identifies and displays the then current state of each trap. The rf signals may be periodically sent from the traps and/or they may be sent in response to a change in state of the movable portion.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and a method for making an apparatus (10) having a base portion (20) and a plurality of walls (12-18), wherein each of the plurality of walls (12-18) have at least one entry aperture (22), each of which having a certain width (30) which is substantially smaller than the width (51) of a conventional rodent trap (50) and a plurality of identical arcuately shaped extending ridges (24) which traverse the entire periphery of the plurality of walls (12-18), effective to contain a conventional rodent trap (50) and a rodent (100).

Abstract: A small animal trap has a base. The first end of the base has a horizontal support bar and a pair of loops. A trapping spring has a first beam coupled between the loops of the base, a second beam with a fixed end and a free end, and a coil continuous with the first beam and the fixed end of the second beam and coupled to the second end of the bar. In an active state the trapping spring is compressed and when expanded it is at rest. A retention device coupled to the loop includes an activation fork with a hoop end and a pronged end and also includes a retention pin. The hoop end is adapted to hold the retention pin with the free end of the second beam and the pronged end extending into the loops.

Abstract: An improved trap for a mouse of the type having a baseboard, a U-shaped jaw member that is pivotally mounted on the baseboard for pivotal movement from a cocked position to a sprung position, a bait pedal that is attached to the baseboard, and a trigger mechanism that has a longitudinal axis and which is operatively attached to the bait pedal and when the U-shaped jaw member is in the cocked position thereof the trigger mechanism is operatively connected to the U-shaped jaw member. The improvement includes the trigger mechanism allowing the U-shaped jaw member to achieve the sprung position thereof only when the trigger mechanism is rotated about the longitudinal axis thereof.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus and method for capturing or eliminating rodents in an aesthetically, unobtrusive manner.

Abstract: A rodent trap includes a platform having a flat upper surface, a spring loaded trapping member pivotally movable between cocked and actuated positions, and a retaining arm pivotally mounted on the platform at one end thereof and adapted to hold the trapping member in a cocked configuration. A diverter is mounted on the platform and has a vertical wall portion formed with an open ended slot adapted to receive a free end of the retaining arm. The diverter also has a bait anchor tab extending forwardly and at an acute angle relative to horizontal and relative to the free end of the retaining arm when the retaining arm overlies the trapping member in the cocked position. The tab may also be curved in an axial direction to receive the free end of the retaining arm in nested relationship. The trapping member may include an added transverse member to insure trapping of smaller rodents.

Abstract: A pest control article is provided which includes a pest control device such as a poisoned bait or trap and a decorative housing. The housing includes a decorative unit and a pedestal supporting the decorative unit. A compartment within the pedestal is provisioned with the poisoned bait or trap allowing the pest control device to be out of public view. Rodents or insects enter the compartment through one or more apertures within the pedestal so as to access a trap or poisoned bait.

Abstract: A housing includes a closed bottom, closed sides, an open receiving end and a closed rear end. The housing is adapted to receive a platform of a conventional mouse trap therein. A cocking handle includes a pair of handle arms attached to pivotal connections on the sides, and terminating at a cross-bar. A pair of bow urging arms are also attached to the pivotal connections. The bow urging arms have tabs at the distal ends thereof, which are adapted to be positioned beneath a bow of the mouse trap when the platform is slid into the housing of the cocking device. A safety latch is pivotally connected to the housing above the receiving end. By rotating the cocking handle, the bow urging arms urge the bow to a cocked position. The catch member is then pivoted inward to maintain the bow in the cocked position until the locking arm of the mouse trap is engaged in the bait pedal of the mouse trap.

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.

Abstract: An audio signaling device designed for mounting on spring-loaded rodent traps. The device audibly signals when its associated trap has been triggered. Upon reliable detection of triggering, an audio signal is emitted as an initial audio tone sequence followed by an audio beacon mode; wherein operation alternates between long periods of very low-power silent operation and short audio tone sequences. The device may be reliably attached to traps of various sizes and designs, while the power provided by the battery powers it for extended periods. Additionally the signaling device can be programmed to generate unique audio tunes while being easily manufactured from low-cost parts.

Abstract: A safety trap setting device for use in conjunction with a snap type trap having a selectively activated member. The safety trap setting device has a structure configured to accept at least a portion of the snap type trap therein and a mechanism for preventing the selectively activated member from becoming fully activated when at least a portion of the snap type trap is within the structure of the snap type trap.

Abstract: A rodent trap comprising a platform having a flat upper surface; a spring loaded trapping member pivotally movable between cocked and actuated positions; a retaining arm pivotally mounted on the platform at one end thereof and adapted to hold the trapping member in a cocked configuration, the retaining arm having a free end; a diverter mounted on the platform and having a vertical wall portion formed with an open ended slot; the diverter having a bait anchor extending forwardly and substantially parallel to the free end of the retaining arm when the retaining arm overlies the trapping member, whereby bait inserted over the free end of the retaining arm and the one end portion of the bait anchor serves to hold the retaining arm in overlying relationship with the trapping member.

Abstract: A trap for trapping and killing small animals such as rats and mice, is described. The trap comprises a stand, a pivoting clamp, journalled in the stand around a first axis. The clamp may be strained against the action of a spring which may be released by a releasing mechanism from a first, loaded position, when an animal acts upon the releasing mechanism. When released, the clamp immediately swings, acted upon by the spring, to a second position, where it hits and kills the animal. The clamp, extending from the first axis is provided with a first arm and a second arm. A first fastening point of the spring is provided at an end that is turned from the first axis of the first arm. The second fastening point of the spring is provided at the stand. The force line between the two fastening points of the spring runs through or in the vicinity of the first axis such that the spring exerts little or no or torque in the direction towards the second position of the clamp.

Abstract: The tunnel trap is for use on paths normally used by rats and has two trips operated sequentially. A rat entering either end of the tunnel activates one trip and advances into the tunnel, activating the other trip, releasing the spring driven striker. This procedure and specific proportioning of elements of the trap assures that regardless of which direction the rat is passing through the tunnel it will be trapped and killed. In a mechanical embodiment the striker is held and released by a latch which is activated by a plunger rod which is, in turn, held and released by two latches, one activated by one trip pad in the tunnel and the other by a second trip pad. Each pad extends from near one end of the tunnel toward its longitudinal center. The pad ends toward the center are a distance apart related to the size range and physiques of the rats to be trapped.