Animal trap

A novel type of an animal trap is provided for trapping animals of different sizes. The mechanism for controlling rotative movement of the trapping means provides high sensitivity of the trap. The trap is easy and safe to use and suitable for the purpose of controlling household rodents, such as mice, rats, or the like.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to animal traps and more particularly to traps targeting animals of different sizes like mice, rats, and rodents.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Animal traps are well known in the art. The most common type of animal traps has been a snap trap with bait attached to a trigger mechanism which can lock and release a spring loaded striker to slam the animal attempting to take the bait. This type of trap has an inherent disadvantage. The trap can be difficult and dangerous to load since the trigger mechanism has to be manipulated with hand in the striking zone. It is quite often that the striker is released accidentally and hurt the user's hand.

A variety of animal trap designs have been proposed to overcome aforementioned disadvantage. One type of traps comprises a base, a jaw pivotally mounted on the base, a trigger, and a spring extending between the base and the jaw. This type of traps is so arranged that, when the jaw is rotated to an open position, the tension line of the spring is slightly above the pivot axis, which maintains the jaw in the open position. The jaw can be moved by the animal taking the bait. When the displacement brings the tension line passing through the pivot axis, the trap is triggered to close. The trap may be made of sheet metal, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,138,092 to Evans, or made of molding plastic, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,415,544 to Leyerle, et al. This type of traps reduces the danger to the user since it is set by pressing rear end of the jaw which is outside of the striking zone. However, this type of traps has limited sensitivity because a certain animal weight is required to move the jaw to pass the pivot axis of rotation to close. Another type of traps has been designed to entrap instead of striking the animal. The trap usually comprises a casing with one or two open ends for the entrance of animals, and a trigger which actuates moving open ends to close. For the trap having two open ends constitute a through runway, a wary animal may be more apt to venture into it than into a trap having only one open end. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,688,348 to Chu describes an animal trap comprising a main body and two rotative doors. Each door is controlled by a latch. A trigger actuates both latches to move and causes the two doors close simultaneously. The trap can be used with or without bait when it is placed against a wall. This type of traps is safer but more complicated to use.

There is still a need for a novel type of animal trap which is highly sensitive, easy to set and safe to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a novel type of animal traps. The present invention further provides a method of using the same.

The animal trap according to the present invention comprises a base, a trapping means capable of moving rotatively from an open position in which the trapping means provides an entrance for an animal to a close position in which the trapping means is closed to trap the animal. The animal trap further comprises a trigger and a novel control mechanism having at least one movable pivotal member which is capable of moving from a release position to a latch position. When the pivotal member is in the latch position, the trapping means can be held in the open position. When the pivotal member is in the release position, the trapping means moves from the open position to the close position. The trigger is operative to releasably hold the movable pivotal member in the latch position. When the trigger is released, the pivotal member moves from the latch position to the release position and subsequently the trapping means moves to close.

The animal trap according to the present invention minimizes the danger to the user since the trigger setting is outside of the striking zone. The control mechanism cooperated with the trigger provides an optimal high sensitivity such that one trap may catch animals of different sizes.

It is one object of the present invention to provide an animal trap with optimal high sensitivity for targeting animals of different sizes.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an animal trap that is easy and safe to use as a common household tool.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide an animal trap that is inexpensive, effective, and durable.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, detailed description of the preferred embodiments and from the illustrative drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts,FIG. 1illustrates a first preferred embodiment having a housing20as trapping means. Housing20cooperates with a base10and a top cover plate30to form a complete enclosure. As shown in detail inFIG. 2, base10comprises a platform portion12, side wall portions40and50, and a rear wall portion14having a forwardly horizontally extending portion16with a threaded opening18. Housing20comprises a top portion22, a forward wall portion, side wall portions24aand24bwith rearwardly extending arms26aand26b, respectively. Top portion22may tilt forwardly downwardly at an angle of approximately 30° relative to base10. Cover plate30comprises an opening32, a side recess34, and an upwardly rearwardly extending grip portion36which cooperates with a grip portion28disposed on the rear edge of top portion22to facilitate manipulation. Cover plate30is removably mounted on extending portion16by a fasting screw38passing through opening32and threadedly screwing on opening18. Housing20fits between side wall portions40and50with the rear edge of top portion22slightly over the forward edge of cover plate30, as shown inFIG. 1.

As shown inFIG. 2, side wall portion40comprises a tilted top extending portion42which inclines inwardly at an angle of approximately 45° relative to side wall portion40. Extending portion42comprises a pair of spaced pivot lugs44having transversally aligned pivot openings46. Side wall portion40further comprises a vertical slot48and a rectangular opening52. Arm26aof housing20comprises a round rear end having an oblique slot54. Arm26ais movably mounted on side wall portion40with a movable pivotal member60. As shown inFIG. 4, movable pivotal member60comprising a base portion62and a pin portion64. Base portion62comprises a rectangular opening66near the top and a horizontal groove68at the front side edge. Pin portion64comprises a smooth shank portion and a threaded end portion. Pin portion64extends through vertical slot48of wall portion40and oblique slot54of arm26aand is fastened with a threaded lock nut74. As shown inFIG. 3, the inside of wall portion40comprises horizontal flanges76and78disposed below and above vertical slot48to prevent arm26afrom moving upwardly and downwardly. Wall portion40further comprises multiple restricting members88laterally embracing base portion62such that pivotal member60can only move upwardly and downwardly.

As shown inFIG. 2, side wall portion50comprises a round opening56. Arm26bof housing20comprises a round rear end having a round opening58. Arm26bis movably mounted on side wall portion50by a pivot pin80comprising a knob end portion and a pin portion84. Pin portion84comprises a smooth shank portion and a threaded end portion. Pin portion84extends through opening56and opening58and is fastened with another threaded lock nut74.

Pivotal member60may move vertically between a release position in which pin portion64engages with the upper end of vertical slot48and a latch position in which pin portion64engages with the lower end of vertical slot48. When pivotal member60is in the release position, pin portions64and84are transversally aligned and forming a pivot axis such that housing20can be rotated from a close position to an open position. When housing20is rotated to the open position, the upper edge of arm26ais engaged with the forward side edge of inwardly extending portion42and the rotative movement is stopped. In this situation, slots54and48are superposed completely and permit pin portion64to move downwardly such that pivotal member60can move from the release position to the latch position. When pivotal member60is in the latch position, pin portions64and84are nonaligned and the rotative movement of housing20is hindered.

A tension spring90with two hooked ends is provided. One end hooks on a shaft92disposed on the inside of wall portion24aof housing20. Another end hooks on a shaft94disposed on the inside of wall portion40, as shown inFIG. 5. Housing20can be rotatively moved from the close position to the open position by grasping grip portion36and pulling grip portion28upwardly rearwardly against spring tension force. The extent of rotation of housing20is approximately 30°. For the tension line of spring90is below the pivot axis defined by pin portions64and84, spring90exerts a closing force on housing20.FIG. 5illustrates movable pivotal member60in the release position and housing20closes by the spring tension force.

As shown inFIG. 2, a trigger pedal member100comprises a forward platform portion, a rear portion, and a side upwardly extending portion with a latching member102which extends laterally outwardly therefrom and protrudes through opening52. Trigger pedal member100comprises a pair of spaced pivot lugs104having transversally aligned pivot openings106. Base10comprises a pair of spaced pivot lugs108having transversally aligned pivot openings112. A pivotal shaft98extends through pivot openings112and106such that trigger pedal member100may tilt forwardly or rearwardly on base10. The balance of the forward portion and the rear portion is so arranged that trigger pedal member100tends to tilt rearwardly with the forward platform portion raised. When pivotal member60is in the latch position, latching member102falls into groove68such that pivotal member60is latched.

A locking mechanism is integrated with the trigger mechanism to prevent a trapped animal from forcefully raising housing20from inside. The locking mechanism comprises a locking member110having an upper portion114, a vertical middle portion, and a horizontal lower lock portion116extending horizontally outwardly. Upper portion114extends upwardly outwardly at an angle of approximately 45° relative to the middle portion of locking member110. Upper portion114comprises a pair of spaced pivot lugs with transversally aligned openings118. The top end of upper portion114extends through opening66and serves as a press handle120.

In the assembling of the trigger mechanism and locking mechanism, a pivotal shaft122extends through pivot openings46and118, and a torsion spring124. Torsion spring124exerts a force on press handle120to move pivotal member60upwardly and turns lock portion116protruding outwardly until lock portion116engages with the inside surface of wall portion40. In this situation, protruded lock portion116hinders arm26afrom moving upwardly such that housing20is locked in the close position. When press handle120is pressed to turn a distance between the upper edge and the lower edge of opening66, locking portion116turns inwardly towards the space defined by recess34of cover plate30. Arm26ais unlocked and housing20can be rotated. When housing20rotates to the open position, press handle120can be further pressed downwardly against the lower edge of opening66to push pivotal member60to the latch position.

Bait may be placed on the platform portion of trigger pedal member100accessed by opening housing20or by removing cover plate30.

To set the trap, press handle120is pressed against the force of torsion spring124to unlock housing20. Then housing20is rotated upwardly while press handle120is continuously pressed. When housing20is rotated to open position, slot48and slot54are superposed completely such that pivotal member60can be pressed to move downwardly. When pivotal member60moves to the latch position in which said pin portion64has passed over the tension line of spring90, trigger pedal member100tilts rearwardly and latching member102falls into downwardly shifted groove68and pivotal member60is latched in the latch position when the pressure is released. In this situation, pin portion64is below the tension line such that tension spring90exerts a turning force in the opposite direction on arm26aof housing20and in fact helps hold housing20in the open position, as shown inFIG. 6. The positioning of the tension line above pin portion64and nonalignment of pin portions64and84retain housing20in the open position.

When a targeted animal steps on the forward portion of trigger pedal member100, latching member102moves forwardly out of groove68such that pivotal member60is released and pulled upwardly by torsion spring force exerted on press handle120. Pivotal member60moves upwardly from the latch position to the release position and pin portion64passes over the tension line, causing housing20to close. When the upper edge of arm26arotates downwardly to the close position, the horizontal lock portion116protrudes outwardly and locks housing20in the close position.

FIG. 7illustrates a second preferred embodiment in which a striker220is employed as trapping means to slam the animal. Striker220is movably mounted on a base210. Base210comprises a platform portion212, side wall portions240and250, and a rear wall portion214with an extending grip portion216. Striker220comprises a striker bar218, side portions224aand224bwith rearwardly extending arms226aand226b, respectively, and a transversal top portion222which connects side portions224aand224b. The upper edge of striker bar218, the forward edges of side portions224aand224b, and the forward edge of top portion222form a forward opening234. Striking teeth236may be formed along the lower edges of striker bar218and side portions224aand224b. Striker220fits between side wall portions240and250. The components disposed on side wall portions240and250are structurally the same as those disposed on side walls40and50, respectively, as described in detail in the first preferred embodiment. And the components disposed on side portions224aand224bare structurally the same as those disposed on side wall portions24aand24b, respectively, as described in detail in the first preferred embodiment. The arrangements of the trigger mechanism and the locking mechanism are the same as those described in the first preferred embodiment so that they are omitted.

In use, bait can be placed on trigger pedal member100accessed through forward opening234. Press handle120is pressed to unlock striker220. Then striker220is rotated upwardly by gripping transversal top portion222and grip portion216by hand. When striker220is rotated to the open position, pivotal member60is pressed to move downwardly to the latch position and then latched by latching member102.

FIG. 8-9Cillustrates a third preferred embodiment in which a pivotal member60band pivotal member60work together to control rotative movement of a striker320. As shown inFIG. 8, a base310comprises a platform portion312, side wall portions340and350, and a rear wall portion314with an extending grip portion316. The components disposed on side wall portions340and350are structurally the same as those disposed on side wall portion240as described in the second preferred embodiment. The components disposed on side wall portions340and350are symmetrically arranged. Striker320comprises a striker bar318, side portions324aand324bwith rearwardly extending arms326aand326b, respectively, and a transversal top portion322. Like extending arm24adescribed in the first preferred embodiment, extending arm326acomprises a round rear end having oblique slot54. Similar to extending arm326a, extending arm326bcomprises a round rear end having an oblique slot354. Striker320fits between side wall portions340and350. Like pivotal member60, pivotal member60bcomprises pin base62band pin portion64b. Arm326ais mounted on side wall portion340by pivotal member60and arm326bis mounted on side wall portions350by pivotal member60b. One side view of the trap is a mirror image of the other side view, as shown inFIG. 8. Pin portions64and64bform a pivot axis upon which striker320rotates. The components of the trigger mechanism and the locking mechanism on each side are structurally the same as described previously and are symmetrically arranged. As shown inFIG. 9A, a trigger pedal member300comprises a pair of side upright extending portions having latching members102on each side and protruding horizontally outwardly. Trigger pedal member300is tiltedly mounted on base310and operative to simultaneously hold pivotal members60and60bin the latch position or simultaneously release pivotal members60and60bto move from the latch position to the release position. Tension spring90is hooked between side wall portion340and side portion324a. Another tension spring90bmay be hooked between side wall portion350and side portion324b, as shown inFIG. 8. When pivotal members60and60bare in the release position, the tension line is below the pivot axis formed by pin portions64and64bsuch that tension springs90and90balways pull striker320downwardly to the close position.

When striker320is in open position, oblique slots54and354are completely superposed with vertical slots54on each side, respectively, such that pivotal members60and60bcan be moved from the release position to the latch position. When pivotal members60and60bare in the latch position while striker320is in open position, the tension line is just above the pivot axis formed by pin portions64and64b. In this situation, tension springs90and90bpull striker320upwardly and maintains striker320in the open position. When pivotal members60and60bmove from the latch position to the release position, the pivot axis passes over the tension line, causing striker320to close.

It should be understood that because the pivotal members on both side are symmetrically arranged, the trigger mechanism of this trap can be set without loading trapping means. First, both press handles120and120bare forcefully pressed to force pivotal members60and60bmoving downwardly. When pin portions64and64bare forced to move along vertical slots48on side wall portions340and350, respectively, the wedge effect on the edges of oblique slots54and354forces arms326aand326bto displace forwardly until pin portions64and64bengage with the lower ends of vertical slots48and then pivotal members60and60bare latched in the latch position.FIG. 9Billustrates the position of pin portion64when movable pivotal member60is in the release position. The arrow head indicates the direction of movement of pin portion64.FIG. 9Cillustrates the position of pin portion64and the displacement of arm326awhen movable pivotal member60moves to the latch position. The arrow head indicates the direction of displacement of arm326a. On the opposite side, the change of the position of pin portion64bis the same as that of pin portion64as shown inFIG. 9BandFIG. 9C. When pivotal members60and60bis latched in the latch position the trap can be placed in a desired position. Finally striker320can be rotated upwardly to the open position.

FIG. 10illustrates a fourth preferred embodiment in which two rotative housings420and20are employed as trapping means. Housings420and20are symmetrically mounted on a base410and cooperate with base410and a top cover plate430to form a complete enclosure. As shown in detail inFIG. 11, base410comprises a platform portion412, a forward side wall portion440, and a rear side wall portion450. Forward side wall portion440comprises a tilted extending portion442which inclines rearwardly inwardly at an angle of approximately 45° relative to forward side wall portion440. Rear side wall portion450comprises a forwardly horizontally extending portion416with a threaded opening418. Cover plate430comprises an opening432near the rear edge and two spaced recesses434at the forward edge. As described in the first preferred embodiment, housing20comprises the top portion, the side wall portion, forward side wall portion24awith inwardly extending arm26a, and rear side wall portion24bwith inwardly extending arm26b. Similar to housing20, housing420comprises a top portion, a side wall portion, a forward side wall portion424awith an inwardly extending arm426a, and a rear side wall portion424bwith an inwardly extending arm426b. The top portions of housings20and420may tilt laterally downwardly at an angle of approximately 30° relative to base410, as shown inFIG. 10. Housings20and420fit between wall portions440and450with arms26aand26bpartially crossing over arms426aand426b, respectively. Cover plate430is mounted on extending portion416by fasting screw38passing through opening432and threadedly screwing on opening418. The side edges of cover plate430are under the inner edges of the top portions of housings20and420, respectively, as shown inFIG. 10.

As shown inFIG. 11, forward side wall portion440comprises vertical slot48. Arm26acomprises the round end having oblique slot54. Arm426acomprises a round end having an oblique slot454. A pivotal member60acomprises pin portion64aand a base portion62awhich has rectangular opening66near the top and a rectangular opening468near the bottom. Pin portion64acomprises a shank portion and a threaded end portion. Pin portion64aextends through vertical slot48and oblique slots54and454and is fastened with threaded lock nut74. Thus arms26aand426aare coaxially movably mounted on forward side wall portion440. Forward wall portion440further comprises multiple restricting members88laterally embracing base portion62asuch that pivotal member60acan only move upwardly and downwardly. As shown inFIG. 12, the inside of forward side wall portion440comprises horizontal flanges76and78disposed below and above vertical slot48to prevent arms26aand426afrom moving upwardly and downwardly.

As shown inFIG. 11, rear side wall portion450comprises round opening56. Arm26bcomprises the round end having round opening58. Arm426bcomprises a round end having a round opening458. Pin portion84of pivot pin80extends through opening56and openings58and458and is fastened with another threaded lock nut74. Thus arms26band426bare coaxially movably mounted on rear side wall portion450.

Like pivotal member60, pivotal member60amay move vertically between a release position in which pin portion64aengages with the upper end of vertical slot48and a latch position in which pin portion64aengages with the lower end of vertical slot48. When pivotal member60ais in the release position, pin portions64aand84are transversally aligned and forming a pivot axis such that housings20and420can pivotally rotate from a close position to an open position. When housings20and420are rotated to the open position, the rotative movements are stopped because the upper edges of arms26aand426aare engaged with corresponding side edges of inwardly tilted extending portion442of side wall portion440, respectively. In this situation, both slots54and454are completely superposed with slot48and permit pivotal member60ato move from the release position to the latch position. When pivotal member60amoves to the latch position, pin portions64aand84are nonaligned such that the rotative movements of housings20and420are hindered.

Tension spring90with two hooked ends is provided. One end hooks on shaft92disposed on the inside of wall portion24aof housing20. Another end hooks on a shaft492disposed on the inside of wall portion424aof housing420. Housings20and420can be rotated from the close position to the open position by pulling grip portion28disposed on the top portion of housing20and a grip portion428disposed on the top portion of housing420upwardly inwardly against the tension force of spring90. The extent of rotation of housings20and420may be approximately 30°. For the tension line of the spring is still below the pivot axis formed by pin portions64aand84when housings20and420are in the open position, spring90exerts a closing force on both housings20and420.

Extending portion442comprises a pair of spaced pivot lugs444having transversally aligned pivot openings446. Forward wall portion440further comprises an opening498sized for receiving a trigger pedal member500and a pedal lift member520. Trigger pedal member500comprises a rear platform portion, a forward upright portion502, and a pair of spaced pivot lugs504having transversally aligned pivot openings506. Upright portion502comprises a horizontal latching member510extending forwardly. Pedal lift member520comprises a forward portion526, two side portions528, and a pair of transversally aligned pivot openings532. Each side portion528has a downwardly extending portion534with an opening536. A pivotal shaft522passes through the center of an elastic means in the form of a rubber roller538and openings536such that rubber roller538is placed between extending portions534.

As shown inFIG. 12, on the inside of forward wall portion440a pair of spaced pivot lugs508having transversally aligned pivot openings512are disposed on the side edges of opening498. Another pivotal shaft522extends through pivot openings512and506such that trigger pedal member500may tilt on lugs508with upright portion502substantially fitting into the space of opening498. The positioning of latching member510is so arranged that it will protrude forwardly outwardly into opening468of pivotal member60awhile the rear platform portion of trigger pedal member500is raised. As shown inFIG. 12, on the inside of forward wall portion440, a pair of spaced pivot lugs524having transversally aligned pivot openings514are disposed on the side edges of opening498above lugs508. Another pivotal shaft522extends through pivot openings514and532such that pedal lift member520is pivotally mounted on forward wall portion440with rubber roller538displaced behind upright portion502. Pedal lift member can rotate from a normal position to a lift position. In the normal position, pedal lift member520tilts forwardly by gravity with forward portion526lowered and rubber roller538away from the inside surface of upright portion502, as shown inFIG. 13. In the lift position, pedal lift member520is tilted with forward portion526raised and rubber roller538engaged with the inside surface of upright portion502and pushing latching member510protruding forwardly into opening468, as shown inFIG. 14.

As shown inFIG. 11, locking member540comprises a tilted top portion542, a vertical middle portion544, and two side bottom portions546extending horizontally forwardly. Top portion542extends upwardly forwardly at an angle of approximately 45° relative to the middle portion544. Top portion542comprises a pair of spaced pivot lugs with transversally aligned openings548. The end of top portion542extends through opening66and serves as press handle120.

In the assembling of locking member540, another pivotal shaft522extends through a torsion spring554and pivot openings446and548. Torsion spring554exerts a force on handle120to move pivotal member60aupwardly and turns bottom portions546forwardly until bottom portions546engage with the inside surface of forward wall portion440. In this situation, bottom portions546hinder arms26aand426afrom moving upwardly such that housings20and420are locked in the close position. When press handle120is moved to a distance between the upper edge and the lower edge of opening66, bottom portions546turn into the spaces defined by recesses434, respectively. Arms26aand426acan move upwardly and housings20and420are unlocked. When housings20and420are rotated to the open position, press handle120can be further pressed against the lower edge of opening66and pivotal member60ais pressed downwardly to the latch position and then latched by latching member510.

To set the trap, press handle120and pedal lift member520are grasped by one hand and grip portions28and428are grasped by other hand. First, press handle120is pressed downwardly against torsion spring force to unlock arms26aand426a. Then housings20and420are pulled upwardly inwardly to the open position. Then press handle120is continuously pressed to push pivotal member60ato the latch position until latching member510protrudes forwardly into opening468. When press handle120and pedal lift member520are released, pivotal member60ais latched by latching member510which remains in opening468. In this situation, pin portion64ais below the tension line such that spring90exerts a turning force in the opposite direction on arms26aand426aof housings20and420and in fact helps hold housings20and420in the open position.FIG. 15illustrates housings20and420are pulled in the close position by spring90when movable pivotal member60ais in the release position.FIG. 16illustrates housings20and420are held in the open position when movable pivotal member60ais latched in the latch position.

Bait may be placed on the platform portion of trigger pedal member500. Cover plate430may be temporarily removed for placing the bait. Since this trap may be placed along the edges of a wall to leave a runway for rodents, the trap can be used without the bait.

The size of the trap may be of any desired length, width, and height, according to the size of the largest targeted animals.

It is contemplated that, except springs, the parts of the trap can be made of common materials such as sheet metal, plastic, or other hard materials. The number of parts can be reduced if the trap is formed integrally of molding plastics, or like materials. The housings and the cover may be in part transparent, or with multiple peek openings, or made of wire meshes such that the entrapped animal can be conveniently checked.

It should be understood that, with use of the mechanism for controlling the movement of the trapping means described herein, various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.