Animal trap

An animal trap includes an outer member, an inner member, a resilient member, a bottom portion, and a trigger. The outer member has a first lower end and a first upper end, and defines a first cavity. The inner member has a second lower end and a second upper end, and defines a second cavity. At least a portion of the inner member is positioned within the first cavity of the outer member. The inner member is slidably repositionable relative to the outer member between a cocked position and a deployed position. The resilient member is positioned to bias the inner member into the deployed position. The bottom portion is coupled to the first lower end of the outer member. At least one of the bottom portion and the first lower end of the outer member define a passage. The trigger assembly is positioned to selectively hold the inner member in the cocked position.

BACKGROUND

Subterranean animal traps may be used to trap and/or kill an animal underground. Such subterranean animal traps may thereby be inserted into an underground tunnel created by an animal to trap and/or kill the animal.

SUMMARY

One embodiment relates to an animal trap. The animal trap includes an outer tubular member, an inner tubular member, a resilient member, a bottom portion, and a trigger. The outer tubular member has a first lower end and a first upper end, and defines a first cavity. The inner tubular member has a second lower end and a second upper end, and defines a second cavity. At least a portion of the inner tubular member is positioned within the first cavity of the outer tubular member. The inner tubular member is slidably repositionable relative to the outer tubular member between a cocked position and a deployed position. The resilient member is positioned to bias the inner tubular member into the deployed position. The bottom portion is coupled to the first lower end of the outer tubular member. At least one of the bottom portion and the first lower end of the outer tubular member define a passage. The trigger assembly is positioned to selectively hold the inner tubular member in the cocked position. The trigger assembly includes a trigger extending into the passage.

Another embodiment relates to an animal trap. The animal trap includes a first portion, a second portion coupled to the first portion, a third portion coupled to an end of the first portion, a trigger assembly, and a biasing member disposed internally within the first portion. The second portion is slidably repositionable relative to the first portion between a first position and a second position. The third portion includes a plate spaced from the end of the first portion. The trigger assembly is positioned to selectively hold the second portion in the first position such that an end of the second portion is spaced from the plate. The trigger assembly includes a trigger. The biasing member is positioned to force the second portion into the second position from the first position such that the end of the second portion engages with the plate in response to activation of the trigger.

Still another embodiment relates to an animal trap. The animal trap includes a housing, a snare tube, a snare cup, a trigger assembly, and a biasing member. The housing defines a first cavity. The snare tube defines a second cavity, a retention aperture, and a pair of slots extending longitudinally along a portion of a length of the snare tube. The snare tube is positioned within the first cavity of the housing. The snare tube is repositionable between a cocked position and a deployed position. The snare cup is coupled to an end of the housing. The snare cup defines a passage. The trigger assembly is disposed within the second cavity of the snare tube. The trigger assembly includes a trigger housing, a latch, and a trigger. The trigger housing has (i) a trigger casing defining a trigger cavity and (ii) a pair of supports extending from the trigger casing. The pair of supports are positioned to protrude through the pair of slots of the snare tube and couple the trigger housing to the housing. The latch is pivotally coupled to the pair of supports and biased to engage with the retention aperture of the snare tube to hold the snare tube in the cocked position. The trigger is disposed within the trigger cavity of the trigger casing and has a trigger rod extending from the trigger cavity into the passage. Engagement of the trigger rod causes the trigger to disengage the latch from the retention aperture, thereby releasing the snare tube from the cocked position. The biasing member is positioned to force the snare tube into the deployed position such that the snare tube projects into the passage in response to the latch disengaging from the retention aperture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various aspects of the disclosure will now be described with regard to certain examples and embodiments, which are intended to illustrate but not to limit the disclosure. Nothing in this disclosure is intended to imply that any particular feature or characteristic of the disclosed embodiments is essential. The scope of protection is defined by the claims that follow this description and not by any particular embodiment described herein. Before turning to the figures, which illustrate example embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

According to an exemplary embodiment, an animal trap (e.g., a rodent trap, a gopher trap, a subterranean animal trap, etc.) is configured to be at least partially inserted into the ground to capture an animal underground. The animal trap is selectively reconfigurable between a deployed configuration and a cocked configuration. The animal trap includes a first portion (e.g., an outer portion, a first tubular member, a housing, etc.), a second portion (e.g., an inner portion, a second tubular member, a snare tube and/or a pull tube, etc.) that is slidably received within the first portion, a trigger assembly, a biasing member, and a bottom portion (e.g., a cup, a u-shaped structure, etc.). The second portion may be pulled to compress the biasing member and reconfigure the animal trap from the deployed configuration into the cocked configuration such that a lower end of the second portion is retracted from a passage of the bottom portion, exposing a trigger of the trigger assembly. The trigger assembly is configured to hold the second portion in the cocked configuration until the trigger is engaged. Engagement of the trigger may thereby cause the trigger assembly to release the second portion such that the biasing member forces the second portion into the bottom portion, enclosing the passage of the bottom portion. The second portion may thereby function as a projectile object that traps (e.g., sandwiches, holds, constrains, cinches, clamps, compresses, etc.) an animal between the bottom portion and the lower end thereof.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-22, an animal trap (e.g., a rodent trap; a gopher trap; an at least partially subterranean, mechanical animal trap; etc.), shown as trap10, is configured to facilitate capturing an animal (e.g., a gopher, a vole, etc.) within an underground tunnel. As shown inFIGS. 13-16andFIGS. 17-22, the trap10is selectively reconfigurable between a first configuration, shown as deployed configuration12, and a second configuration, shown as cocked configuration14, respectively. By way of example, the trap10may be inserted into an underground tunnel in the cocked configuration14to attempt to capture an animal as it travels along the underground tunnel. The trap10may be configured to reconfigure into the deployed configuration12, thereby trapping the animal, in response to the animal encountering the trap10(e.g., activating a trigger mechanism thereof, etc.). As shown inFIGS. 1-22, the trap10includes a first portion, shown as pull tube20; a second portion (e.g., an inner portion, an inner tube, etc.), shown as snare tube30; a third portion (e.g., an outer portion, an outer tube, etc.), shown as housing50; a cap, shown as spring cap70, a biasing member, shown as main spring80; a top portion, shown as handle coupler90; a plurality of fasteners, shown as fasteners98; a bottom portion, shown as snare cup100; and a trigger mechanism, shown as trigger assembly200.

As shown inFIGS. 2,13-19, and 21, the pull tube20includes a sidewall, shown as pull tube sidewall22. The pull tube sidewall22has a first end, shown as lower end24, and an opposing second end, shown as upper end26. As shown inFIGS. 5,13-16, 18-22, the snare tube30includes a sidewall, shown as snare tube sidewall32. The snare tube sidewall32has a first end, shown as lower end34, and an opposing second end, shown as upper end36. As shown inFIGS. 5,15,16, and 19-22, the snare tube sidewall32defines an interior cavity, shown as snare tube cavity38. As shown inFIGS. 14-16, 18, 19, and 21, the upper end36of the snare tube30receives the lower end24of the pull tube20such that at least a portion of the pull tube20is disposed within the snare tube cavity38. In one embodiment, the pull tube20is fixedly coupled to the snare tube30(e.g., with adhesive, welded, etc.). In another embodiment, the pull tube20is releasably coupled to the snare tube30(e.g., via a threaded engagement, a snap fit, an interference fit, etc.). In an alternative embodiment, the pull tube20and the snare tube30are integrally formed (e.g., a unitary component, etc.).

As shown inFIGS. 5, 16, and 19-22, the lower end34of the snare tube sidewall32defines an edge, shown as serrated edge40. In other embodiments, the lower end34of the snare tube sidewall32does not define the serrated edge40. By way of example, the lower end34of the snare tube sidewall32may form a pointed edge (e.g., a cone shape, etc.). As shown inFIGS. 5, 14-16, 18, 19, and 21, the upper end36of the snare tube sidewall32defines an edge, shown as spring ledge42. As shown inFIGS. 5, 14-16, 18, 21, and 22, the snare tube sidewall32defines a pair of slots, shown as trigger slots44, positioned on opposing sides of the snare tube30and extending from the upper end36along at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the snare tube30(e.g., 50%, 60%, 75%, 90%, 95%, etc. of the longitudinal length of the snare tube30, etc.). As shown inFIGS. 5, 13-16, 18, 21, and 22, the snare tube sidewall32defines a retention feature, shown as retention aperture46, positioned proximate the lower end34of the snare tube30.

As shown inFIGS. 6 and 13-22, the housing50includes a sidewall, shown as housing sidewall52. The housing sidewall52has a first end, shown as lower end54, and an opposing second end, shown as upper end56. As shown inFIGS. 6, 14-16, 18-22, the housing sidewall52defines an interior cavity, shown as housing cavity58. As shown inFIGS. 6, 19, and 20, the housing sidewall52defines a plurality of apertures, shown as coupling apertures60, positioned on opposing sides of the housing50and proximate the lower end54thereof. As shown inFIGS. 14-16 and 18-22, the pull tube20and the snare tube30are disposed within the housing cavity58. According to an exemplary embodiment, the pull tube20and the snare tube30are linearly translatable within (e.g., slidably coupled to, etc.) the housing cavity58(e.g., between the deployed configuration12and the cocked configuration14, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the pull tube sidewall22, the snare tube sidewall32, and the housing sidewall52have circular cross-sectional shapes. In other embodiments, the pull tube sidewall22, the snare tube sidewall32, and/or the housing sidewall52are otherwise shaped (e.g., square, hexagonal, octagonal, ovular, triangular, etc.).

FIG. 26illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a housing51.FIG. 24illustrates an exploded view of another example of the trap10. As shown inFIG. 24, the trap10includes a first portion, shown as the pull tube20; a second portion (e.g., an inner portion, an inner tube, etc.), shown as the snare tube30; a third portion (e.g., an outer portion, an outer tube, etc.), shown as the housing51; a cap, shown as the spring cap70, a biasing member, shown as the main spring80; a top portion, shown as the cap91; a plurality of fasteners, shown as the fasteners98; a bottom portion, shown as the snare cup720; and a trigger mechanism, shown as the trigger assembly200.

As shown inFIGS. 24 and 26, the housing51includes many of the same or similar features as the housing50. For example, the housing51includes a sidewall, shown as housing sidewall52. The housing sidewall52has a first end, shown as lower end54, and an opposing second end, shown as upper end56. The housing sidewall52defines an interior cavity, shown as housing cavity58. The housing sidewall52defines a plurality of apertures, shown as coupling apertures60, positioned on opposing sides of the housing50and proximate the lower end54thereof. As shown inFIGS. 24 and 26, the housing51can include at least one stop pin aperture61. The stop pin aperture61can be configured to receive a stop pin740. In some embodiments, the housing51can include a stop pin aperture61positioned on opposing sides of the housing51. The stop pin aperture61can be positioned above the coupling apertures60. The stop pin740(shown in at leastFIG. 24) can limit movement, of certain components within the housing51such as rotational movement, lateral movement, and/or translational movement along a longitudinal axis of the trap10. In some embodiments, the stop pin740can prevent translational movement of one or more components positioned above the stop pin740in the trap10, such as the spring80, among others.

As shown inFIGS. 3, 13-15, 17-19, and 21, the spring cap70has a plate, shown as plate74, and a peripheral wall, shown as sidewall72, extending around the periphery of the plate74. The plate74defines an aperture, shown as pull tube aperture76. The plate74and the sidewall72cooperatively define an internal cavity, shown as cavity78. As shown inFIGS. 13-15, 17-19, and 21, the spring cap70is positioned to enclose the upper end56of the housing cavity58of the housing50such that (i) the upper end26of the pull tube20extends through pull tube aperture76and (ii) the upper end56of the housing50is received within the cavity78(i.e., the sidewall72of the spring cap70extends around the periphery of upper end56of the housing sidewall52) and engages with (e.g., interfaces with, abuts, etc.) the inner surface of the plate74. In one embodiment, the spring cap70is fixedly coupled to the housing50(e.g., with adhesive, welded, etc.). In another embodiment, the spring cap70is releasably coupled to the housing50(e.g., via a threaded engagement, a snap fit, an interference fit, etc.). In an alternative embodiment, the spring cap70and the housing50are integrally formed (e.g., a unitary component, etc.).

As shown inFIGS. 4, 14-16, 18, 19, and 21, the main spring80includes a resilient member, shown as linear coil82, having a first end, shown as lower end84, and an opposing second end, shown as upper end86. The linear coil82has a coil arrangement that defines a through-hole, shown as central aperture88. As shown inFIGS. 14-16, 18, 19, and 21, the main spring80is disposed within the housing cavity58between the spring ledge42of the upper end36of the snare tube30and the plate74of the spring cap70such that the pull tube20extends though the central aperture88of the linear coil82(i.e., the linear coil82is disposed around the pull tube sidewall22).

As shown inFIGS. 13-15, 17-19, and 21, the handle coupler90has a body, shown as body92, with a coupler, shown as coupler94, extending therefrom. The body92defines a cavity, shown cavity96. The handle coupler90is positioned such that the upper end26of the pull tube20is received within the cavity96. According to an exemplary embodiment, the coupler94of the handle coupler90is configured to facilitate coupling (e.g., releasably coupling, threadingly coupling, etc.) a handle to the pull tube20such that an operator may pull on the handle to reconfigure the trap10from the deployed configuration12to the cocked configuration14. In another embodiment, the handle is integrally formed with the handle coupler90. In one embodiment, the handle coupler90is fixedly coupled to the pull tube20(e.g., with adhesive, welded, etc.). In another embodiment, the handle coupler90is releasably coupled to the pull tube20(e.g., via a threaded engagement, a snap fit, an interference fit, etc.). In an alternative embodiment, the handle coupler90and the pull tube20are integrally formed (e.g., a unitary component, etc.). In another embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 24 and 25, the handle coupler90can be replaced by or used with a cap91. The cap91can define a cavity97. The cap91can be positioned such that the upper end26of the pull tube20is received within the cavity97. The cap91can help to limit movement of certain components of the trap10. The cap97can help to prevent certain components from sliding out of the pull tube20.

As shown inFIGS. 7A and 13-22, the snare cup100includes a plate, shown as bottom plate102, a plurality of arms (e.g., two, three, four, etc.), shown as arms104, and a plurality of flanges (e.g., two, three, four, etc.), shown as flanges106. According to the exemplary embodiment shown inFIGS. 7A, 13, 14, and 17-20, the snare cup100includes a pair of arms104and a pair of flanges106disposed on opposing sides of the bottom plate102. The snare cup100may thereby have a U-shaped structure. In another embodiment, the snare cup100includes a different number of arms104and flanges106(e.g., three, four, etc.).

As shown inFIGS. 7A and 20, the flanges106define a plurality of apertures, shown as coupling apertures108. As shown inFIG. 20, the coupling apertures108of the snare cup100are positioned to align with the coupling apertures60of the housing50. As shown inFIGS. 13, 14, and 17-20, the coupling apertures60and the coupling apertures108receive the fasteners98(e.g., screws, bolts, rivets, clamps, etc.) to releasably couple the snare cup100to the lower end54of the housing50. The snare cup100may thereby be replaceable and/or interchangeable. In another embodiment, the snare cup100is fixedly coupled to the lower end54of the housing (e.g., with an adhesive, welded, etc.). In an alternative embodiment, the snare cup100and the housing50are integrally formed (e.g., a unitary component, etc.). As shown inFIGS. 7A and 17-20, the arms104are configured to space the bottom plate102from the lower end54of the housing50such that a passage, shown as snare passage140, is formed therebetween when the trap10is arranged in the cocked configuration14. According to an exemplary embodiment, the snare cup100is manufactured using a stamping process.

As shown inFIG. 7B, a second bottom portion, shown as snare cup110, may be used in place of the snare cup100. The snare cup110includes a plate, shown as bottom plate112, a plurality of arms (e.g., two, three, four, etc.), shown as arms114, and a plurality of flanges (e.g., two, three, four, etc.), shown as flanges116, that define a plurality of apertures, shown as coupling apertures118. The bottom plate112, the arms114, the flanges116, and the coupling apertures118of the snare cup110may function similar to that of the bottom plate102, the arms104, the flanges106, and the coupling apertures108of the snare cup100. According to an exemplary embodiment, the snare cup110is hand fabricated and/or manufactured from sheet metal.

As shown inFIG. 7C, a third bottom portion, shown as snare cup120, may be used in place of the snare cup100. The snare cup120has an cylindrical sidewall, shown as sidewall121, and a plate, shown as bottom plate122, enclosing a bottom end of the sidewall121. The sidewall121has an upper portion, shown as coupling portion126, that defines a plurality of apertures, shown as coupling apertures128, and a through-hole, shown as housing aperture130. According to an exemplary embodiment, the housing aperture130is configured (e.g., shaped, etc.) to correspond with and receive the lower end54of the housing50such that the coupling apertures128align with the coupling apertures60to facilitate coupling the snare cup120to the lower end54of the housing50using the fasteners98. As shown inFIG. 7C, the sidewall121defines a pair of cutouts, shown as cutouts132, the cooperatively define the snare passage140. The remaining portion of the sidewall121defines a pair of arms, shown as arms124, that couple the bottom plate122to the coupling portion126of the snare cup120. According to an exemplary embodiment, the snare cup120is manufactured using a cutting and welding process (e.g., the coupling apertures128and the cutouts132are cut from of the sidewall121and then the bottom plate122is welded to the sidewall121, etc.).

As shown inFIG. 7D, a fourth bottom portion, shown as snare cup700, may be used in place of the snare cup100. The snare cup700includes a plate, shown as bottom plate702, a plurality of arms (e.g., two, three, four, etc.), shown as arms704, and a plurality of flanges (e.g., two, three, four, etc.), shown as flanges706, that define a plurality of apertures, shown as coupling apertures708. The bottom plate702, the arms704, the flanges706, and the coupling apertures708of the snare cup700may function similar to that of the bottom plate, the arms, the flanges, and the coupling apertures of the snare cups100,110. According to an exemplary embodiment, the snare cup710is hand fabricated, manufactured from sheet metal, and/or cut and welded, among other processes.

As shown inFIG. 7E, a fifth bottom portion, shown as snare cup710, may be used in place of the snare cup100. The snare cup710includes a plate, shown as bottom plate712, a plurality of arms (e.g., two, three, four, etc.), shown as arms714, and a plurality of flanges (e.g., two, three, four, etc.), shown as flanges716, that define a plurality of apertures, shown as coupling apertures718. The bottom plate712, the arms714, the flanges716, and the coupling apertures718of the snare cup710may function similar to that of the bottom plate, the arms, the flanges, and the coupling apertures of the snare cups100,110,700. According to an exemplary embodiment, the snare cup710is hand fabricated, manufactured from sheet metal, and/or cut and welded, among other processes.

As shown inFIG. 7F, a fifth bottom portion, shown as snare cup720, may be used in place of the snare cup100. The snare cup720includes a plate, shown as bottom plate722, a plurality of arms (e.g., two, three, four, etc.), shown as arms724, and a plurality of flanges (e.g., two, three, four, etc.), shown as flanges726, that define a plurality of apertures, shown as coupling apertures728. The bottom plate722, the arms724, the flanges726, and the coupling apertures728of the snare cup720may function similar to that of the bottom plate, the arms, the flanges, and the coupling apertures of the snare cups100,110,700,710. According to an exemplary embodiment, the snare cup720is hand fabricated, manufactured from sheet metal, and/or cut and welded, among other processes.

As shown inFIGS. 8-12C, the trigger assembly200includes a housing, shown as trigger housing202; a catch, shown as trigger latch230; a coupling pin, shown as dowel pin242; a linear biasing and/or resilient member, shown as linear spring244; a rotational biasing and/or resilient member, shown as return spring250; a retaining element, shown as trigger pin260; a plug, shown as trigger plug270; an actuation member, shown as trigger280; and a cap, shown as trigger cap290. As shown inFIGS. 8,10, and 11-12C, the trigger housing202includes a housing portion, shown as trigger casing210, and a pair of extensions, shown as housing supports220, poisoned at opposing sides of the trigger casing210and extending therefrom. The trigger casing210has a surface, shown as top surface214, and a wall, shown as peripheral wall212, extending around the periphery of the top surface214. The top surface214of the trigger casing210defines an aperture, shown as detent aperture216. The peripheral wall212and the top surface214cooperatively define an interior cavity, shown as trigger cavity218, of the trigger casing210.

As shown inFIGS. 8 and 10, the housing supports220define a first plurality of apertures, shown as coupling apertures222, and a second plurality of apertures, shown as pin apertures224. As shown inFIGS. 8 and 10, the housing supports220define a slot, shown as latch slot226, disposed between the housing supports220. The housing supports220each define a recess, shown as spring recess228.

As shown inFIGS. 8-12C, the trigger latch230has a body, shown as longitudinal body232, with a protrusion, shown retaining element234, extending from a lower end of a front face thereof. The retaining element234has a first surface or flat upper surface and an opposing second surface, shown as curved bottom surface236. As shown inFIGS. 10-12C, the longitudinal body232of the trigger latch230defines a recess, shown as spring cavity238, that extends from a lower end of the longitudinal body232along at least a portion of the length of the longitudinal body232. As shown inFIGS. 11-12C, the spring cavity238of the trigger latch230is configured to slidably receive the linear spring244and the trigger pin260.

As shown inFIGS. 9-12C, an upper end of the longitudinal body232of the trigger latch230defines an aperture, shown as pin aperture240. As shown inFIGS. 9 and 11-12C, the pin aperture240is configured to receive the dowel pin242. According to an exemplary embodiment, the dowel pin242is configured to pivotally couple the trigger latch230to the housing supports220by engaging with the pin apertures224of the housing supports220such that the trigger latch230may pivot within the latch slot226.

As shown inFIGS. 10 and 11, the trigger pin260has a first end, shown as lower end262, and an opposing second end, shown as upper end264. The lower end262defines a retaining feature, shown as detent266. As shown inFIGS. 11 and 12A, the detent266is positioned to selectively engage with the detent aperture216of the trigger casing210to selectively, rotationally fix the trigger latch230. As shown inFIGS. 10 and 11, the upper end264defines a cavity, shown as spring cavity268. As shown inFIG. 11, the spring cavity268extends from the upper end264along at least a portion of the length of the trigger pin260and is configured to receive at least a portion of the linear spring244. The trigger pin260may thereby selectively hold the linear spring244within the spring cavity238of the trigger latch230. According to an exemplary embodiment, the linear spring244is positioned to bias the detent266of the trigger pin260into engagement with the detent aperture216of the trigger casing210.

As shown inFIGS. 9-11, the return spring250includes a main portion, shown as engagement portion252, and a second portion, shown as retainer portions254, extending from the engagement portion252. According to an exemplary embodiment, the retainer portions254are configured to be received by the spring recesses228of the housing supports220to couple the return spring250thereto. As shown inFIGS. 9 and 11, the engagement portion252of the return spring250is positioned to engage a rear face of the longitudinal body232of the trigger latch230. According to an exemplary embodiment, the return spring250is configured to rotationally bias the trigger latch230such that the detent266of the trigger pin260aligns with and is received by the detent aperture216of the trigger casing210.

As shown inFIGS. 9-12C, the trigger plug270has a body, shown as body272, having a first protrusion, shown as plunger274, extending from an upper face thereof. As shown inFIGS. 11-12C, the body272of the trigger plug270has a second protrusion, shown as nipple276, extending from a lower face thereof. As shown inFIGS. 8-12C, the trigger280includes a first portion, shown as trigger body282, and a second portion, shown as trigger rod288. As shown inFIGS. 11-12C, the trigger body282has a protrusion, shown as protrusion284, extending from a first face, shown as lower face283, thereof. The protrusion284has a profile, shown as tapered profile286. In other embodiments, the protrusion284has another type of profile (e.g., curved, vertical, etc.). As shown inFIGS. 11-12C, the trigger rod288is received by trigger body282and/or the protrusion284such that the trigger rod288extends therefrom. In one embodiment, the trigger rod288is fixedly coupled to the trigger body282(e.g., with an adhesive, etc.). In other embodiments, the trigger rod288is releasably coupled to the trigger body282(e.g., with a fastener, a snap fit, an interference fit, etc.). In still other embodiments, the trigger rod288is integrally formed with the trigger body282(e.g., a unitary component, etc.).

As shown inFIGS. 11-12C, the trigger plug270and the trigger body282are disposed within the trigger cavity218of the trigger casing210. The trigger cap290is positioned to enclose the trigger cavity218to retain the trigger plug270and the trigger body282within the trigger cavity218. As shown inFIGS. 9-12C, an inner surface, shown as inner face291, of the trigger cap290defines a notch, shown as seat292, that extends around the periphery of the inner face291of the trigger cap290. As shown inFIGS. 11-12C, the seat292is configured to engage with a corresponding surface defined by the peripheral wall212of the trigger casing210to couple to the trigger housing202. The trigger cap290may be coupled to the trigger housing202to enclose the trigger cavity218with adhesive, a snap fit, an interference fit, a fastener, etc. As shown inFIGS. 11-12C, the trigger cap290defines an aperture, shown as rod aperture294, that has a profile, shown as tapered profile296. In other embodiments, the rod aperture294has another type of profile (e.g., curved, vertical, etc.).

As shown inFIGS. 11-12C, the plunger274of the trigger plug270is slidably received within the detent aperture216, opposite the detent266of the trigger pin260. The trigger body282is positioned such that an opposing second face, shown as upper face281, of the trigger body282engages with the nipple276of the trigger plug270. The lower face283of the trigger body282is disposed along the inner face291of the trigger cap290such that the protrusion284extends within the rod aperture294and the trigger rod288extends through the rod aperture294. According to an exemplary embodiment, the tapered profile296of the trigger cap290has an inverse relationship relative to the tapered profile286of the protrusion284of the trigger body282. Such an inverse relationship between the tapered profile286of the protrusion284and the tapered profile296of the trigger cap290may thereby provide an omnidirectional trigger280(e.g., the trigger280may be activated from any angle, three hundred and sixty degree activation, etc.). In other embodiments, the trigger280is a bi-directional trigger (e.g., the trigger280may be activated in two directions, forward and backward, etc.). In still another embodiment, another type of trigger280is used.

As shown inFIGS. 12A-12C, the trigger assembly200is reconfigurable between a first configuration, shown as lock configuration204, a second configuration, shown as intermediate configuration206, and a third configuration, shown as release configuration208. As shown inFIG. 12A, while the trigger assembly200is in the lock configuration204, the detent266of the trigger pin260is positioned within the detent aperture216such that the trigger latch230is rotationally fixed and cannot pivot about the dowel pin242. As shown inFIG. 12B, while the trigger assembly200is in the intermediate configuration206, the trigger rod288is engaged (e.g., activated by an animal, etc.) such that the trigger body282pivots within the trigger cavity218. Such pivoting of the trigger body282may thereby cause the upper face281of the trigger body282to push upward on the nipple276of the trigger plug270such that the plunger274slides within the detent aperture216and engages the detent266, thereby compressing the linear spring244. The compression of the linear spring244facilitates disengagement of the detent266from the detent aperture216. As shown inFIG. 12C, while the trigger assembly200is in the release configuration208, the disengagement of the detent266from the detent aperture216and the curved bottom surface236of the retaining element234facilitate pivotal movement of the trigger latch230about the dowel pin242.

As shown inFIG. 23, the trigger body282and the trigger cap290of the trigger assembly200are replaced with a second trigger cap, shown as trigger cap300, a second trigger body, shown as trigger body310, and a plate, shown as trigger plate320. The trigger assembly200having the trigger cap300, the trigger body310, and the trigger plate320may advantageously have increased sensitivity and/or increased resistance to the entry of dirt and/or other debris into the trigger cavity218of the trigger casing210. As shown inFIG. 23, the trigger body310has a profile, shown as curved profile312, extending from a face, shown as upper face314, thereof. The upper face314and the curved profile312cooperatively form a shape, shown as hemispherical shape316, of the trigger body310. As shown inFIG. 23, the trigger rod288is received by the trigger body310such that the trigger rod288extends therefrom. In one embodiment, the trigger rod288is fixedly coupled to the trigger body310(e.g., with an adhesive, etc.). In other embodiments, the trigger rod288is releasably coupled to the trigger body310(e.g., with a fastener, a snap fit, an interference fit, etc.). In still other embodiments, the trigger rod288is integrally formed with the trigger body310(e.g., a unitary component, etc.).

As shown inFIG. 23, the trigger plate320has a first side, shown as lower side322, and an opposing second side, shown as upper side324. As shown inFIG. 23, the trigger body310and the trigger plate320are disposed within the trigger cavity218of the trigger casing210. The trigger cap300is positioned to enclose the trigger cavity218to retain the trigger body310and the trigger plate320within the trigger cavity218. As shown inFIG. 23, the trigger cap300defines a notch, shown as seat302, that extends around the periphery of the lower end of the trigger cap300. The seat302is configured to engage with a corresponding surface defined by the peripheral wall212of the trigger casing210to couple to the trigger housing202. The trigger cap300may be coupled to the trigger housing202to enclose the trigger cavity218with adhesive, a snap fit, an interference fit, a fastener, etc. As shown inFIG. 23, the trigger cap300defines an aperture, shown as rod aperture304, and a cavity, shown as curved cavity306. As shown inFIG. 23, the trigger cap300defines a ledge, shown as ledge308, at the upper end thereof. The trigger plate320is positioned such that the lower side322thereof abuts the ledge308and encloses the trigger body310within the curved cavity306of the trigger cap300.

As shown inFIG. 23, the curved cavity306of the trigger cap300is shaped to correspond with and receive the hemispherical shape316of the trigger body310. The trigger body310may thereby freely pivot within the curved cavity306of the trigger cap300. Such a relationship between the hemispherical shape316of the trigger body310and the curved cavity306of the trigger cap300may thereby provide an omnidirectional trigger280(e.g., the trigger280may be activated from any angle, three hundred and sixty degree activation, etc.). The trigger body310may also effectively seal the rod aperture304(e.g., such that dirt, debris, etc. do not enter the trigger cavity218, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the trigger body310is positioned such that the upper face314thereof selectively engages with lower side322of the trigger plate320(e.g., in response to pivoting within the curved cavity306of the trigger cap300, etc.).

As shown inFIG. 23, the trigger body310is positioned such that the trigger rod288extends through the rod aperture304. According to an exemplary embodiment, activation of the trigger rod288reconfigures the trigger assembly200between the lock configuration204and the release configuration208. By way of example, engagement of the trigger rod288may cause the trigger body310to pivot within the curved cavity306of the trigger cap300. Such pivoting of the trigger body310may thereby cause the upper face314of the trigger body310to push upward on lower side322of the trigger plate320, pivoting the trigger plate320within the trigger cavity218. The upper side324of the trigger plate320may thereby engage the nipple276of the trigger plug270such that the plunger274slides within the detent aperture216and engages the detent266of the trigger pin260, thereby compressing the linear spring244. The compression of the linear spring244facilitates disengagement of the detent266from the detent aperture216, thereby releasing the trigger latch230.

As shown inFIG. 23A, the trigger latch230as shown inFIG. 23is replaced with the trigger latch231. The trigger latch231can include a flat bottom surface233that is configured to slide along the trigger plug270and contact the trigger plate320in use. As shown inFIG. 23A, the trigger assembly includes the trigger housing202, the trigger plug270, the trigger cap300, the trigger latch230, the trigger pin260, the trigger rod288, the spring250, the trigger body310, the trigger housing202, the trigger disk320, the trigger pin260, the pin242, and/or the linear spring244, among other components.FIGS. 22A-22Fshow the trigger assembly200ofFIG. 23Ain various configurations. The configurations illustrated inFIGS. 22A-22Fcan show the position of the trigger assembly200of any one ofFIGS. 1-22 and 23-26.

As shown inFIGS. 14-16 and 18-22, the trigger assembly200is disposed within the snare tube cavity38of the snare tube30. As shown inFIGS. 14,18, and 22, the housing supports220extend through the trigger slots44of the snare tube sidewall32such that an outer face of the housing supports220are positioned along (e.g., adjacent, contiguous, etc.) an interior surface of the housing sidewall52. As shown inFIG. 20, the coupling apertures222of the housing supports220are positioned to align with the coupling apertures60of the housing50. The coupling apertures60and the coupling apertures222receive the fasteners98to releasably couple the trigger assembly200to the lower end54of the housing50. According to an exemplary embodiment, the trigger assembly200is fixed to the housing50such that the snare tube30translates relative to the trigger assembly200(e.g., facilitated by the trigger slots44, etc.).

As shown inFIGS. 15-20, the trigger rod288extends from the lower end54of the housing50such that the trigger rod288is exposed within (e.g., dangles in, etc.) the snare passage140of the snare cup100(or the snare cup110, the snare cup120). According to an exemplary embodiment, engagement of the trigger rod288(e.g., by an animal passing through the snare passage140, etc.) reconfigures the animal trap from the cocked configuration14to the deployed configuration12.

As shown inFIGS. 17-22 and 22B, the trap10is arranged in the cocked configuration14. The trap10may be arranged into the cocked configuration14in response to an operator pulling on the pull tube20(e.g., on a handle coupled to the pull tube20via the handle coupler90, etc.) such that the upper end26of the pull tube20extends further from the spring cap70(e.g., relative to when arranged in the deployed configuration12, etc.) and the lower end34of the snare tube30is retracted (e.g., drawn upward, etc.) into the housing cavity58of the housing50through the lower end54thereof. As shown inFIGS. 17-22, such retraction of the snare tube30presents the snare passage140, thereby exposing the trigger rod288(e.g., the trigger slots44facilitate translation of the snare tube30relative to the trigger assembly200, etc.).

As shown inFIGS. 18, 19, and 21, such retraction of the snare tube30causes the spring ledge42of the upper end36of the snare tube30to press up against the lower end84of the main spring80such that the upper end86of the main spring80engages with an interior surface of the plate74of the spring cap70, thereby compressing the main spring80between the spring ledge42of the snare tube30and the plate74of the spring cap70. According to an exemplary embodiment, the compression of the main spring80causes the main spring80to store elastic potential energy which provides a biasing force. The biasing force of the main spring80biases the trap10into the deployed configuration12, however the trigger assembly200is configured to hold the trap10in the cocked configuration14until the trigger rod288is engaged, according to an exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIGS. 18, 21, 22, and 22B, the trigger assembly200is arranged in the lock configuration204such that the retaining element234of the trigger latch230is positioned to engage with the retention aperture46, thereby holding the trap10in the cocked configuration14. According to an exemplary embodiment, as the trap10is reconfigured from the deployed configuration12into the cocked configuration14, the return spring250forces the trigger latch230against the snare tube sidewall32such that as the retention aperture46passes by the retaining element234, the trigger latch230is pivoted such that the retaining element234extends into the retention aperture46of the snare tube30(e.g., thereby holding the snare tube30in the cocked configuration14, the trigger assembly200is reconfigured from the release configuration208to the lock configuration204, etc.). Such pivoting of the trigger latch230aligns the trigger pin260with the detent aperture216of the trigger casing210such that linear spring244forces the detent266to engage with the detent aperture216(e.g., downward etc.), thereby pivotally fixing the trigger latch230.

As shown inFIGS. 13-16, 22A, and 22F, the trap10is arranged in the unloaded and/or deployed configuration12. The trap10may be arranged into the deployed configuration12in response to engagement of the trigger rod288(e.g., an animal passing though the snare passage140, etc.) such that the upper end26of the pull tube20retracts toward the spring cap70(e.g., relative to when arranged in the cocked configuration14, etc.) and the lower end34of the snare tube30is extended (e.g., forced downward, etc.) into the snare passage140. As shown inFIGS. 13-16, such extension of the snare tube30at least partially encloses the snare passage140.

FIG. 22Cshows an exemplary embodiment of the trigger assembly200(for example, as shown in at leastFIG. 23A, etc.) in a locked or loaded position with the trigger assembly actuated. As shown in at leastFIG. 22C, the trigger rod288pivots from a longitudinal axis of the trigger assembly200until the trigger rod288reaches an activation angle α, such as when an animal moves the trigger rod288. The activation angle α can be approximately 17°, approximately 10-12°, approximately 12-14°, approximately 14-16°, approximately 16-18°, approximately 18-20°, or any range therebetween or higher. When the trigger assembly200is actuated, such as when the trigger rod288reaches the activation angle α, the trigger plug270is pushed upwardly by the resultant movement of the disk320. As shown inFIG. 22D, which is a close-up view ofFIG. 22C, in the actuated position, a top surface270of the flange of the trigger plug270contacts an interior surface273of the trigger casing210.

According to an exemplary embodiment, engagement (e.g., sufficient engagement, etc.) of the trigger rod288reconfigures the trigger assembly200from the lock configuration204to the release configuration208(e.g., seeFIGS. 12A-12C, 22F, etc.) such that trigger latch230pivots and the retaining element234disengages from the retention aperture46of the snare tube30(e.g., seeFIG. 22E). The disengagement of the retaining element234from the retention aperture46causes the biasing force of the main spring80(e.g., from the elastic potential energy stored by the compressed linear coil82, etc.) to press against the spring ledge42. The lower end34of the snare tube30may thereby be forced from the lower end54of the housing cavity58into the snare passage140of the snare cup100such that the serrated edge40of the lower end34of the snare tube30is pressed against the bottom plate102of the snare cup100. In some embodiments, the bottom plate102defines an aperture or a depression (e.g., having an inverse shape of the serrated edge40, etc.) positioned to receive the serrated edge40of the snare tube30. By way of example, when an animal trips the trigger assembly200while in the lock configuration204, the snare tube30is thereby released and forced downward from and out of the housing50by the main spring80such that the animal may become trapped (e.g., sandwiched, held, constrained, cinched, clamped, compressed, etc.) between the serrated edge40of lower end34of the snare tube30and the bottom plate102of the snare cup100. The snare tube30may thereby function as a projectile object that strikes an animal (e.g., with projectile downward motion, etc.) to trap the animal within the snare cup100between the bottom plate102and the lower end34of the snare tube30.

In some embodiments, the trap10includes and/or provides an indicator (e.g., a light, a transparent window, a flag, a sound, a notification, etc.) when the trap10is in the deployed configuration12(e.g., after trapping an animal, etc.). The trap10may thereby easily indicate whether the trap10is in the cocked configuration14or the deployed configuration12while inserted into the ground (e.g., without an operator having to remove the trap10to inspect it, etc.). By way of example, an indicator window or light (e.g., LED, etc.) positioned above the ground surface may be a first color (e.g., red, etc.) when the trap10is in the cocked configuration14and a second color (e.g., green, etc.) when the trap10is in the deployed configuration12. By way of another example, a flag may actuate (e.g., flip up, etc.) in response to the trap10being tripped (e.g., deployed from the cocked configuration14into the deployed configuration12, etc.). By way of yet another example, the trap10may include wireless communication capabilities (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, radio, near field communication (NFC), etc.) configured to facilitate providing a signal or a notification to a user device or web account (e.g., a laptop, a smartphone, a tablet, a smartwatch, a PDA, a computer, a server, an email account, a user account on a website associated with the trap10, etc.) in response to the trap10being tripped.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the trap10provides improved operation relative to traditional subterranean animal traps. By way of example, the snare cup100may be manufactured from a robust material (e.g., metal, etc.) that has increased reliability (e.g., increased work life, less failures, prevents corrosion, etc.) relative to traditional designs. By way of another example, cocking the trap10by pulling up on the pull tube20facilitates setting the animal trap (e.g., in the cocked configuration14, etc.) prior to or after inserting the trap10into the ground (e.g., animal tunnel, etc.). Traditional designs may require an operator to pull on an outer tube of the trap to cock the trap. Traditional designs may also require that the trap be cocked after being inserted into the ground (e.g., which may increase the difficulty of setting the trap, etc.), otherwise the trap may become damaged while being inserted into the ground. By way of yet another example, the trigger assembly200substantially eliminates false triggering events that traditional designs may facilitate.

The present invention also relates to methods of using the animal traps described herein to trap and/or kill an animal.

In one aspect is provided a method of trapping and/or killing an animal, the method comprising: putting the animal trap into a cocked position and placing the animal trap into a hole in the ground such that at least a portion of the trap is underground. In some embodiments, the method further comprises mechanically striking the animal with the snare tube after the animal contacts the trigger, thereby trapping and/or killing the animal.

In one aspect is provided a method of using an animal trap, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing an animal trap as described herein; (b) moving the snare tube into a cocked position; and (c) positioning at least a portion of the animal trap underground such that an animal can enter the passage and move the trigger, causing the snare tube to move into a deployed position.

In some embodiments, a bottom portion of the trap is inserted into an underground tunnel created by the animal. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the animal trap remains above ground.

In some embodiments, the animal is trapped. In some embodiments, the animal is killed.

Preferably, the animal is a burrowing animal. The animal may be, for example and without limitation, a rodent (e.g., a gopher, a groundhog, a mole, a rat, a woodchuck, a vole, a chipmunk, a muskrat, a prairie dog, or a squirrel), a skunk, a snake, or a lizard.

In some aspects, a method of setting an animal trap for trapping and/or killing an animal can include providing the animal trap. The animal trap can include an outer tubular member defining a first cavity; an inner tubular member defining a second cavity and including a retention feature, and a trigger assembly positioned within at least the first cavity and coupled to the outer tubular member. At least a portion of the inner tubular member can be positioned within the first cavity. The method can include pulling the inner tubular member relative to the outer tubular member to cause the inner tubular member to translate relative to the outer tubular member until a portion of the trigger assembly engages with the retention feature of inner tubular member.

In some embodiments, the retention feature is a retention aperture.

In some aspects, an animal trap can include a housing defining a first cavity and a snare cup coupled to an end portion of the housing. The snare cup can include bottom plate including a first side portion and a second side portion positioned opposite the first side portion; a first arm extending from the first side portion; a second arm extending from the second side portion; a first flange extending from the first arm and configured to be coupled to the housing; and a second flange extending from the second arm and configured to be coupled to the housing.

In some embodiments, a width of the first arm and the second arm is smaller than a width of the bottom plate. In some embodiments, the first arm and the second arm have an arc-like shape. In some embodiments, the first flange and the second flange are flat.

In some embodiments, the trap can include a snare tube defining a second cavity. The snare tube can be at least partially positioned within the first cavity of the housing, and the snare tube can be repositionable between a cocked position and a deployed position. In some embodiments, the trap can include a trigger assembly disposed at least partially within the second cavity of the snare tube.

Any of the parts, components, pieces, features, etc. as described herein may be part of a device for trapping animals. Some embodiments of the invention described herein relate to methods of using an animal trap having one or more of the components as described herein, alone or in combination with other elements as described.

For example, the device could incorporate the stopping pins as described herein. By way of further example, the device may comprise an outer tubular member defining a first cavity; an inner tubular member defining a second cavity and including a retention feature, wherein at least a portion of the inner tubular member is positioned within the first cavity, and a trigger assembly positioned within at least the first cavity and coupled to the outer tubular member. Alternatively, the device may comprise a snare cup coupled to an end portion of the housing, the snare cup including: a bottom plate including a first side portion and a second side portion positioned opposite the first side portion; a first arm extending from the first side portion; a second arm extending from the second side portion; a first flange extending from the first arm and configured to be coupled to the housing; and a second flange extending from the second arm and configured to be coupled to the housing.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the systems, methods, and apparatuses as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the enclosure may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations.

Embodiments have been described in connection with the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the figures are not drawn to scale. Distances, angles, shapes, etc. are merely illustrative and do not necessarily bear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layout of the articles that are illustrated. In addition, the foregoing embodiments have been described at a level of detail to allow one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the articles, parts, different materials, etc. described herein. A wide variety of variation is possible. Articles, materials, elements, and/or steps can be altered, added, removed, or rearranged. While certain embodiments have been explicitly described, other embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art based on this disclosure.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or configurations are in any way required for one or more embodiments. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. The term “consisting essentially of” can be used anywhere where the terms comprising, including, containing or having are used herein, but consistent essentially of is intended to mean that the claim scope covers or is limited to the specified materials or steps recited and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Also, the term “consisting of” can be used anywhere where the terms comprising, including, containing or having are used herein, but consistent of excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in a given claim where it is used.

Additionally, in the subject description, the word “exemplary” is used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present inventions. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from scope of the present disclosure or from the spirit of the appended claims.