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. An enclosure is provided for enclosing the trigger member and the catch means. The enclosure has an opening to the interior of the trap that is proximate the trigger member to permit the animal to enter the enclosure and step on the trigger member to spring the jaw frame. The trap has a bait container mounted to the exterior of the enclosure that the animal cannot get to but can clearly smell from the interior of the enclosure. Optionally, the trap includes a liner that coacts therewith and has a bait container.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    This invention relates to an animal trap, preferably used to trap rodents such as mice and rats. More particularly, this invention relates to an improved animal trap that includes a trap mechanism which can be set without risking bodily harm, a handle that is remote from a jaw of the trap mechanism that can be used to set the trap and release and discard the trapped, dead animal and an enclosure for the trap mechanism that has a bait container exterior to the enclosure for ease of baiting and reuse of the bait. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Animal traps, and in particular mouse traps have been designed in many ways throughout the years. The most popular conventional, mouse trap includes a bar that is spring-mounted to a wood base, the bar and the base forming jaws in which the bar can be moved from a cocked position to a released position when the mouse touches the trigger arm. A larger version may be used for rats. 
         [0005]    Unfortunately, there are many disadvantages connected with this type of trap. For example, there is a risk of a user hurting his fingers while trying to set the mouse trap in the cocked position. Additionally, the locking devices for such traps are very sensitive and apt to accidentally unlock and release the striker. Because of the open exposure of the trap mechanism, it is dangerous to use a spring-loaded type of trap in places where there are small children and pets that can accidentally trigger the trap and catch their extremities therein. 
         [0006]    Additionally, many of the prior art traps are hazardous to the hands and fingers of the trap setter since it is usually necessary to place the hands and fingers in the path of the spring mounted jaw during setting. The catch mechanism can be unreliable or difficult to secure and the catch mechanism releases the jaw to snap shut before the person setting the trap can remove all his/her body portions from the path of the jaw. Often, a catch mechanism may be too sensitive to be usable or too insensitive to respond to rodent approaches or taking the bait on the trap. 
         [0007]    Yet another problem associated with conventional type traps is that the mechanism and the method used to trip or release the striker are unreliable. Typically, downward pressure, from the animal&#39;s head is required to cause the release of the striker. In practice, much of the bait can be consumed without providing the necessary pressure to cause the tripping of the release mechanism. 
         [0008]    Another problem associated with conventional type traps are that rats and mice are especially attracted to peanuts and peanut butter. Attempting to attach these type baits to a conventional trap&#39;s bait station is difficult, messy and hazardous. 
         [0009]    Another problem frequently encountered with known traps, is that the release of the trapped animal from the trap is usually a messy, unsanitary, and difficult process. Normally this process involves grasping the jaw (or jaws) which killed the animal and moving the jaw to release the animal from the trap. This entails the unsanitary act of touching the jaw in the vicinity of the dead animal and sometimes even requires touching the animal itself. Since rodents are noted carriers of germs and disease, it is completely undesirable to require a trap user to manipulate the trap in any way which places the user&#39;s hands in the area of the captured rodent. Moreover, because a captured rodent is usually severely injured, such a trapped animal usually presents a gory sight that is not well-received by a squeamish user. Thus, it would be desirable in an improved mousetrap to include a means for substantially shielding a dead, trapped animal from the user&#39;s sight and to enable the user to remove the captured animal without requiring the user to touch the dead animal or the trap areas in the immediate vicinity of the animal. 
         [0010]    Another problem associated with known mousetraps is that the animal may approach the trap from different directions, thus limiting the effectiveness of the killing mechanism. Thus it is desirable to provide an animal trap which also limits an animals approach to a single deadly path for advancing upon the bait, so that all attempts to snag the bait will result in a captured animal. 
         [0011]    There exists, therefore, a significant need for an improved animal trap that can be set easily without hazard to the user, that shields a captured animal from sensitive eyes while still providing an indication that the trap has sprung, and that allows disposal of the captured rodent in a sanitary way using a handle that is remote from the trap area holding the animal. Moreover, such an improved trap is needed which limits animals to a single deadly path for advancing upon the bait and which also addresses the other problems noted above. In a relatively inexpensive fashion, the present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages. 
         [0012]    The patent literature includes a host of animal traps, particularly for use in trapping rodents, see for example: 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 1,399,965 to Kent describes a rat trap having a runway which is removably fitted to a cage and motor actuated means controllable by a platform located in the runway for forcing the rat into the cage when the rat occupies the platform, for automatically closing the cage so as to confine the animal therein and operable to re-set itself after each actuation. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 1,442,252 to Coleman describes an animal trap wherein after one animal has been caught, the animal caught automatically resets the trap to catch another animal, ad infinitum. The trap includes a plurality of compartments, one of which is provided with inlets and outlets and is provided with an animal controlled trip mechanism for closing the doors, the other compartment being in the form of a cage into which the animal passes after having been entrapped in the first compartment, and there being a mechanism associated with the outlet door which leads into the cage to prevent the animal from reentering the first compartment. 
         [0015]    U.S. Pat. No. 1,466,520 to Beauchamp describes a spring loaded trap which can be attached to a barrel or box which when activated by the weight of the animal immediately dispatches (kills) the animal and automatically drops him into the barrel or box. 
         [0016]    U.S. Pat. No. 1,501,463 to Matejewski describes a trap for mice, rats, or other animals, and that has an automatic trap which is spring operated. and which can catch a number of animals in succession without injuring them. The trap uses of a spring operated rotary sweep which is released by the weight of the animal when it steps upon the bait treadle and which operates to sweep the-animal through the cage door. The trap is provided with an automatic locking means for rendering the parts inactive when the maximum number of animals has been caught. 
         [0017]    U.S. Pat. No. 1,755,947 to Baker describes a trap having a casing having an entrance, a movable platform located within the casing, a striking element connected to be actuated by the movement of the platform, an ejecting means located in rear of and operated by the striking element to receive and throw out an animal which has been struck by the striking element, and means operable by the striking element for automatically setting the trap after the ejecting means has been operated. 
         [0018]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,096,368 to Ward describes a revolving type animal trap with means for automatically resetting the trap after operation and the automatic dispatch and disposal of the animal from the trap. 
         [0019]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,169,783 to Allen describes a rodent trap that is adapted for automatic, repeated operations to kill and eject a number of rodents in succession from the trap after an initial setting. 
         [0020]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,256,048 to Evans describes an automatic resetting animal trap designed to strike the animal, knock it away from the trap and immediately reset itself automatically, and which delivers a blow upon the animal in a sweeping downward and horizontal direction, thus reducing any tendency for the animal to be carried into the trap to clog the operative mechanism thereof, while at the same time incorporating additional means for facilitating the ejection of the animal from the trap. 
         [0021]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,416,481 to Hollenbeck describes an animal trap that can be permanently baited and can be easily cocked in the open position to trap the animal. 
         [0022]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,684,553 to Schroeder describes a rodent trap that initially captures and subsequently kills the rodent and which does not use bait and wherein the rodent enters the trap due to curiosity and in so doing releases a closure for entrapping the rodent therein without initially harming the rodent. A spring jaw is arranged to strike and kill the rodent when the rodent attempts to escape through an opening in the trap. 
         [0023]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,253,264 to Souza describes a repeating animal trap for rodents that has a trapping passageway into which animals are attracted. A trigger within the passageway is tripped by animal pressure and this sets in motion a reciprocatory sweeping mechanism which sweeps the animal from the passageway into an adjacent collecting compartment. The reciprocatory mechanism then returns to its initial position. The walls of the passageway effectively prevent the animal in the collection compartment from pushing its way back into the passageway. 
         [0024]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,294 to Langli describes a rodent trap wherein 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. 
         [0025]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,148,624 to Schmidt describes a mousetrap that has a handle that is remote from the trapping mechanism so that the mousetrap may be set for use without endangering one&#39;s hands or fingers. The mousetrap includes a cover that serves to protect humans from the trapping mechanism, shield the captured animals from sight, define a single pathway for an animal to advance upon the bait on the mousetrap. The handle protrudes from the cover which encloses a spring-biased jaw frame, trigger, and catch member of the mousetrap. 
         [0026]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,172,512 to Bodker describes a trap for catching mice and rats that includes a standard mousetrap mounted within a two-part housing. The standard mousetrap includes a tab which projects through a slot an arcuate upper wall of one portion of the housing, allowing one to cock the trap from the exterior of the housing. The first portion of the housing is pivoted to the second portion of the housing so that the housing can be conveniently opened to dispose of a mouse or rat caught in the trap. The housing shields the cocked trap so as to enhance the safety thereof while allowing one to empty the trap without running the risk of touching the mouse or rat caught therein. 
         [0027]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,267,411 to Phillips describes a trap system that includes a housing in which a conventional spring-loaded trap is mounted. The housing defines a rodent access through which the rodent enters the housing. Rodent bait secured to the trigger of the trap entices the rodent to travel to and activate the trap. Upon activation, the trapping bar of the trap pulls the activation indicator into the housing to indicate that trap activation has occurred. The trap system includes an obstructor that hinders inadvertent activation of the trap during shipping. 
         [0028]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,706,601 to Dail describes an animal trap in combination with an enclosure in the form of a plastic bag inside a cover. The enclosure is contoured so as to fit within the cover and has an open rear end to admit an entry therein of the rodent. When the rodent enters the enclosure and touches a pad end of the trigger member, the spring-loaded striker is released from a catch position and kills the rodent within the enclosure by entering the lower portion of the cover through two vertical slots without penetrating the enclosure. The enclosure is then pulled from the cover by the user and disposed of. The bag can be of the colored plastic type, so the user will not even see the mouse inside of it. 
       OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0029]    It is an object of the instant invention to provide a new and improved animal trap, particularly for rodents, wherein the trap is shielded to enhance safety for people and pets and allowing one to empty the trap without touching a dead animal. 
         [0030]    It is an object of this invention to provide an animal trap which, while capable of easy springing by an animal, may be handled with little danger of it being sprung accidentally, and which if so sprung, offers no danger to the fingers or hands of the user. 
         [0031]    It is another object of this invention to provide an animal trap, particularly a large rat trap, wherein the means for activating the trap uses a leverage system or an electric motor that easily overcomes the large resistance created by the powerful springs used in such a rat trap. 
         [0032]    It is yet another object of this invention to provide an animal trap in which the operative parts thereof are enclosed in such a manner that the trap may be handled without the anticipation of springing, thus eliminating the fear of handling that is ordinarily present in connection with the setting of ordinary traps. 
         [0033]    It is yet another object of this invention, to provide an animal trap with a separate bait container that can be filled and refilled with different type baits, e.g., peanuts, peanut butter which are not consumed by the animal and may be cleaned without contact with the area in which the animal was killed. 
         [0034]    It is another object of this invention to provide a reliable means for releasing the striker by using the animal&#39;s body weight while it attempts to get at the out of reach bait. 
         [0035]    It s another object of this invention to provide a means for safely releasing and disposing of the dead animal and resetting the striker. 
         [0036]    It is yet another object of this invention to provide a means for setting the animal trap on the side of a trash can and after capture, safely releasing and disposing of the dead animal into the trash can without touching the animal and simultaneously resetting the striker. 
         [0037]    It is also an object of the invention to provide a trap which is rugged, durable and operatively reliable, particularly in view of the repeated springing of the trap. 
         [0038]    Yet another object of this invention is to provide a trap which is easy to load and prepare prior to setting it out. 
         [0039]    Another object of the invention is to provide a simple, economical and readily portable, reusable animal trap which can operate in any convenient location without the need for any external power source. 
         [0040]    It is another object of this invention to provide an animal trap which may also be used to catch valuable fur bearing animals. 
         [0041]    All of the foregoing objects as well as others are achieved by the animal trap of this invention. Broadly, this invention is directed to an animal trap comprising: 
         [0042]    a base having an upper surface, a bottom surface, a front portion, an opposed rear portion and opposed sides; 
         [0043]    a jaw frame pivotally mounted on the upper surface of the base for pivotal movement between a cocked position proximate the rear portion of the base and a sprung position proximate the front portion of the base; 
         [0044]    a spring means for biasing the jaw frame towards the sprung position; 
         [0045]    a gear system mounted proximate one side of the base comprising a drive gear and driven gear cooperatively engaged with each other, wherein the driven gear is releasably engaged to the jaw frame when the jaw frame is in the sprung position; 
         [0046]    a lever means for selective engagement with the drive gear; 
         [0047]    a means for selectively engaging and disengaging the lever from the drive gear; 
         [0048]    whereby when the lever is selectively engaged to the drive gear and is rotated from the rear portion to the front portion of the base, the drive gear is rotated toward the front causing the driven gear to rotate toward the rear to thereby pivot the jaw frame to the cocked position proximate the rear portion of the base; 
         [0049]    whereby when the lever is selectively disengaged from the drive gear, the lever can be freely rotated from the front portion of the base to the rear portion of the base for repositioning the lever for selective engagement with the drive gear; 
         [0050]    a catch means for releasably engaging the jaw frame when the jaw frame is rotated to the cocked position, wherein when the jaw frame is engaged by the catch means, the jaw frame is cooperatively disengaged from the driven gear; 
         [0051]    a trigger member mounted to the top surface of the base proximate the front portion of the base and adapted for operative association with the catch means to force the catch means to release the jaw frame permitting the jaw frame to move to the sprung position when an animal steps on the trigger member to thereby trap the animal between the jaw frame and the top surface of the front portion of the base and to releasably engage the driven gear; 
         [0052]    whereby when the lever is again selectively engaged with the drive gear, the jaw frame may be pivotally moved to the cocked position to simultaneously release the animal from the trap and cock the jaw frame; 
         [0053]    an enclosure means having an interior and exterior surface mounted to the base for enclosing the trigger member and the catch means in the interior and having an opening in the enclosure to the interior, the enclosure being proximate the trigger member to permit the animal to enter the interior of the enclosure and step on the trigger member to spring the jaw frame to trap the animal between the jaw frame and the top surface of the front portion of the base. 
         [0054]    Optionally, an electric motor may be used to rotate the drive gear. 
         [0055]    Alternatively the drive gear and driven gear are rollers that are frictionally cooperatively engaged to each other. However it is preferred that the drive gear and driven gear each has teeth around the periphery thereof that cooperatively engage with the teeth of the other gear by the meshing of their respective teeth. 
         [0056]    In a preferred embodiment, the lever is slidably mounted to a side of the drive gear and includes a handle at one end and the means for selectively engaging and disengaging the lever from the drive gear at the other end, the lever being slidable on the drive gear from an inactive unextended position wherein the lever is selectively disengaged from the drive gear and an extended active position wherein the lever is selectively engaged to the drive gear, whereby when the lever is selectively engaged to the drive gear and rotated from the rear of the base to the front of the base the drive gear is rotated toward the front causing the driven gear to rotate toward the rear to thereby pivot the jaw frame to the cocked position proximate the rear portion of the base. 
         [0057]    The trap further includes a bait container mounted to the exterior surface of the enclosure proximate the trigger member, the bait container having an interior volume for enclosing bait, the interior volume being in air communication with the interior of the enclosure enabling the bait to be smelled by the animal when approaching the opening of the enclosure to thereby lure the animal onto the trigger member. The bait container preferably has a removable cap on an opening in the bait container for insertion of bait into the container. 
         [0058]    In a preferred embodiment the trigger member is a platform cooperatively associated with the catch means to force the catch means to release the jaw frame, wherein when the jaw frame is cocked in the catch means the platform is spaced above the top surface of the base and when an animal steps on the platform it forces the platform to move toward the top surface of the base forcing the catch means to release the jaw frame to thereby trap the animal between the jaw frame and the platform. 
         [0059]    The trap may further include a liner for the interior of the enclosure that prevents splatter and maintains the interior mechanism clean and coacts with the trap mechanism. 
         [0060]    The trap may further include a bracket means mounted to the base for securing the trap to a support member, typically a garbage container. The bracket means is slidable between a first position wherein the bracket is substantially flush with the bottom surface of the base and a second position wherein the bracket extends from the bottom surface of the base for securing the trap to a support member. 
         [0061]    The invention may be further understood by the description of the preferred embodiments, in conjunction with the drawings, which now follow. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0062]    For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference may be had to the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, of which: 
           [0063]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the animal trap of this invention in position to trap an animal. 
           [0064]      FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the animal trap of this invention depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0065]      FIG. 3  is a cut-a-way top plan view of the animal trap with the enclosure removed prior to activation. 
           [0066]      FIG. 3A  is a cut-a-way top plan view of the animal trap with the enclosure removed after activation and enabled for catching an animal. 
           [0067]      FIG. 4  is a cut-away side view taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1  of the activated animal trap showing an animal therein just prior to being trapped. 
           [0068]      FIG. 5  is a cut-away side view taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1  showing an animal therein just after being trapped. 
           [0069]      FIG. 6  is a fragmentary side view of the animal trap detailing the striker  38  and drive/activating mechanism therefore. 
           [0070]      FIG. 7  is a sectional view taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6  showing the striker  38  and drive/activating mechanism therefore. 
           [0071]      FIGS. 8-12  are cut-away side views taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1  showing the activation of the trap for catching an animal. 
           [0072]      FIGS. 13-14  are cut-away side views of the entrance to the trap showing the functioning of the entrance ramp  22 , attachment bracket  52  and the bait container  14 . 
           [0073]      FIG. 15-16  are another side view of the animal trap of this invention showing the activation of the trap for catching an animal. 
           [0074]      FIGS. 17A &amp; 17B  are cut-away side views taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1  demonstrating the removal of a dead animal from the trap after being trapped and killed by the trap. 
           [0075]      FIG. 18A  is a top plan view of the crank handle  18  of the animal trap of this invention. 
           [0076]      FIG. 18B  is a side view of the crank handle  18  taken along line  18 B- 18 B of  FIG. 18A . 
           [0077]      FIG. 18C  is an end view of the crank handle  18  taken along line  18 C- 18 C of  FIG. 18B . 
           [0078]      FIG. 18D  is a bottom plan view of the crank handle  18 . 
           [0079]      FIG. 18E  is a side view of the crank handle  18  taken along line  18 E- 18 E of  FIG. 18D . 
           [0080]      FIGS. 19-21  show schematic views of differing embodiments for re-positioning the actuating platform of the trap of this invention after the trap has sprung. 
           [0081]      FIGS. 22-35  are schematic views of various embodiments of the tripping mechanism used in the animal trap of this invention and elements therefore. 
           [0082]      FIG. 36A-36C  show a preferred embodiment of the latch mechanism used to position the crank used to arm the trap of this invention. 
           [0083]      FIGS. 37A-37C  show a preferred embodiment of the rotating latch and locking bar used to lock the striker in position used in the trap of this invention. 
           [0084]      FIG. 38  is a front perspective view of the embodiment of the animal trap of this invention depicted in  FIG. 1  wherein a removable, and preferably disposable, liner  200  is inserted into the opening of the trap. 
           [0085]      FIG. 39  is a cut-away side view of the animal trap shown in  FIG. 38  having the removable liner  200  mounted therein, showing an animal therein just prior to being trapped. 
           [0086]      FIG. 40  is a cut-away side view of the animal trap shown in  FIG. 38  having the removable liner  200  mounted therein, showing an animal therein just after being trapped. 
           [0087]      FIG. 41  is a cut-away side view of the animal trap shown in  FIG. 1  having the removable liner  200  mounted therein, and showing an animal therein just prior to being trapped. 
           [0088]      FIG. 42  is a cut-away side view of the animal trap shown in  FIG. 41  having the removable liner  200  mounted therein, and showing an animal therein just after being trapped. 
           [0089]      FIG. 43  is a cut-away side view taken of the animal trap shown in  FIG. 41  having the removable liner  200  mounted therein demonstrating the removal of a dead animal and removable liner from the trap after being trapped and killed by the trap. 
           [0090]      FIG. 44  is a cut-away side view of the removable liner  200  used in the animal trap of  FIGS. 1 and 41 . 
           [0091]      FIG. 45  is a cut-away top view of the removable liner  200  used in the animal trap of  FIGS. 1  and  41 . 
           [0092]      FIG. 46  is a front view of the removable liner  200  used in the animal trap of  FIGS. 1 and 41 . 
           [0093]      FIG. 47  is a cut-away side view of the animal trap similar to  FIG. 1  wherein it has been modified to use an electric motor to activate the trap for catching an animal. 
           [0094]      FIG. 48  is a cut-away side view of the animal trap similar to  FIG. 1  showing another configuration of the use of an electric motor to activate the trap for catching an animal. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0095]    The illustrated animal trap, is designed primarily for trapping rodents such as rats or mice, however it may be used for fur-bearing animals or other pests that can be attracted into the trap. In its preferred and illustrated use it is designed to eliminate rats. 
         [0096]    Referring to the Figures, in particular  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the animal trap of this invention  10  includes an enclosure  12 . The enclosure  12  has one portion opened  20  for entrance of an animal  128  (see, for example  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) into the trap  10 . The remaining portions of the enclosure  12  cover the trap mechanism and “kill area” and form a substantially complete enclosure therefore except for openings therein that cooperatively function with the trap mechanisms, openings that contribute to the functionality of the trap (see, for example  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) or incidental openings that do not interfere with the function and benefits of the trap  10  of this invention. 
         [0097]    The enclosure  12 , as depicted in substantially all the Figures is overall of rectangular shape having a length substantially longer than its width. However, this invention contemplates various shapes that have substantially all of the elements, functionality and benefits described and claimed herein, e.g., a cylindrical or oval cross-section. The enclosure  12  can be made of metal, plastic, wood or a stiff cardboard depending on the intended life-span of the trap  10 . It can be made transparent or with window portions to enable the user to view the mechanism and the any animal trapped therein or it can be made so that the mechanism and trapped animal are completely shielded from view. 
         [0098]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  4  and  5 , optionally the trap  10  includes a handle  56  attached the front end of the enclosure  12  for easy transport, setting and activating. In the Figures the handle  56  is depicted as a horizontal cylinder mounted to the top of the enclosure  12 , however any type handle may be used mounted at any convenient location on the enclosure  12 . 
         [0099]    Referring, for example, to  FIGS. 1 ,  4  and  5 , mounted to the outside top of enclosure  12  is a bait container  14  that is designed to hold various type baits therein  126  and has one or a plurality of venting ports  130  into the interior chamber of the enclosure into which the animal  128  is to be lured by the aroma or bait fumes  132  emanating therefrom. Thus the interior of container  14  and the interior of the enclosure  12  are in air communication with each other through vent ports  130 . The bait container  14  preferably has a removable bait container cap  15  which can be removed (not shown) to place bait  126  in the container  14 . The bait can be any type bait  126  to attract the desired animal. The bait container  14  allows a spreadable bait  126 , for example, peanut butter, to be used. A bait  126  can be used that is partially wrapped to eliminate spreading it directly on any part of the bait container  14  in order to minimize the necessity for cleaning the container  14 . The vents  130  allow the transfer of the bait odor or fumes  132  to the interior of the enclosure  12  to assist in luring the animal  128  into the trap  10 . Having the bait station  14  on the top of the trap  10  outside of the enclosure  12  allows re-baiting the trap  10  without touching the trap area, allows for easy cleanup for reuse or storage of the trap  10  and prevents the animal from reaching the bait  126  so that the bait  126  may be reused. 
         [0100]    Referring, for example to  FIGS. 1 ,  3 - 5 ,  11 - 14  and  17 , the front of enclosure  12  is provided with an entrance ramp  22  that leads through the opening  20  to the interior of the enclosure  12 . The ramp  22  has a pivot means  23  attached to the bottom of the opening  20  for permitting the ramp  22  to pivot between the open position (for example,  FIGS. 4 and 14 ) to permit the entrance of an animal  128  into the interior of the trap  10  and the closed position ( FIG. 13 ) to close the opening  20  to the enclosure  12 , for example, to transport or position the trap  10 . The ramp  22  can have a textured material on portions thereof to permit the animal to obtain traction on the surface in all types of conditions, e.g., wet rain, snow, etc. (not shown) or inclinations. As shown for example in  FIG. 4  the pivoting ramp  22  permits the animal  128  easy access to the interior because it rests on the ground surface  124  and the animal merely needs to walk up the ramp into the trap  10 . 
         [0101]    Referring to the Figures, the enclosure  12  and internal trap mechanism are securely mounted to a base  50 . Referring to  FIGS. 13 ,  14 ,  17 A, and  17 B, attached to the base  50  a distance from the opening  20  is a sliding L-shaped bracket  52 . This bracket  52  spans or traverses the width of the base  50  (see,  FIG. 3 ) and the foot of the L-shape extends to a location proximate the opening  20  of the enclosure  12 . Posts  54  extend from the base  50  at opposite sides thereof upon which the bracket  52  is slidably mounted thereon by mating bracket slots  52 A. Thus the bracket  52  may be slidably extended from the base ( FIG. 14 ,  17 A,  17 B) for cantilevered mounting to, for example, a container  120  (trash can) or slidably retracted flush with the base ( FIG. 13 ) for resting on a flat surface  124 , e.g., ground. The bracket  52  may also be used to mount the trap  10 , for example, to a raised tree root, a ledge, etc. to inhibit motion of the trap. Optionally, the bracket may having a locking means for locking the bracket in a predetermined position (not shown). 
         [0102]    Referring to the Figures, for example to FIGS.  2 , 3 , 8 , and  9  the trap  10  further includes an elongated crank  18  having at one end a hand grip  16  mounted substantially perpendicular to the crank  18 . Broadly, the crank  18  is slidably mounted to the hub  118  of drive gear  48 . Drive gear  48  is used to rotate and set the jaw frame or striker  38  to set the trap  10  and to release any animal  128  caught under the striker  38  (see  FIGS. 17A and 17B ) (discussed below). Crank  18  when not in use is slid into the inactive position depicted, for example, in  FIGS. 2 and 6  and supported and hidden by slide carrier  72  affixed to the side of the enclosure  12 . When it is desired to set the trap and/or release any animal caught under the striker  38 , locking latch  60  is depressed (see  FIGS. 2 ,  15  and  36 A- 36 C) to enable the crank  18  to be pulled outward by hand grip  16  along the slide carrier  72  until fully extended  72  (see  FIG. 8 ). Upon release of the locking latch  60  the end of the crank  18  locks onto hub  118  of drive gear  48 . As depicted in  FIGS. 9-12 , as the crank is rotated toward the front of the trap  10  the striker  38  is raised ( FIG. 9 ) and when the crank  18  is substantially fully rotated 180° from its original position ( FIG. 10 ) the striker  38  has been set and the animal is released into the trash container  120  (see also  FIGS. 17A and 17B ). The crank is then rotated back  180 o to its original position, the locking latch  60  is depressed and then the crank  18  is pushed by handle  16  into slide carrier  72  awaiting the next capture (see  FIG. 17B ) 
         [0103]    More specifically, the structure of the crank  18  is shown in detail in  FIGS. 18A-18E . The crank  18  has a handle or hand grip  16  mounted at one end and perpendicular to the crank  18 . Along the side of the crank  18  that is adjacent the enclosure  12  is a T-shaped flange  58  and a rear locking slot  68  and a front locking slot  70 . Referring to FIG.  2 , 7 , 15 , 16  when the crank  16  is in the inactive position, as depicted in  FIG. 15 , the crank is within the slide carrier  72  with flange  58  resting upon and guided by channel  134  (see  FIGS. 1 ,  7 ,  8 , 16 ). The crank  16  is locked in position by spring latch  60 . 
         [0104]    Referring to  FIGS. 36A-36C  and  FIG. 7 , the spring latch  60  includes a latch return spring  64  for maintaining the latch  60  in the locked position with the raised boss  66  slidably interlocking with the rear or front locking slots  68 ,  70 , respectively, for locking the crank  16  in the desired inactive or active positions. The spring latch  60  is mounted to the drive gear  48  by carrier  61  which is attached drive gear hub  118 . As depicted, for example, in  FIG. 15 , the raised boss  66  is slidably mates into rear locking slot  68  to maintain the crank in the locked, inactive position. In order to release the crank  18 , the latch is depressed ( FIG. 36B ) causing rotation of the latch  60  on hinge rod  62  causing the boss  66  to be retracted. Upon release of latch  60  the boss  66  is moved into the locked position with the rear or front locking slots  68 ,  70 . 
         [0105]    If it is desired to set the trap  10  and/or release a trapped animal  128 , the spring biased latch  60  is depressed releasing the boss  66  from the rear locking slot  68 , to enable the crank  18  to be pulled outward by hand grip  16  along the slide carrier  72  and slot  51  in drive gear  48  until fully extended  72  (see  FIG. 8 ). Upon release of the locking latch  60  the boss  66  slidably mates with the front locking slot  70  to lock the end of the crank  18  onto hub  118  of drive gear  48 . As depicted in  FIGS. 9-12 , as the crank is rotated toward the front of the trap  10  the striker  38  is raised ( FIG. 9 ) and when the crank  18  is substantially fully rotated 180° from its original position ( FIG. 10 ) the striker  38  has been set and the animal is released into the trash container  120  (see also  FIGS. 17A and 17B ). The crank is then rotated back 180° to its original position, the locking latch  60  is depressed and then the crank  18  is pushed by handle  16  into slide carrier  72  and the boss  66  springedly interlocks with to rear locking slot  68  to lock the crank  18  in the inactive position. 
         [0106]    The drive gear  48  and drive gear hub  118  rotate about and are mounted on drive gear shaft  49  which is mounted to and passes through the enclosure  12 . The enclosure  12  encloses the trap mechanism, including the drive gear  48  and drive gear hub  118 . Referring for example to  FIGS. 8-10 , the crank  18 , which is locked onto the drive gear hub  118  by boss  66  matingly engaged with front locking slot  70 , is rotated thus rotating drive gear  48 . Drive gear  48  is meshed with driven gear  46 . Referring to  FIG. 9 , as crank  18  rotates in a counterclockwise direction, drive gear  48  is also rotated in such direction while driven gear  46  rotates on shaft  47 , which is mounted to the enclosure  12 , in a clockwise direction to raise the striker  38  for setting the trap and/or releasing the animal  128 . The length of the crank  18 , combined with the ratio of the diameters of the gears  46 ,  48  are substantial factors in determining the ease with which the trap  10  can be set. For example, the longer the crank  18  the less force is needed to set the trap  10 . Likewise, the greater the diameter of the gears  46 ,  48 , the less force that is needed. Although the embodiment depicted shows drive and driven gears  46 ,  48  that mesh, alternatively the drive and driven gears may be rollers that are frictionally engaged. 
         [0107]    Referring for example to  FIGS. 6-12 , mounted to the driven gear  46  is cocking bracket  28  that rotates in unison with driven gear  46  about shaft  47 . In the Figures presented cocking bracket  28  is mounted to the driven gear with a plurality of bolts or screws  29 . It should be understood that any means may be used to provide such mounting means, including having the driven gear  46  and cocking bracket  28  being of a unitary molded or shaped structure. The cocking bracket  28  extends from the driven gear  46  forward toward the open end  20  when idle. At the distal end of the bracket  28  is a flange  30  that slightly protrudes into the enclosure  12  perpendicular to the surface of the bracket  28 . When the trap  10  is not set or is inactive one arm  38   a  of the U-shaped striker  38  rests on the protruding bracket (see  FIG. 3 ). When the crank  18  is rotated towards the opening  20 , as shown for example in  FIG. 9 , the drive gear  48  is rotated counterclockwise and the driven gear  46  is rotated clockwise causing the bracket  28  to rotate therewith and causing the striker  38  that is engaged with the flange  30  to also rotate and raise the striker from the “kill zone” of the trap  10 . 
         [0108]    Referring for example to  FIGS. 3-5 , the striker  38  is a U-shaped rod or structure that includes arms  38   a  and  38   b  of sufficient rigidity and strength to kill the designated animal. For small animals, e.g., mice, the striker  38  can be a rigid metallic wire and for larger animals, e.g., rats, a more substantial structure. If the trap  10  is to be a reusable trap  10 , as contemplated herein, the striker  38  should structurally be capable of multiple uses and be able to withstand washing without corrosion. 
         [0109]    The striker  38  is mounted at the ends of the arms  38   a,    38   b  to each end of striker shaft  37 . Shaft  37  is rotatably mounted through mounting block  39  which is mounted to or affixed to base  50  (see  FIGS. 4 ,  5 ). Referring for example to  FIG. 3-5 , mounted on striker shaft  37  is at least one striker spring  36  that is coupled to striker arms  38   a,    38   b  for driving the striker  38  counterclockwise and downward onto actuating platform  26 , i.e., the spring  36  biases the striker  38  towards the sprung position. In the embodiment depicted there are two striker springs  36  each one mounted on the striker shaft on each side of the mounting block  39  and coupled, respectively to striker arms  38   a,    38   b.  The springs should be of sufficient strength and force to cause the striker  38  to kill the designated animal. Any type springs are contemplated, with spiral springs  38   a,    38   b  being shown in the Figs. 
         [0110]    Referring to  FIGS. 3-5 ,  11 - 12 , and  37 A- 37 C as the crank  18  is rotated toward the substantially fully rotated position 180° from its original inactive position, the striker  38  is rotated toward the rear of the trap  10  and is inserted into the capture slot  138  of rotating catch  42  mounted substantially in the center of the base  50  proximate the rear of the base  50 . As the striker  138  is inserted into capture slot  138  it rotates catch  42  about shaft  41  into a position wherein the locking bar  40  is rotated to a position ( FIGS. 11-12 ) wherein counter weight beams  34  mounted on each side of the catch  42  drop causing the notch  34   a  in each beam to releasably lock with locking bar  40  extending from each side of catch  42  to thereby activate the trap  10 . Counterweight beams  34  are attached to and extend from actuating platform  26  upon which the animal steps when it goes through the trap entrance  20 . At the juncture of the platform  26  and the associated counterweight beams  34  is a nub  32  which functions as a pivot point about which the actuating platform  26  and counterweight beams  34  pivot. In particular, as the counterweight beams  34  drop from the inactive position ( FIG. 11 ) to the activated position ( FIG. 12 ) the platform  26  is raised and in ready position for the animal  128  to step thereon, see for example  FIGS. 4 and 5 . When the animal steps on the activating platform  26  the platform  26  drops causing the counterweight beams  34  to raise and disengage the notches  34   a  from locking bar  40  causing the rotating catch  42  to rotate releasing the striker  38  to catch and kill the animal  128 . 
         [0111]    As the animal enters the trap  10  by stepping onto entrance ramp  22  and passes through opening  20  it is preferred that there be a pedestal  24  attached to the base  50  that is at about the same level as the actuating platform  26 . This permits the animal  128  to fully enter the trap  10  without activating the striker  38  ensuring that when the animal activates the striker  38  by stepping on platform  26  the striker  38  fully strikes the animal  128 . Without such pedestal  24  the trap might be activated by, for example, the animals foot and the striker  38  may only strike the foot, thus only wounding the animal, which is inhumane, but more importantly such injured animal can be harmful to persons in that it might attack someone when released. 
         [0112]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 ,  17 A and  17 B, in the preferred embodiment of this invention additional counterweights  44  are mounted on shaft  43  above each counterweight beam  34 . Each counterweight  44  has an extension  45 . When the trap  10  is armed or active the extensions  45  are not in contact with the counterweight beams  34 . When the animal  128  trips striker  38  by stepping on the platform  26  the platform  26  goes downward and the counterweight beams  34  go upward and are controlled or limited in their upward motion by the beam  34  coming in contact extension  45  thus controlling the mechanism to permit the flawless resetting of the trap  10 . 
         [0113]      FIGS. 19-21  show schematic views of differing embodiments for re-positioning the actuating platform  26  of the trap of this invention after the trap  10  has sprung. 
         [0114]    In  FIG. 19 , as driven gear  46  is rotated counterclockwise by coaction with drive gear  48  (not shown) to arm the trap  10 , mounted near the upper portion of driven gear  46  is a drive spring  146 , mounted on one end in lug  144  and on the other end in angled lever arm  142 . The drive spring  146  pushes the angled lever arm  142  about pivot shaft  147 . The other end of angled lever arm  142  pushes against platform leg  140  pivoting the platform  26  and platform leg  140  about platform pivot shaft  32  to thereby raise the platform. When the animal (not shown) pushes the platform downward, the spring also  146  sets the resistance for actuating the striker. 
         [0115]    In  FIG. 20 , as driven gear  46  is rotated counterclockwise by coaction with drive gear  48  (not shown) to arm the trap  10 , mounted near the bottom portion of driven gear  46  is a drive spring  146 , mounted on one end in lug  144  and on the other end in platform leg  140 . The spring  146  pushes the platform  26  and platform leg  140  about platform pivot shaft  32  to raise the platform. This particular setup eliminates the complexity of using the angled lever arm that is used in the schematic shown in  FIG. 19 . 
         [0116]    In  FIG. 21  we see a schematic for re-positioning the actuating platform  26  of the trap of this invention after the trap  10  has sprung with the mechanism mounted to the drive gear  48 . In this embodiment as drive gear  48  is rotated clockwise to arm the trap  10 , mounted near the upper portion of drive gear  48  is lug  144  that pushes through push rod  145  a set of rotating levers  74  that push against one end of the drive spring  146  mounted near the bottom of the drive gear  48 . The other end of the drive spring  146  is mounted in and pushes against platform leg  140  pivoting the platform  26  and platform leg  140  about platform pivot shaft  32  to thereby raise the platform  26 . 
         [0117]      FIGS. 22-35  are schematic views of various embodiments of the tripping mechanism used in the animal trap of this invention and elements therefore. 
         [0118]      FIGS. 22 and 23  shows two embodiments using the frictional rotation of cooperatively engaged curved members to release the striker when the animal steps on the actuating platform. In each of these embodiments as platform  26  goes downward due to the weight of the animal (not shown), curved frictional member  78  attached to the rear portion of platform  26  pivots about pivot member  32  frictionally driving first driven roller  80 . In  FIG. 22 , the first driven roller  80  frictionally engages and drives a second driven roller  82  which frictionally engages frictional surface  110  of sliding lock  148  raising the lock  148  to release the locking bar  40  to cause the release of the striker to catch and kill the animal. In  FIG. 23 , the first driven roller  80  frictionally engages and drives a second driven curved driven member  86  which raises the rotating lock  84  to release the locking bar  40  to cause the release of the striker. 
         [0119]      FIGS. 24 -34  schematically depict several embodiments for releasing the striker arm  38  when the animal steps on the platform  26 . The drawings are self explanatory when taken in conjunction with the previous statements in this specification, with the elements indicated as follows: 
         [0120]      26  actuating platform 
         [0121]      32  pivot point 
         [0122]      34  counterweight beam 
         [0123]      36  striker spring 
         [0124]      38  striker 
         [0125]      40  locking bar 
         [0126]      41  shaft 
         [0127]      42  rotating catch for striker 
         [0128]      90  connecting rod 
         [0129]      92  vertical strut member 
         [0130]      94  counterweighted locking member 
         [0131]      96  rotating counterweighted locking arm 
         [0132]      98  pivot shaft for lock  96   
         [0133]      100  sliding lock 
         [0134]      102  tension roller 
         [0135]      104  flexible connector 
         [0136]      106  rotating lock 
         [0137]      107  pivot shaft 
         [0138]      108  sliding lock 
         [0139]      112  slot 
         [0140]      114  platform 
         [0141]      116  bolt 
         [0142]      138  capture slot for striker bar 
         [0143]      156  vertical member 
         [0144]    In yet other embodiments of this invention, as depicted in  FIGS. 47 and 48 , instead of using a manual means to activate and release the animal from the trap, an electric motor is used. 
         [0145]    Referring to  FIG. 47 , an electric motor  230  is mounted on the side of enclosure  12 . In the embodiment depicted the motor  230  is mounted near the bait container  14 ,  15 . The motor may be driven from an outlet or battery pack (not shown). The motor  230  has a motor shaft  242  having mounted thereon a drive gear  244 . The electric motor  230  is activated by switch  234  located on the trap handle  256 . Drive gear  244  meshes with intermediate driven gear  232  which meshes with driven gear  46 . As drive gear  244  is rotated clockwise by electric motor  230 , the striker  38  is raised until the striker  38  has been set and, if an animal is in the trap, the animal is released into the trash container (see also  FIGS. 17A and 17B ). 
         [0146]    More specifically, and as previously described and shown in, for example  FIGS. 6-12 , and as shown in  FIG. 47 , mounted to the driven gear  46  is cocking bracket  28  that rotates in unison with driven gear  46  about shaft  47 . The cocking bracket  28  extends from the driven gear  46  forward toward the open end of the trap  10  when idle. At the distal end of the bracket  28  is a flange  30  that slightly protrudes into the enclosure  12  perpendicular to the surface of the bracket  28 . When the trap  10  is not set or is inactive one arm of the U-shaped striker  38  rests on the protruding bracket. When the drive gear  244  is rotated clockwise by the electric motor  230  the intermediate driven gear  232  is rotated counterclockwise and the driven gear  46  is rotated clockwise causing the bracket  28  to rotate therewith and causing the striker  38  that is engaged with the flange  30  to also rotate and raise the striker from the “kill zone” of the trap  10 . 
         [0147]    Other configurations are possible, as shown for example in  FIG. 48 . In this embodiment, the electric motor  230  is mounted on the rear of enclosure  12  near the handle  256 . A battery pack  238  which drives the motor is also mounted to the enclosure. The motor  230  has a motor shaft  242  having mounted thereon a drive gear  244 . The electric motor  230  is activated by switch  234  located on or near the trap handle  256 . Drive gear  244  meshes with intermediate driven gear  232  which meshes with driven gear  48  which meshes with driven gear  46 . As drive gear  244  is rotated counter-clockwise by electric motor  230 , the striker  38  is raised until the striker  38  has been set. 
         [0148]    Similar to the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 47 , mounted to the driven gear  46  is cocking bracket  28  that rotates in unison with driven gear  46  about shaft  47 . The cocking bracket  28  extends from the driven gear  46  forward toward the open end of the trap  10  when idle. At the distal end of the bracket  28  is a flange  30  that slightly protrudes into the enclosure  12  perpendicular to the surface of the bracket  28 . When the drive gear  244  is rotated counter-clockwise by the electric motor  230  the intermediate driven gear  232  is rotated clockwise, the driven gear  48  is rotated counter-clockwise and the driven gear  46  is rotated clockwise causing the bracket  28  to rotate therewith and causing the striker  38  that is engaged with the flange  30  to also rotate and raise the striker from the “kill zone” of the trap  10 . 
         [0149]    In another aspect of this invention, as shown in  FIGS. 38-46 , prior to setting the trap  10 , a removable, and preferably disposable, liner  200  is inserted into the open end of the trap  10 . The liner is preferably made of an inexpensive, relatively thin rigid polymer. The liner is configured to permit entry of the animal into the trap  10  and after the animal is trapped, prevent the splatter of blood and entrails from contaminating the trap. Preferably the liner is configured to have a bait container. The major benefit of such liner  200  is that the trapped animal, bait and liner may be conveniently removed and thrown away without having to touch the animal or trap. The liner may be inserted into a trap  10  which has an entrance ramp  22 , as shown in, for example,  FIG. 1  or into traps  10  without such ramps, as shown in  FIGS. 28-44 . 
         [0150]    Referring to  FIG. 38 , as well as the  FIGS. 39-46 , the removable liner  200  is inserted into the opening  20  of the trap  10 . The liner  200  has a platform  224 , two upstanding side walls  225  and a top wall  227 . Connected to the end of the platform  224  is an entrance ramp  222  that leads through the opening  220  to the interior of the liner  200  and trap  10 . The ramp  222  may have a pivot means (not shown) between the ramp  222  and platform  224  to permit the ramp  222  to pivot between an open position and a closed position. As depicted in  FIG. 46  the ramp  222  and platform  224  are preferably contiguous with each other. The ramp  222  and/or platform  224  may have a textured material on portions thereof to permit the animal to obtain traction on the surface in all types of conditions, e.g., wet, rain, snow, etc. (not shown) or inclinations. The ramp  222  permits the animal  128  easy access to the interior of the trap  10 . The animal merely needs to walk up the ramp into the trap  10 . 
         [0151]    Projecting outwardly from each of the sidewalls  225  at the front of the liner  200  are flanges  206 . These flanges  206  prevent splatter from entering the trap  10  mechanism and assist in properly positioning the liner  200  in the trap  10  so that they can properly coact and function with each other. 
         [0152]    Referring for example, to  FIG. 39  and  FIG. 44 , at the end of platform  224 , (moving toward the interior of the trap  10 ), is actuating platform  226  onto which the animal  128  will be led as it progresses along platform  224 . Actuating platform  226  forms the bottom of a bucket  208  that pivots about pivot rod  210  that extends between the side walls  225  of the liner  200 . The bucket  208  may have a bait station at the end thereof to lure the animal into the trap  10 . The bucket  208  is formed by the actuating platform  226 , perpendicular side walls  229  and top wall  231 . This bucket  208  freely pivots about pivot rod  210 . 
         [0153]    As shown for example in  FIG. 39  and  FIG. 40 , the actuating platform  226  rests upon the platform  26  of the trap  10 . As the animal  128  enters the trap  10  and onto the actuating platform  226  the bucket  208  pivots downward about pivot rod  210  causing the platform  26  to drop displacing the counterweight beams  34  upward to cause the release of the striker  38  to catch and kill the animal  128 . A slot  204  is appropriately positioned in the side walls  229  of bucket  208  to permit the free movement of striker  38  toward and away from the platforms  26 ,  226 . 
         [0154]    In use, the trap  10  is actuated in the afordescribed manner causing the striker  38  to be positioned as shown in  FIG. 41 . The liner  200 , with bait placed in bait station  214 , is then inserted into the trap  10  as shown in  FIG. 38  and positioned therein as shown in  FIGS. 41 and 42  with the actuating platform  226  above activating platform  26 . As the animal moves into the trap  10  it steps on the platform  226  causing the striker  38  to release killing the animal  128  ( FIG. 42 ). As is seen in  FIG. 43  the trap  10  may be emptied without the person running the risk of touching the dead animal. In order to empty the trap mechanism, the hand grip  16  to the crank  18  is rotated toward the entrance to the trap  10  and when returned to its previous position it lifts the striker bar  38  from the dead mouse and is reactivated. Consequently, the dead animal  128  and the liner  200  can drop away from the trap  10  into the trash can without the person having to touch the animal or liner or even look at the animal. The trap may then be re-baited with a new liner  200  with the striker  38  reset as shown in  FIG. 41 . 
         [0155]    The improved mousetrap  10  of the present invention features many advantages that eliminate undesirable aspects generally associated with prior animal trapping devices. Foremost among these benefits is an arrangement wherein a user&#39;s hands and fingers are protected from possible entrapment by a jaw frame of the trap because of a twofold safety approach featuring a cover  12  that shields one&#39;s body from contact with the trapping mechanism in the trap and a handle  16  that allows one to easily set the trap  10  at a location which is remote from the hazardous jaw frame. 
         [0156]    Another advantageous feature the present invention is the ability to dispose of the unsanitary captured animal without touching the animal or interior of the trap. Once sprung, a user merely lifts the entire trap  10  and using the handles  56  and  16  or by activating the electric motor  230  disposes of the dead animal  128 , and liner  200  if present, while simultaneously re-setting the trap. The user not only need never view the animal, but is also spared any unsanitary manipulations of the trap which usually were previously required in order to dispose of a captured animal. The cover  12  prevents any accidental contact between the user and the dead animal  128 . If the liner  200  is used the interior of the trap is maintained clean of blood, etc. 
         [0157]    Another advantage is that the trap is only accessible for animals from one side, i.e., the front opening  20 . This avoids the unintentional release of the trap when approached from the side. This increases the catch reliability and avoids injuring animals by a stray blow. As the striker will not be released unless the animal enters the trap, this reduces unnecessary strain upon the construction following unintentional releases. 
         [0158]    The animal trap  10  of this invention, in some of the embodiments, is provided with a long externally operated hand crank  18  that provides significant leverage in setting the striker spring  36  which makes setting the trap  10  much easier than in the known traps wherein the striker is rotated or set by hand. If done through an electric motor, the trap is set and the animal removed merely by activating the electric motor  230 . 
         [0159]    The improved locking mechanism in the trap  10  holds the striker  38  more securely, in the set position thus minimizing accidental release. Additionally, the striker  38  and the activation/tripping mechanism are completely and safely covered by the traps enclosure  12 . 
         [0160]    The trap is further provided with handles  56 , 256  and  16  which make moving, affixing and resetting the trap  10  easy and convenient. 
         [0161]    Still further, with the exterior bait container  14  or the liner  200  containing the bait container, and the resetting by crank  18  or by electric motor  230 , both activated outside the enclosure  12  of the trap  10 , there is no reason for the user to put their hands inside the trap, thus minimizing or even eliminating injuries from the accidental tripping of the striker  38 . 
         [0162]    Additionally, as is seen in  FIGS. 17A and 17   b  the trap  10  may be emptied without the person running the risk of touching the dead animal. In order to empty the trap mechanism, the hand grip  16  to the crank  18  is rotated toward the entrance to the trap  10  or by the electric motor  230  and when returned to its previous position it lifts the striker bar  38  from the dead mouse and is reactivated. Consequently, the dead animal  128  can drop away from the trap  10  into the trash can without the person having to touch the animal or even look at it. The trap may then be re-baited if necessary with the striker  38  reset as shown in  FIG. 17B . 
         [0163]    The trap bait container makes it easy to set the bait and it is possible to use bigger and more odourous baits than in existing traps and the bait is inaccesible to the animal making reuse of the bait possible. The bait container also alleviates the deposit of bait remains on the trap which is not only unhygienic but can impair the working mechanism. 
         [0164]    The sliding attachment bracket  52  allows placement of the trap  10  onto the rim of a trash can  120  where the extension and rotation of the crank  18  releases the dead animal into the trash can  120  and resets the trap in one motion. 
         [0165]    The foregoing constitutes a description of specific embodiments showing how the invention may be applied and put into use. These embodiments are only exemplary. The invention in its broadest, and more specific aspects, is further described and defined in the claims which now follow.