Patent ID: 7908790
Filing Date: 2011-03-22
Classification: A01M

Abstract:
1. A rodent trap comprising: a base for mounting trap components, a hoop pivotally mounted relative to said base by a hoop pivot and adapted to move between a first set position against a bias and a second released position by the action of said bias, a retaining bar pivotally mounted relative to said base at a retaining bar pivot, forward of said hoop when in said set position, for movement between a setting position and a releasing position, and a release arrangement comprising an over-centre pivotally mounted keeper adapted for movement between a first retaining position and a second release position, and including a retaining lip, said retaining bar including a locking lip formed over said retaining bar pivot and configured to retain said hoop in said first set position when the retaining bar is in said setting position, by simultaneous cooperation with said release arrangement, wherein said release arrangement includes a part adapted to mount a bait for the rodent and release said retaining bar when subject to upward force on the bait, and wherein said retaining bar is adapted to be automatically set to said setting position by drawing said hoop down onto said retaining bar against said bias so as to cause said retaining bar to engage said retaining lip of said release arrangement and set the trap wherein, in the set position, the retaining lip of the release arrangement rests on top of the retaining bar such that the weight of the keeper maintains the retaining bar in a lowered, set position; wherein an upward force on the bait pivots the release arrangement such that the resultant upward and forward pivotal movement of the keeper releases the retaining bar from its set position; and wherein upon the release of the retaining bar, the resultant forward pivotal movement of the retaining bar and locking lip releases the hoop from its set position.