Patent ID: 7367154
Filing Date: 2008-05-06
Classification: A01M

Abstract:
1. A trap for ensnaring an animal, the trap comprising: a base; an anchor for anchoring the base to a fixed object; first and second jaws for securing the ensnared animal pivotally coupled to the base and movable between opened and closed positions; a trap lever for forcing the first and second jaws into the closed position, the trap lever rotatably coupled to the base and movable between a set position and a closed position, the trap lever having an opening defined therein through which the first and second jaws pass when moving from the set position to the closed position; means for biasing the first and second jaws to the closed position and the trap lever to the closed position under a biasing force, wherein the means for biasing includes at least one torsion spring having first and second ends; means for increasing the biasing force in response to pulling of an ensnared animal on the trap, wherein the means for increasing is directly coupled to the means for biasing, the means for increasing the biasing force comprising a force applying lever having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the at least one torsion spring engages the first end of the force applying lever, and wherein the second end of the at least one torsion spring engages the trap lever so that the at least one torsion spring acts between the trap lever and the force applying lever.