Choking Or Squeezing Patents (Class 43/85)
  • Patent number: 11419325
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a retaining assembly for an animal trap. The retaining assembly includes a housing configured to be mounted to a base of the animal trap. A drawer is slidably coupled to the housing between a first position and a second position. A retaining feature is coupled to the drawer. The retaining feature is configured to engage with a retaining arm of the animal trap in the first position and disengage from the retaining arm in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Plasticos Global Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Cosentino, Douglas Hanneken
  • Patent number: 10798935
    Abstract: An animal trap includes: a bait, a support, and an elastic band, wherein in a set state the support supports the elastic band in an expanded state, and wherein removal, consumption or destruction of the bait by an animal: causes the elastic band to contract around the animal to kill the animal; or causes the elastic band to drive a kill mechanism to kill the animal. Animal traps may be formed substantially or entirely of biodegradable materials. Animal traps may be adapted for aerial distribution. A trap dispenser may dispense traps as they are triggered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: GOODNATURE LIMITED
    Inventors: Craig Richard Bond, Robert Blair Van Dam, Stuart William Barr
  • Patent number: 9545095
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and kit for the extermination of pests, including animal pests such as vermin. The invention relates generally to a spring-less extermination apparatus which kills pests with stretchable rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventors: David Wells, Luc Desbonnets
  • Patent number: 8898952
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Carlis G. Stephens
  • Patent number: 8881447
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Carlis G. Stephens
  • Publication number: 20140298711
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Carlis G. Stephens
  • Publication number: 20140259874
    Abstract: An animal trap having an enclosure body, a restraint, and a latching and triggering mechanism is provided. A method of using this animal trap is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Quade A. Kimball, Shawn W. Inglis, Ralph W. Inglis
  • Patent number: 8793926
    Abstract: The invention is an improved animal foot snare adapted to be used with a foot snare triggering device, comprising a snare cable with an anchoring device end and an opposite snare end and a chain with a loop slidably located on the snare cable proximal to the snare end. Said chain has a second locking end intermediately located along the cable, forming a noose with said cable. The locking end has a breakaway means in connection with a one-way locking means slidably attached to said cable which secures said chain to the snare cable for cinching the foot snare. Said device has a swiveled cable pulley slidably located along the snare cable between the locking end and the anchoring device end, where said pulley has a snare attachment means releasably installable to a foot snare triggering device, adapting the present invention to be used with foot snare triggering devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Universal Select-A-Catch, LLC
    Inventor: Michael James Hoggan
  • Publication number: 20140190070
    Abstract: The foot snare triggering device of the present invention is designed to be used with a foot snare, and comprises a trigger plate assembly, having a tension adjustment means which allows the trigger plate assembly to pivotally yield to vertical pressure. A trigger mechanism has a trigger end set within said plate assembly and a mechanism end attached to an extension mechanism, and a snare attachment port located within the trigger mechanism for releasably securing a foot snare by moving longitudinally when the trigger mechanism is engaged by pressure to said plate assembly allowing a foot snare to be released from the snare attachment port after triggering said device. A pan is pivotally connected by a hinge to the plate underside distal to the pan tension adjustment means. The pan has a trigger mount located adjacent to the trigger assembly connection through which the trigger mount engagingly receives the trigger mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Steven DeMers
  • Patent number: 8701334
    Abstract: The foot snare triggering device of the present invention is designed to be used with a foot snare, and comprises a trigger plate assembly, having a tension adjustment means which allows the trigger plate assembly to pivotally yield to vertical pressure. A trigger mechanism has a trigger end set within said plate assembly and a mechanism end attached to an extension mechanism, and a snare attachment port located within the trigger mechanism for releasably securing a foot snare by moving longitudinally when the trigger mechanism is engaged by pressure to said plate assembly allowing a foot snare to be released from the snare attachment port after triggering said device. A pan is pivotally connected by a hinge to the plate underside distal to the pan tension adjustment means. The pan has a trigger mount located adjacent to the trigger assembly connection through which the trigger mount engagingly receives the trigger mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Universal Select-A-Catch LLC
    Inventor: Michael Steven DeMers
  • Publication number: 20130291425
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Carlis G. Stephens
  • Patent number: 8490323
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: OMS Investments, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Nathan, Matthew L. Philips, Lynn Briggs, Thomas Paul Danniger, Richard Gene Foster, Kenneth E. Schlack, Mou Li Lin, Di Jun Yan
  • Patent number: 8484886
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Carlis G. Stephens
  • Patent number: 8397426
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser (Australia) PTY Limited
    Inventors: Brendyn Murray Rodgers, Duncan McLeod Watson, Jeffrey West
  • Patent number: 8371062
    Abstract: The animal trap of the present invention includes a tubular body with an open forward end and a closed rear end. A spring loaded restraint is pivotally mounted on the body so as to be movable between open and closed positions. A latch on the body engages the restraint to set the restraint in the open position. A trigger on the body engages the latch to set the trap. The trigger is movable in opposite forward and rearward directions by an animal, such as a raccoon, reaching its paw into the housing and pushing or pulling the trigger leg, such that the latch is disengaged and releases the restraint, which is forced by a spring to the closed position to catch the animal's paw in the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Neil Ziegmann
  • Publication number: 20120304527
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and kit for the extermination of pests, including animal pests such as vermin. The invention relates generally to a spring-less extermination apparatus which kills pests with stretchable rings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: David Wells, Luc Desbonnets
  • Patent number: 8230642
    Abstract: The animal trap of the present invention includes a tubular body with an open forward end and a closed rear end. A spring loaded restraint is pivotally mounted on the body so as to be movable between open and closed positions. A latch on the body engages the restraint to set the restraint in the open position. A trigger on the body engages the latch to set the trap. The trigger is movable in opposite forward and rearward directions by an animal, such as a raccoon, reaching its paw into the housing and pushing or pulling the trigger leg, such that the latch is disengaged and releases the restraint, which is forced by a spring to the closed position to catch the animal's paw in the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Neil Ziegmann
  • Publication number: 20120060405
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Carlis G. Stephens
  • Patent number: 8079174
    Abstract: A leg snare apparatus and method for capturing animals uses a mechanical throw arm, that when triggered by an animal of sufficient size stepping on the pan, throws a snare up and around the leg of the animal. The pan tension of the device may be readily adjusted to avoid being triggered by lighter weight non-target animals, and the pan may also be leveled. Moreover, the snare is supported so that it cannot be readily dislodged after the apparatus is set, the loop is not deflected out of its proper position when the apparatus is triggered, and the loop is retained in place until the throw arm has moved it high up the animal's leg or foot. Should the apparatus be triggered by larger, non-target animals, the apparatus includes a break-away snare to allow the animal to escape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: John W. Turman, Joseph P. Albee, Jr., Terrance A. Cox, Donald R. Simms, Ronald I. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20110289821
    Abstract: A raccoon foot-restraining trap has a bait trigger that is sized and shaped, for example in the form of a ring, to snag the foot of the raccoon as the foot is pushed into the trap in an effort to obtain bait. The bait cannot be touched by the raccoon without also activating the trap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Gary D. Bonnot
  • Publication number: 20110271583
    Abstract: An extermination device for exterminating pests includes a holder, trigger mechanism and a resilient ring mounted on the holder. When a pest actuates the trigger mechanism, the ring is released from the holder onto the pest, thereby killing the pest in a humane manner. A cover may be provided to protect the trigger mechanism from dirt and animals larger than target pest size. A loading device having a tapering body adapted to allow a resilient ring to be expanded from the narrow end to the wide end of the tapering body, wherein the wide end includes a formation adapted to engage with a holder of an extermination device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Graeme William Sturgeon, David James Calder McCormick, John Russel Neustroski, David Wells, Luc Desbonnets
  • Patent number: 8042299
    Abstract: The mole trap includes a base assembly and an upper movable frame. Two vertical guide rods are attached to the base assembly and pass through the bores through the upper movable frame. Springs urge the movable frame away from the base. Two U-shaped rods are attached to the movable frame and extend under the base. An upper horizontal pin is fixed to the movable frame. A lower horizontal pin is fixed to the base. A tension link connected to the upper pin. A recess in the link receives the lower pin and holds both springs in loaded condition. A bracket with a tension link recess is pivotally mounted on the lower pin. A tension link release surface on the bracket releases the tension link when a mole sensor pivots the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Inventor: Elgin Glen Brown, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7921593
    Abstract: A trap having a housing, and a snare pivotally joined with the housing. The trap has an opening that provides a passageway for a rodent to enter the housing. The snare may pivot between a first position and a second position. In the first position, a rodent may enter the housing and position itself at least partially in the snare. A trigger is located inside the housing, so that when the trigger is triggered by a rodent, the snare pivots to its second position, snaring at least a portion of the rodent in the snare, and trapping against the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: SMG Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Everett, Matthew L. Phillips, Lynn Briggs, Thomas Paul Danniger
  • Patent number: 7918050
    Abstract: An extermination device for exterminating pests includes a holder, trigger mechanism and a resilient ring mounted on the holder. When a pest actuates the trigger mechanism, the ring is released from the holder onto the pest, thereby killing the pest in a humane manner. A cover may be provided to protect the trigger mechanism from dirt and animals larger than target pest size. A loading device having a tapering body adapted to allow a resilient ring to be expanded from the narrow end to the wide end of the tapering body, wherein the wide end includes a formation adapted to engage with a holder of an extermination device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventors: Graeme William Sturgeon, David James Calder McCormick, John Russel Neustroski
  • Publication number: 20100275503
    Abstract: The animal trap of the present invention includes a tubular body with an open forward end and a closed rear end. A spring loaded restraint is pivotally mounted on the body so as to be movable between open and closed positions. A latch on the body engages the restraint to set the restraint in the open position. A trigger on the body engages the latch to set the trap. The trigger is movable in opposite forward and rearward directions by an animal, such as a raccoon, reaching its paw into the housing and pushing or pulling the trigger leg, such that the latch is disengaged and releases the restraint, which is forced by a spring to the closed position to catch the animal's paw in the tubular body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventor: NEIL ZIEGMANN
  • Publication number: 20090313879
    Abstract: The trap consists of a prism-shaped main body (1); 8-shaped jaw membrane (2), see FIG. 6, made out of a single piece of metal wire and loosely attached to a J-shaped spring (3), also made out of a single piece of metal wire; threat (5) that connects the spring with the drum and the arrester that prevents the mouse from backing; Main body represents a right square prism bearing a circular opening situated symmetrically in its base (B), which leads to a cylindrical hole (7). Said hole continues into the body longitudinally, three forth of the prism length along axel Z. Bait is set at the deep end of the hole (7). The wire that shapes the J-shaped spring is formed into a larger ring at its one end, forming the spring, as shown on FIG. 6.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Khymych Vasyl
  • Publication number: 20090288332
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: Reckitt Benckiser (Australia) PTY Limited
    Inventors: Brendyn Murray Rodgers, Duncan McLeod Watson, Jeffrey West
  • Publication number: 20090282727
    Abstract: A rodent trap comprising a body having a viewing aperture; a depressible trip located below the viewing aperture; a retainer operatively connected to the trip; a striker including a carriage; a pair of rails in which the carriage is able to slide, the rails located adjacent the viewing aperture; a biasing member connected to the striker to move the carriage; wherein the carriage is held in a set position by the retainer, the retainer releasing the carriage from the set position when the trip is depressed to allow the biasing member to move the carriage along the rails and across the viewing aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Richard Anthony Bell
  • Patent number: 7607254
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Chang-Hsiu Huang
  • Publication number: 20090151225
    Abstract: A trap having a housing, and a snare pivotally joined with the housing. The trap has an opening that provides a passageway for a rodent to enter the housing. The snare may pivot between a first position and a second position. In the first position, a rodent may enter the housing and position itself at least partially in the snare. A trigger is located inside the housing, so that when the trigger is triggered by a rodent, the snare pivots to its second position, snaring at least a portion of the rodent in the snare, and trapping against the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Peter J. Everett, Matthew L. Phillips, Lynn Briggs, Thomas Paul Danniger
  • Patent number: 7543407
    Abstract: A trap including a housing having an inner wall and a first opening and a trigger that is inserted into the first opening. The trigger having an edge contacting the inner wall when the trap is armed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventor: James A. McCulloch
  • Publication number: 20090090042
    Abstract: The object of the invention is a device for trapping a mole, in particular for the purpose of its eradication, forming a passage (10) through which the mole can travel and comprising a support (12) and means (14) for immobilizing said mole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicants: DE SANGOSSE, SIPLAST
    Inventors: Romain Lasseur, Bruno Mathieu
  • Patent number: 7506471
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser (Australia) PTY Limited
    Inventors: Brendyn Murray Rodgers, Duncan McLeod Watson, Jeffrey West
  • Patent number: 7461478
    Abstract: A trap apparatus includes an elongated base plate defining a trap aperture in a lower portion thereof, and a pointed bottom end. Slide grooves are defined along each side of the base plate. A trigger arm extends over the trap aperture, and is pivotally attached to move away from and toward the base plate. A slide plate is engaged in the slide grooves and slides up to a raised cocked position where the slide plate is above the trap aperture, to a lower tripped position. A bias element exerts a downward bias force on the slide plate toward the tripped position. Trip elements on the arm and slide plate engage to maintain the slide plate in the cocked position. Movement of the lower end of the trigger arm away from the base plate releases the slide plate to move to the tripped position in response to the bias force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Leroy Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20080083155
    Abstract: This invention relates to a structure of a snare that is designed to reduce animal awareness of the presence of the snare. The structure of the snare includes: 40? of 3/32? steel cable which is crimped three times in 8? increments from one end, two ?? steel nuts that are crimped onto one end of the cable opposite the crimped end, a 1¼? round cut piece of ?? thick steel that has holes drilled on opposite sides and is shaped to a 90 degree angle from the middle which slides on the cable, 8? of small gauge steel wire that is looped and affixed to the end of the cable with the two steel nuts, a small aluminum swagger that is crimped on the end of the 3/32? steel cable opposite the two nuts and a ?? steel washer that slides on the cable prior to the swagger being attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventor: Carl Russel Waybright
  • Patent number: 7281349
    Abstract: An assembly includes an anchor plate that is formed from steel and has opposing sides spaced from the axis and extends parallel thereto. The anchor plate is further provided with spaced apertures formed therein. One elongated stake is inserted through one aperture and interfitted into the ground so that the anchor plate is prohibited from being disengaged from the ground. A chain includes child links connected end-to-end and parent links having a greater thickness and diameter than the child links. The parent links are fastened to one of the apertures and the animal trap, and are fastened to outer ones of the child links. The chain is formed from steel. The anchor plate and one stake resist external forces acting on the chain so that the animal trap is prevented from moving beyond a maximum distance defined by a length of the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Duane Bolstad
  • Patent number: 7231738
    Abstract: With reference to a preferred embodiment as depicted in FIG. 4, the present invention provides a mousetrap comprising a first part (5) and a second part (10) that together define an enclosure wherein the first part (5) and the second part (10) are operably connected to a first biasing means (60). Within the enclosure is retained a lever (45) having a first end (47), a bridge (49), a pivot means (40), a releasable catch means (57) and a second biasing means (55). The second biasing means (55) biases the lever (45) into a resting position. By virtue of the second biasing means (55), the mousetrap is able to be set when held in any orientation, and is also stabilised (i.e, accidental activation of the mousetrap is avoided, or at least minimised, when the mousetrap is turned in any orientation, for example, on its side or upside down).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser N.V.
    Inventors: Duncan McLeod Watson, Brendyn Murray Rodgers
  • Patent number: 7171777
    Abstract: The invention comprises a trap (1), adapted for small animals, generally shaped as a tunnel part (A), where one end area (1) of the tunnel part is shaped and adapted to a space (B), intended for a bait (100), where this space (B), in a direction with the tunnel and towards its other end area (A2), is demarcated by one or several mechanism-releasing means, such as threads (31), and where an open snare (32) is oriented, in any case close to the floor and wall sections of the tunnel, and positioned in a direction into the tunnel, is relationship to the mentioned means or threads (31), where the mentioned means of threads (31) are adapted to, via a pulling tensional force or corresponding, let a mechanism (2) constrict an open snare in an activated position, and at broken threads or similar, let the mechanism pulling the snare be deactivated, when the mentioned mechanism consists of a spring arrangement, among other things.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: John Henrik Guy Welin-Berger
  • Patent number: 7104005
    Abstract: A mole trap has a pair of spring-loaded jaws. A platform is pivotally connected to the jaws to limit the travel of the trap into the ground and to stabilize the trap on the ground when it is set. A lever assembly forces the jaws open and sets the trap. An adjustable trigger mechanism is positioned on the ground above a mole burrow. The disturbance of a mole traveling beneath the trigger causes the lever assembly to collapse, thereby permitting the jaws to close and destroy the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Thomas H. Holtgrefe, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7069688
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: Daniel J. Hill
  • Patent number: 6732472
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Harold C. Matlock
  • Publication number: 20040079024
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Harold C. Matlock
  • Patent number: 6658787
    Abstract: An animal trap designed to restrain a raccoon. The trap has a spring trigger on which the bait is placed and a double swivel anchor chain to hold the trap. A movable restraint bar actuated by the release of the trigger and an internal fixed grip bar hold the paw of the raccoon inside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Gary D. Bonnot
  • Patent number: 6578314
    Abstract: A combination mole trap and choke for use with the mole trap. The choke effectively functions to reduce the size of the opening through which the mole passes. The choke ensures that upon passage of a mole through a tunnel, the trap will activate thereby causing the jaws to come together on the mole. The choke may be removably or permanently secured to the free end of a trip-pan which integrally forms a part of the mole trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas Frederick Schmidt
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20010047613
    Abstract: A trap for murines comprises a box-like body for containing captured murines and baits which is provided with at least one one-way inlet which is arranged in an upper region of a wall of the box-like body and is controlled by a vertically movable partition which is operated by a trapdoor means accommodated inside the box-like body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventor: Mario Caffagni
  • Patent number: 6101761
    Abstract: A trap for rodents, moles, or other burrowing animals, comprising: a handle; two pairs of opposed legs rotatably mounted on the handle; a spring biasing each pair of opposed legs in a sprung position wherein the two legs of each pair of opposed legs are adjacent one another; means for rotating the two pairs of opposed legs about the handle to a set position wherein the two legs of each pair of opposed legs are separated from one another, thereby forming a passage for the animal; a latch for holding the two pairs of opposed legs in the open position; and a trigger for releasing the latch, whereby the two pairs of opposed legs will snap rapidly to the sprung position, thereby trapping and killing the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Kenneth F. Sprick
  • 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: 5746020
    Abstract: A tunnel-type mousetrap has a central trapping mechanism powered by a rubber band or a coil spring. In the case of a rubber band, the band is wound between an anchor plate in the top wall of the tunnel and a striker plate that fits over the anchor plate and has end walls with trapping apertures that project downwardly through the tunnel. The rubber band urges the striker plate upwardly, and the trap is set by pushing down on the striker plate to engage a pivotal trigger carried by the anchor plate. When a mouse enters the tunnel and dislodges the trigger, the striker plate springs upwardly under the force of the rubber band and traps the mouse's neck in one of the trapping apertures. The trigger may be scented to attract mice and may hold a sunflower seed as additional bait. To provide the trap with a longer shelf life, the rubber band may be replaced by a coil spring fitted between the anchor plate and the striker plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph F. Fiore, Jr., Michael J. Gehret, Gary Roulston, Hesham El-Khateeb
  • Patent number: 5692336
    Abstract: A tunnel-type mousetrap has a central trapping mechanism powered by a rubber band. The rubber band is wound between an anchor plate in the top wall of the tunnel and a striker plate that fits over the anchor plate and has end walls with trapping apertures that project downwardly through the tunnel. The rubber band urges the striker plate upwardly, and the trap is set by pushing down on the striker plate to engage a pivotal trigger carried by the anchor plate. When a mouse enters the tunnel and dislodges the trigger, the striker plate springs upwardly under the force of the rubber band and traps the mouse's neck in one of the trapping apertures. The trigger may be scented to attract mice and may hold a sunflower seed as additional bait.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph F. Fiore, Jr., Michael J. Gehret, Gary Roulston