Abstract: A method for monitoring whether a number of a rat traps have been activated, where each tap has a moveable part, a fixed part, a switch and a signaling device, such than when the moveable part is moved towards the fixed part then the signaling device transmit a signal to a user's smartphone having a display on which display the user is informed whether a rat has gone into the trap. An opening size between the moveable part and the fixe part is detected indicating whether a rat, a mouse or a false alarm is detected. By the invention a beneficial and accurate way of monitoring the status rat traps are obtained.

Abstract: An animal trap according to one embodiment includes a first portion having an upper and a lower end; a second portion in sliding relationship with the first portion, wherein the first and second portions are relatively positionable between a cocked position and a deployed position; a biasing mechanism for biasing the first and second portions towards the deployed position; at least three unique members extending from the lower end of the first portion; a bottom portion coupled to a distal end of each of the unique members; and a trigger mechanism for selectively locking the first and second portions in the cocked position, the trigger mechanism having a trigger extending between the at least three unique members, wherein actuation of the trigger causes a release of the first and second portions from the cocked position. Additional embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A rodent trap covered base defines an enclosed interior accessible through a sliding plastic tunnel defining a passageway for rodents into the interior. The tunnel has a projecting strike member, and is biased by an underlying spring to a retracted position. A trigger engaging member extends from the tunnel to be retained by a catch on a trigger mounted to the base. When a rodent passes through the tunnel into the base interior, it is directed by barriers towards a rodent attracting bait. To reach the bait, the rodent must press against a pivotably mounted trigger, thereby dislodging the trigger from the trigger engaging member which releases the tunnel to be driven by the spring to retract along parallel tracks to bring the strike plate forcibly against the rodent within the trap, usually killing it, and closing the trap, which is then presented covered within the trap for disposal.

Abstract: The present improved animal trap and unique catch eliminates substantial eating or removal of the bait without the trap activating. This is accomplished by an improved catch which supports a piece of bait, and in turn, the bait blocks the movement of the holding arm bar. Only upon disturbance of the bait, will the holding arm bar be permitted to release from the catch due to the bait no longer blocking the movement of the holding arm bar. One embodiment accomplishes this action through a bait gap formed in the catch. The holding arm bar is aligned with the bait gap, such that the holding arm bar should pass through the bait gap in order for the pivoting kill bar hammer to snap closed against the top surface of the platform.

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: An animal trap for restraining animals, such as raccoons. The trap includes a hollow body having an entrance opening, an external and an internal grip member spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the body, and a biased restraint member adapted to move towards the grip members when released to engage an extremity of an animal inserted through the entrance opening. A trigger assembly is adapted to restrain the restraint member until proper engagement with a respective trigger member. The trigger assembly releases the restraint member via a first directional force or an opposite second directional force applied to a trigger member. A ground stake having jagged teeth and a swivel chain may be used for anchoring the trap.

Abstract: An animal trap for restraining animals, such as raccoons. The trap includes a hollow body having an entrance opening, an external and an internal grip member spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the body, both having a V-shape, and a biased restraint member having a V-shape and adapted to move towards the grip members when released to engage an extremity of an animal inserted through the entrance opening. Two interchangeable trigger assemblies are each adapted to restrain the restraint member until proper engagement with a respective trigger member. The first trigger assembly releases the restraint member via a first directional force or an opposite second directional force applied to a first trigger member. The second trigger assembly releases the restraint member via only the first directional force applied to a second trigger member. A ground stake having jagged teeth and a swivel chain may be used for anchoring.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a snap trap for small animals such as mice or rats, comprising a striking device which can be brought into a striking position and a standby position. The snap trap comprises a housing with a base and with an elongate inner compartment which is open at both longitudinal ends, at one longitudinal end of which an inlet opening leading to an, in particular tunnel-shaped, inlet section of the housing is arranged and at the other longitudinal end of which the striking device is arranged in a striking region of the housing. The disclosure is distinguished by the fact that the striking device is designed for at least partially closing an end opening of the inner compartment in the striking region of the housing and in particular completely closes the opening when the striking device is in the striking position.

Abstract: A trap with a housing having a first wall, an entrance, and a base; a latch mechanism coupled with the base; a pivoting platform pivotally coupled with the housing adjacent a juncture of the base and first wall and adapted to releasably engage with the latch mechanism; and a trigger plate assembly including a first trigger plate and a second trigger plate that are pivotally coupled with the pivoting platform. The first trigger plate is operably coupled with the latch mechanism and the second trigger plate is operably coupled with the first trigger plate. When the trap is triggered by an animal, the pivoting platform disengages from the latch mechanism and the pivoting platform and trigger plate assembly pivot toward the first wall of the housing, moving the rodent toward the first wall of the housing and trapping the rodent between the trigger plate assembly and the first wall of the housing.

Abstract: An animal trap for restraining animals, such as raccoons. The trap includes a hollow body having an entrance opening, an external and an internal grip member spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the body, both having a V-shape, and a biased restraint member having a V-shape and adapted to move towards the grip members when released to engage an extremity of an animal inserted through the entrance opening. Two interchangeable trigger assemblies are each adapted to restrain the restraint member until proper engagement with a respective trigger member. The first trigger assembly releases the restraint member via a first directional force or an opposite second directional force applied to a first trigger member. The second trigger assembly releases the restraint member via only the first directional force applied to a second trigger member. A ground stake having jagged teeth and a swivel chain may be used for anchoring.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mouse trap having retractable biting portions. It includes a base, a movable portion, and a trigger. The base has a front seat which has a lower outer edge and several receiving holes. The movable portion is disposed on the base and has a front frame portion and a restoring force generating element. The front frame portion is disposed with an upper outer edge and a plurality of retractable biting portions. These retractable biting portions are corresponding to the receiving holes. The restoring force generating element is able to urge the movable portion moving from the first position to the second position. So, it can capture a mouse quickly. The protruded length of each retractable biting portion is automatically adjusted. Hence, the captured mouse will not bleed so it is sanitary. The capture method is humane without sacrificing its capturing result. The safety of the product can be enhanced. Plus, the biting depth is automatically adjusted.

Abstract: An animal trap has a base, an upper jaw pivotally coupled with the base so that it is movable between a closed position and an open position, and a set arm that is pivotally coupled with the upper jaw and moveable between a collapsed position and an open position. In its open position, the set arm provides a lever whereby application of a force to the set arm moves the upper jaw toward its open position. A method for trapping an animal includes moving a trap between a first position, where the upper jaw is closed, and the set arm is collapsed, and a second position, where the upper jaw is closed and the set arm is open. The method further includes the step of moving the trap between a second position and a third position in which the upper jaw is open, and the set arm is open.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mouse trap having retractable biting portions. It includes a base, a movable portion, and a trigger. The base has a front seat which has a lower outer edge and several receiving holes. The movable portion is disposed on the base and has a front frame portion and a restoring force generating element. The front frame portion is disposed with an upper outer edge and a plurality of retractable biting portions. These retractable biting portions are corresponding to the receiving holes. The restoring force generating element is able to urge the movable portion moving from the first position to the second position. So, it can capture a mouse quickly. The protruded length of each retractable biting portion is automatically adjusted. Hence, the captured mouse will not bleed so it is sanitary. The capture method is humane without sacrificing its capturing result. The safety of the product can be enhanced. Plus, the biting depth is automatically adjusted.

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: A system (100) for monitoring the presence and activity of rodents and other pests comprising a base station (120) and a plurality of remote stations (11) which may be installed at positions around the premises to be monitored. Each remote station comprises a baited housing through which a rodent would pass. If a trap (20) is actuated it causes a signal to be transmitted to a base station (120) which in turn transmits an SMS message to a cellular telephone network (140). The system will determine which of the remote stations has been activated and will provide data as to the manner of activation. The system enables operators to monitor pest activity in premises such as food manufacturing facilities in order to control the presence and activity of such pests without the need for regular and frequent inspections of the remote stations.

Abstract: A plastic jaw or striker with downwardly facing teeth is pivotally mounted to a plastic base with mating upwardly facing teeth. A plastic trigger hangs from the base, and a coil spring extends between the jaw and the base rearward of the trigger. The spring holds the jaw in the set position, by engaging the rear of the jaw against the rear of the base. The trap is tuned to be not overly sensitive, avoiding springing of the trap by vibrations or insubstantial rodent entry. The spring or tension axis does not go through the trigger, simplifying construction and arrangement of parts. The open position is limited by the jaw engaging the base. The jaw is just over-center when set, such that a small movement towards closure does not trigger it. The trigger requires fairly large movement, facilitated by the raised pivot axis, to trigger the trap.

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: A trap for small noxious animals, such as mice, and comprising a holder (1) in form of a frame for holding a tightening element (3) in form of a shield. The trap (1) is arranged to be able to take a first, non-tightening position and at least a second, tightening position (12). The holder (1) shows a support (4) for a bait (20). The element (3), consisting of a sheet-metal, shows a setting-tongue (5) cut in the element (3), which tongue is arranged preloaded in the trap (1). In the said first position of the trap (1), the setting-tongue (5) is arranged at a distance from the support (4) and in the said second position (12) of the trap (1), an end portion (7) of the setting-tongue (5) is arranged to extend over the outer end (14) of the support (4) and touch the bait (20), while a second end portion (9) of the setting-tongue (5) is arranged to touch a stop in the holder (2).

Abstract: Dental hand tools including disposable water and air treatment cartridges. In various constructions, cartridges containing selected arrangements of disinfectant media mount to a detachable, hand tool adaptor manifold or to an integral hand tool manifold. The cartridges purify water and air discharged from the hand tool of undesired microbes and pathogens. Seals at a cartridge body retain the cartridge to the manifold and direct liquid and air flow over external surfaces of the cartridge to an interior cavity containing a halogen disinfectant media (e.g. a multi-valent iodine resin) and/or halogen scavenger media and porous spacers. A retainer may interlock the cartridge to the manifold and means may be included to prevent leaching of the disinfectant by the scavenger media. Various constructions of handpieces, syringes and scalers compatible with alternative adaptors or having integral cartridge manifolds are disclosed.

Abstract: An inexpensive rodent trap (10) is provided which may be set and emptied without a user contacting the trap (10) near a striker portion (36) of the trap (10). The trap (10) is effective for trapping a rodent (8) without bait since the trap (10) is configured such that the rodent (8) will enter the trap (10) as the rodent (8) moves along a floor (26) near a wall (14).

Abstract: A trap is provided for the extermination of rodents. A spring-loaded striker is maintained in a raised, loaded position by a release lever connectable with the striker through a projection and lug arrangement. A bottom opening is provided in the trap which receives the bait therein. The release lever is placed forwardly of the bait and in the path of movement of the rodent. The striker is mounted for arcuate movement. When a rodent engages the release lever, the striker and the release lever disengage thereby permitting the striker to rotate in an arcuate path to strike the rodent.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge assembly is provided for use with a rodent trap of the kind having a movable spring-loaded striker bar operable in response to a trigger mechanism. The disposable cartridge with a generally flat base and a flexible sleeve with a rigid opening at least at one end is mounted on a rodent trap so that the sleeve is disposed adjacent to the trigger of the trap. The rodent enters the sleeve and activates the trigger to be trapped. The entire cartridge assembly is then disposed.

Abstract: A molded plastic mouse or rat trap uses three separate molded pieces, namely a base, a striker and an actuator, which are releasably connected, in combination with metal springs for biasing the striker to a closed position. The components cooperate to provide a trap which is easier to operate. According to one embodiment, an extension spring is used to bias the trap to a closed position and in the set position, the spring force is primarily carried by the striker and base. Such an arrangement increases the sensitivity of the actuator, as only a small load is carried by the surfaces of the actuator and striker, maintaining the striker in the set position.

Abstract: An animal trap adapted for outdoor use to catch relatively small game animals and particularly adapted to be attached to a tree, post, or the like upstanding support and to be used independently of the height of snow and of other unfavorable ground conditions. This animal trap has a fixed jaw and a movable jaw. A bracket with arms projects away from the plane of the fixed jaw. The movable jaw is pivoted to an operative position angularly upwardly relative to the fixed jaw. A detent lever is pivoted between the arms of the bracket with an outer end forming a catch portion intercepting the movable jaw and holding it in operative position. A pair of spring wires operatively bias the movable jaw and cooperate with a chain to attach the trap to a tree, post, or the like, and the bait is attached to the detent lever to pivot the latter and release the movable jaw that then closes against the fixed jaw under the action of the spring wires.

Abstract: A baitless rodent trap is provided with a removable cartridge and disposable sleeve. A trap member with spring means, trigger, and striker means has a flat base, the base including, on the trigger end, means to receive a removable cartridge. The elongated cartridge includes toroidal collars on opposing ends. A sleeve is provided to stretch between the collars to form a tunnel. The cartridge is then attached to the trap member's base to form a T with the base. The cartridge sleeve is placed along a wall. A rodent enters the tunnel and contacts the concealed trigger which springs the trap. The sleeve or the entire cartridge and sleeve are disposed of with the rodent.

Abstract: A small animal trap includes a base, a jaw pivotally mounted to the base and biased to close to one end of the base, a latch bar releasably holding the jaw in an open position, and a touch-sensitive trigger mechanism releasably connected to the latch bar. The trap has a bait holder with the flat base having a top surface and a multitude of resiliently flexible fingers extending upwardly therefrom to hold the bait in the interstices therebetween from where the bait can be removed by an animal only in a manner which would significantly disturb the trigger mechanism, thereby springing the trap.

Abstract: A molded plastic mouse or rat trap uses three separate molded pieces, namely a base, a striker and an actuator, which are releasably connected, in combination with metal springs for biasing the striker to a closed position. The spring or springs are supported on stab shafts of the striker for ease of assembly and operation. The arms of the spring or springs cooperate with the base and striker to bias the striker and provide the required force to kill a mouse. The striker is shaped to simplify setting of the trap and cooperate with the actuator for maintaining the striker in the set position.

Abstract: A humane animal trap comprised of two pairs of laterally-spaced arms of spring wire material. Each pair of arms merges at its rear ends with a coil spring portion which strongly biases the two arms of each pair together. One arm of each pair is forwardly joined to a rigid transverse striking bar adapted to be set in upwardly- vertically-spaced relation to the lower arms of each pair, whereby releasing the striking bar causes it to descend with sufficient force to instantly section the spinal cord of an animal. Setting means and release means are provided to achieve this. A locking means is further provided to prevent injury while setting the trap. An alternate embodiment is adapted to trap smaller animals.

Abstract: An animal trap having a hollow elongated body; a snare having a cable with a mechanism at one end for slidably engaging one end of the cable to the cable so as to form a loop of variable diameter, the loop encircling an interior cross section of the body; a spring biased spring arm pivotally mounted to the body, the free end of the spring being engageable with the free end of the cable; and, a trigger mounted interiorly of the body and extending through the body and engageable with the spring arm, the trigger holding the spring arm in tension with the spring biasing, and releasing the spring arm when pulled by an animal appendage inserted into the hollow body, so as to tighten the snare around the appendage.

Abstract: A novel mouse trap is provided herein. The trap includes a base, a sensing platform having a forward end and a rearward extension and pivotable as a first class lever about an intermediate fulcrum. A spring loaded garrot wire is movable between a spring-load position extending rearwardly of the base and a spring-released, tripped position extending forwardly of the base, holding means for holding the garrot wire in its spring-loaded position and trip bar means for releasing the holding means to allow the garrot wire to move to the spring-released, tripped position. The essence of the invention resides in the provision of a combined holding member and trip bar, of a particular specified shape and having one essential element extending rearwardly from the sensing platform and lying beneath the garrot wire when the garrot wire is in the spring-loaded position. The linkage is pivotal about a fulcrum, and is held to the garrot wire by the holding member.

Abstract: An alarm housing for a rodent control device such as a spring actuated trap. A frame with opposed side and end members defining a trap opening for receiving the trap, and an electrical switch mounted in the frame so that positioning of the trap in the frame moves the switch to one circuit condition. Tripping of the trap by a rodent produces a lifting action which moves the trap upward out of the frame permitting the electrical switch to move to the opposite circuit condition thereby providing an indication of actuation of the trap.

Abstract: A rodent trap is disclosed having a pivotally mounted bait carrier with a catch hole, a cam surface and a magnetic flap biased to an initial trap setting position by a magnet. Thumb pressure is applied to a spring-biased striking bar comprising a major loop and a minor loop wherein the end of a trigger-setting arm is caused to bear down on the cam surface thereby pivotally moving the bait carrier flap substantially from the effect of the magnet and the trigger arm end enters the catch hole and sets the trap.An alternative bait carrier is disclosed which is mounted to the base for wobbly movement so that the lateral as well as vertical movements of the bait arm are effective to spring the trap. The bait carrier and trigger setting arm end cooperatively engage in such a manner as to automatically align the wobbly bait carrier during the trap setting procedure.

Abstract: An accessory for coil spring traps utilized in enhancing the spring strength of the trap and including a spring mounting frame capable of accommodating either one or two booster springs. The spring mounting frame includes a base bar with a pair of laterally spaced sleeves projecting therefrom for mounting reception over the normally extending free ends of the spring frame of a coil spring trap. The sleeves in turn mount auxiliary coil springs, the opposed projecting ends of which engage beneath the trap across member and one of the jaw manipulating follower plates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement in rodent traps which allows traps to be pre-set and pre-baited during manufacture, placed in an appropriate housing and discarded after use. The trap consists of an essentially traditional spring biased killing jaw with a novel retaining device and release trigger. A retaining cord holds the jaw in a loaded position and is disposed to release the jaw when the cord is severed by being chewed by a rodent eating the bait which is impregnated into the cord at a point along its length between tie-down points.

Abstract: A trap for mice or other small animals has an open-topped box-like base to which are hinged a striker and a combined bait holder and retainer, an elastic band tensioned between the striker and base urging the striker down from a raised or set position to striking position, entering the base, the retainer being releasably engageable with the striker to hold it in set position until the bait holder is depressed to free the striker to be driven to striking position, the base, the striker and the bait holder and retainer being assembled from a single blank of sheet material, the striker and the bait holder and retainer being hinged to the base along bend lines in this material.

Abstract: A mousetrap in which the spring-loaded trapping bail is held in the set position by a dog disposed on a tab resiliently hinged to the frame of the trap. A trip lever causes the tab to be moved away from the bail when the bait is touched, so that the dog releases the bail, which then moves under the action of a coil spring to trap the animal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an animal trap comprising a tunnel shaped housing, which is open at one of its ends, at the opening or entrance end of which housing a clamping device is provided, which is movable in the cross direction of the housing, the clamping device being released by actuation of a sensing organ located behind the same.

Abstract: A first elongated base bar for disposition in a horizontal position is provided and a second elongated bar has one end pivotally anchored relative to one end of the base bar for angular displacement between a first upstanding cocked position disposed generally normal to the first bar and a second horizontal closed position closely adjacent and generally paralleling the first bar. A follower is loosely engaged with the aforementioned one ends of the bars and slidable therealong and spring structure is operably connected between the base bar and the follower strongly yieldingly biasing the follower along the base bar toward the other end thereof, whereby movement of the follower along the base bar from its one end to the other end will cause rapid swinging movement of the second bar from the first upstanding cocked position thereof to the second horizontal closed position thereof closely paralleling the base bar.

Abstract: An animal trap has two legs that are urged together by a spring, but are prevented from such movement by a pivotable cap on the end of one leg when the trap is set. A tongue mounted on a sleeve on the same leg as the cap prevents the cap from pivoting until an animal rotates the sleeve by displacing a trigger arm mounted on the sleeve. The cap has a convex tab which coacts with the flat tongue to permit the trap to be tripped even upon an incomplete rotation of the sleeve by the animal.

Abstract: An animal trap is disclosed. The trap comprises a frame, a stationary jaw mounted on the frame, a movable jaw pivotally mounted on the stationary jaw, springs, interconnecting the frame and the movable jaw for moving the movable jaw in contact with the stationary jaw, a trigger element interconnecting the frame and the movable jaw, such trigger element being in the shape of a flat strip having the ends thereof slightly curved inwardly to hold the frame and the movable jaw together when the trap is set, and a bait holder depending from the trigger element whereby a slight displacement of the bait by an animal will disengage the trigger element from the movable jaw to release the trap.

Abstract: A rectangular frame base acts as a lower jaw and is provided with a pair of upper frame type jaws pivoted centrally of the base frame. A hair-pin type spring is engaged around one side of the base and operatively engages the upper frames between same normally urging them from a set position at which position they are substantially perpendicular to the base, to a sprung position at which position they lie substantially upon the base frame. A cruciform trigger assembly is pivotally supported upon one upper jaw and may be detachably engaged with the upper jaw to hold the upper jaws in the substantially spaced and parallel position relative to one another in the set position. The trigger is sprung by movement of same parallel to the base frame or downwardly towards the base frame.

Abstract: An animal trapping apparatus has a pair of box-shaped jaws that are held in a closed position by a biasing means at one of their ends and which are retained in an open trigger set position, against the force of the biasing means, by an actuator rod that extends between the other ends of the jaws. A sensitive triggering device for this trap is achieved by positioning the lower bait carrying end of the rod for pivotal rotary movement on the inner base surface of one of the jaws and by providing a bent catch portion on its upper end that is readily disengageable from the other jaw whenever a slight contact is made with its bait retaining end and simultaneous turning of the rod on the inner base surface occurs.

Abstract: A trap having jaws closed by a spring and a winding shaft on which the operating spring is mounted. The shaft is capable of being rotated in one direction by use of a lever to apply a selected amount of tension to the spring and normally is held against rotation in the opposite direction by a ratchet mechanism. The trap has a trigger assembly connected to a bait holder by a release member so that the set trap is released only in response to a pull exerted on the bait holder.

Abstract: This invention relates to animal traps and in particular single jaw traps which will prevent the caught animal from self injury to its leg.There have been many varieties of animal traps. The most common spring-type traps, upon being tripped will clutch the animal's paw in a strong vice-like grip having the full force of the spring behind it. This type of trap often injures the animal's leg and it causes extreme pain to the trapped beast. Very frequently the trapped animal will gnaw off its own leg in an effort to free itself from the trap, thus resulting in a maimed animal and an inhumane trapping device.

Abstract: One end of a base plate is formed with an elongated opening and the other end rotatably supports the base end of an elastic plate whose free end is inserted in the above mentioned elongated opening. The elastic plate is longer than the base plate and formed with an engagement projection adjacent the free end thereof. In setting the elastic plate, it is upwardly curved and an engagement member is interposed between the upper surface of the base plate and the engagement projection so as to engage the elastic plate and maintain its curved condition. The engagement member will be moved by a small animal taking a bait or by the weight of a small animal treading on the base plate. Such movement of the engagement member results in relieving the engagement, so that the elastic plate is instantaneously elastically restored to its flat condition, thereby trapping the small animal by squeezing it between the base plate and the elastic plate.