USER-CONFIGURABLE MODULAR TRAP SYSTEM

Abstract: A modular trapping system for adverse weather conditions that functions in a holding or a terminating mode on dry land, adjacent wter or in the water. The system comprises several interchangeable, user selectable components that may be conveniently assembled into a desired trap configuration in a minimal time period. The primary components are cylindrical body (30) with a tapered end (54), an entrance (35) and a terminus (126). In the preferred embodiments, the entrance and terminus may be threadably secured to the body. The entrance components generally comprise a hollow elongated tubular frame (50) supporting a door (106) controlled by a conventional actuating mechanism. The terminus components (40) comprise a hollow elongated tubular frame (126) with a transparent end wall (130).

Description: Title: User-Configurable Modular Trap System Background ofthe Invention I Field ofthe Invention The present invention relates generally to traps More specifically, the present invention involves a modular trapping system that may be easily configured by a user to conform to a particular environment Known relevant pnor art may be found in U.S Class 43, subclasses 58 and 61 II Descπption ofthe Prior Art Most conventional pnor traps can be classified as either "Holding" or "Terminating" traps Holding traps generally capture a live animal and detain the animal until released by the trapper Terminating traps typically exterminate captured animals immediately Holdmg type traps usually have at least three elements 1 ) a body (holding area), 2) a tngger, and 3) a door (generally either gravity or spπng-loaded) While Terminating traps can be structurally simpler than a holding trap, they are often just holding traps to which an entermmatory method has been added Both types of traps often use bodies comprising a metal frame that is covered with heavy wire Some traps use an enclosed body made of metal or other mateπals Most conventional tngger designs employ pressure sensitive release mechanisms When actuated (i.e , stepped on by an animal), the mechanism normally moves a metal rod that releases the door The door is typically held in the open position and biased in the closed position With the release ofthe holding rod. the door falls and latches The door may also be cooperatively or alternatively spnng-loaded to close and latch Smith, U.S Pat. No 4,763,439, shows a device that can use an air-tight cyhndncal tube as a holding area Preferably, a knock-out or an asphyxiating pellet exterminated the animal Another cylindrical tube trap is shown in U S Pat No 4,583,316, issued to Holtgrefe The Holtgrefe device traps the animal inside a cyhndncal tube using a tngger that is roughly in its center A vaπety of vertically moving trap doors of general relevance are shown in U.S Pat Nos 4,310,984, issued to Burbaker, Jr., 2,541,681, issued to Andrews, 5,345,710, issued to Bitz. and 1,654,434. issued to Senecal An interesting device is shown in U S Pat. No 1,858,096, to Lementv Apparently, the trap only captivates the animal's head Another interesting device is shown in U.S.Pat No 4,318.241 issued to Frassauer Once the mouse enters the trap, the trap rotates and releases an asphyxiating foam material that fills the trap Notwithstanding the above prior art. adverse weather conditions prevent most conventional outdoor traps from functioning conectly For example, no known conventional land trap will continue to function properly after being exposed to snowfall or freezing rain Thus, an improved trap should be able to continue functioning properly dunng adverse weather conditions Another advantage lacking m most pnor land traps is the adaptability to be appropriately reconfigured so that animals may also be trapped adjacent water or in the water Such a trap could be utilized to catch a live animal or drown a captured animal Yet another problem with many pnor traps involves the use of bait Federal statutes prohibit the use of uncovered baits if the bait can be seen by predatory birds (1 e . eagles, hawks, etc ) Thus, an improved trap would permit the selective use of live bait and other types of bait as well as scents Furthermore, many pnor traps look exactly like what they are - "traps" or "cages" An improved trap would need to be disguised, preferably looking like a portion ofthe target animals natural environment For example, many target animals regularly use pipes or culverts as conven¬ ient paths Thus, a trap that looked like another pipe or culvert (1 e , a hole to be explored or a shortcut to be traveled) would be ideal An ideal trap must work equally well on the land and in the water Thus, the trapper may selectively use the trap on dry land, adjacent water or actually deployed in the water, either floating on it or submerged beneath it Furthermore, such a trap should also permit the trapper to either capture live animals or terminate target animals Summary ofthe Invention My User-Configurable Modular Trap System overcomes several deficiencies associated with many pnor art traps My trapping system can be used in adverse weather conditions and it can also be used as either a holding or a terminating trap on dry land, adjacent a water source and either on or m the water The modular system compnses several, preferably interchangeable, user selected compon¬ ents Preferably, the components may be conveniently assembled into a desired trap configuration in a minimal time penod The components may also be selected to meet ever-changing regulatory guidelines as well as uncertain environmental parameters Preferably, the system components are molded from plastic or some other similar, lightweight strong durable matenal For convenience, the components will be grouped as body components, entrance components and terminus com¬ ponents hereinafter The body components generally compπse all ofthe components that are associated with the pπmary, central trap frame The frame compnses an elongated hollow, tubular body tapered at one end Preferably, the body is generally cyhndncal, thus permitting conventional, commercially PVC pipes to be used advantageously for forming at least a portion ofthe body Of course, the tubes should be dimensionally selected based on the desired target animal (1 e , smaller tubes for smaller animals and larger tubes for larger animals) Furthermore, exceptionally large tubes should be appropnate ly reinforced with extenor nngs or other devices when necessary Optional trap devices may be inserted into the body inteπor as needed, including release mechanisms, terminating devices, etc , as discussed in more detail hereinafter Obviously, such optional devices must have slightly smaller diameters than the interior diameter ofthe body in order to be inserted into the inteπor Preferably the exteπor surfaces ofthe outer sleeve ends are threaded to facilitate coupling with entrance and terminus components. Thus, the outer sleeve ends may be easily coupled to selected entrance and/or terminus components in the field after the user assesses applicable environmental parameters. The user may couple the entrance body end to any of several different entrance components as necessary. Generally, the selected entrance component is dictated by the exigencies of a particular installation. Prefeπed entrance components each compnse a threaded door assembly, but, it is anticipated that additional, well-known entryway designs could also be assimilated as additional entrance components. The preferred door assemblies generally all compnse a hollow elongated tubular frame using a gravity operated, a spnng biased, or a trigger actuated biasing mechanism with a cooper¬ ating inwardly or outwardly opening door attached thereto. Preferably, the door frame is generally cyhndncal. thus permitting conventional, commercially available PVC pipes to be used advantageously for forming the door assemblies. As with the body, the tubes should be dimensionally selected based on the desired target animal (i.e., smaller tubes for smaller ammals and larger tubes for larger animals). The door frame is bounded by a spaced apart edge or lip. A swinging door is rotatably mounted upon the exterior frame hp. The door permits ingress into the trap body to target animals In one embodiment, the door is held open until the target animal "tnps" a release mechanism. In another, embodiment, the door is lightly closed so that it can be easily pushed open to permit a target animal to enter the trap body In such an embodiment, the door latches after the animal pushes past. Preferably the intenor frame lip is threaded to facilitate coupling with the outer body sleeve When a terminal end closure is required, the user may couple the terminal body end to one of several different terminus components The selected terminus component is normally chosen based on the target animals charactenstics (i.e., need live bait, smelly bait, etc.). The preferred terminus components each compnse a threaded cap, but it is anticipated that other designs could also be adapted to function with the invention. The preferred cap comprises a hollow elongated tubular frame that may be easily threadably coupled to the terminal body end Preferably, the frame is generally cylindrical, thus permitting the aforementioned advantageous use of commercially available PVC pipes. As with the body, the tubes should be dimensionally selected based on the desired target animal (i.e., smaller tubes for smaller animals and larger tubes for larger animals). The terminus frame is bounded by two spaced apart edges or lips. The Terminus configuration is pnmarily based upon the charactenstics of the target animal Thus, if an important consideration is to convince the target animal that the terminus will permit egress from the body, the terminus can either have a Plexiglas wall to give the appearance of an exit or actually have an opening Such constructions cultivate the animal's thought that it can enter and leave the trap unhindered On the other hand, if baits are needed to entice the target animal into the trap, the terminus could be closed to retain the bait inside the trap Of course, an appropnate body insert should be cooperatively used to maximize such an effort One preferred embodiment ofthe trap system permits the termination of captured animals Termination may be accomplished by any one of a number of methods. Conventional spnng loaded stnkmg devices may be placed inside the trap, as well as strangulation nooses In one particularly desirable embodiment ofthe system, water is used to drown the captured animal The system may be either utilized in a free standing configuration either adjacent to or in a body of water This embodiment may also be used with an internal water storage device or in a floating onentation Generally, after the animal enters the trap, the body rotates and begins sliding downwardly and forwardly until it plunges the trapped animal's head beneath the water level Alternatively, the trap may simply orient the animal's head near the end ofthe trap as the lower half of the trap fills with water In this manner, trapped animals may be conveniently exterminated Of course, all ofthe components ofthe trap are interchangeable and may be used as desired by the user to configure the trap to conform to environmental constraints, applicable government regulations or other operating parameters Thus, a pπncipal object ofthe present invention is to provide a system ofthe character descπbed that enables a user to easily configure the trap for use on land, adjacent to water or m the water Another related object ofthe present invention is to provide a trap that terminates captured animals Yet another basic object of the present invention is to provide a usable configurable trap that permits the user to conform to applicable government regulations Another related object ofthe present invention is to provide a trapping system that permits a user to configure the trap to resemble the natural habitat ofthe target animal Another related object ofthe present invention is to provide a trap that employs live bait Another related object ofthe present invention is to provide a trap that releases smaller non-target animals while retaining larger target animals Still another object ofthe present invention is to provide a trap that may be utilized m the water, either near the water s surface or submerged beneath it A related object ofthe present invention is to provide a floating trap Another basic object ofthe present invention is to provide a trapping system that utilizes water to drown a captured animal A related object ofthe present invention is to provide a trapping system that internally stores water used to exterminate a trapped animal Another basic object ofthe present invention is to provide a trap that functions properly even under severe winter weather conditions Another basic object ofthe present invention is to provide a trap that can be successfully used by anyone to remove nuisance animals from their own property, thereby eliminating the need to hire professional animal control specialists These and other objects and advantages of the present invention, along with features of novelty appurtenant theeto. will appear or become apparent in the course ofthe following descriptive sections Bπef Descπption ofthe Drawings In the following drawings, which form a part ofthe specification and which are to be construed m conjunction therewith, and in which like reference numerals have been employed throughout wherever possible to indicate like parts in the vanous views FIGURE 1 is a perspective view showing one preferred embodiment of my trapping system, FIGURE 2 is a partially fragmented , perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , with portions thereof broken away or omitted for claπty, FIGURE 3 is a partially fragmented, exploded view similar ofthe embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, with portions thereof broken away or omitted for clanty FIGURE 3A is a perspective view showing three optional entrance components inserts that may be selectively employed with the system, FIGURE 3B is a perspective view showing six optional body inserts that may be select¬ ively employed with the system, FIGURE 3C is a perspective view showing two optional terminus components that may be selectively employed with the system, FIGURE 4 is a partially fragmented, exploded view showing another configuration for the trapping system, with portions thereof broken away or omitted for clanty, FIGURE 5 is a partially fragmented, exploded view similar to Figure 4, showing a differ¬ ent configuration for the system, with portions thereof broken away or omitted for claπty, FIGURE 6 is a partially fragmented, exploded view similar to Figures 4 and 5, showing another configuration for the system using a water insert for exterminating a target animal, with portions thereof broken away or omitted for clanty, FIGURE 7 is a perspective view showing a first optional stand that may be selectively used with the trap system, FIGURE 8 is a perspective view showing a second optional stand that may be selectively used with the trap system, FIGURE 8A is an enlarged side elevational view ofthe stand shown in Figure 8. with dashed lines showing a moved position, FIGURE 9 is an environmental view showing one embodiment ofthe trapping system deployed in a body of water. FIGURE 10 is an environmental view similar to Figure 7, but showing the system in a moved position, FIGURE 1 1 is an environmental view similar to Figures 7 and 8, but showing the system in another moved position, FIGURE 12 is an environmental view similar to Figure 7, but showing the trapping system deployed adjacent a body of water, FIGURE 13 is an environmental view showing the system installed on a flotation device upon a body of water, and, FIGURE 14 is an environmental view showing the embodiment shown in Figure 1 installed on the side of a tree Detailed Descπption Referπng more specifically to the drawings, my configurable trap system is generally designated by referenced 25 in Figures 1 - 12 The system 25 may be deployed in either a holding mode (Figs 1 - 5 and 14) or in an extermination mode (Figs 6 and 9-13) Preferably, system 25 compπses a trap 27 selectively assembled from three pnmary components (Figs 1 - 3) The three pnmary components are a body component 30, an entrance component 35, and a terminus component 40 However, an assembled trap 27 may be comma- pπsed on any number of primary components (I e , only the body 30 or the body 30 combined with the entrance 35 or other combinations) The assembled trap 27 may also utilize an optional insert 45 inside the body component 30 to increase its efficiency or enhance trap operation In most ofthe preferred embodiments, interchangeable entrance components 35 and terminus components 40 may be easily combined with the preferred body component 30 and any optional inserts 40 to assemble trap 27 in a desired configuration in other words, the components may be easily assembled into a desirable trap configuration in the field Such selectivity permits the user to easily adapt the trapping system to overcome changing environ¬ mental conditions while readily conforming to applicable governmental guidelines Since the entrance components and terminus components are interchangeable and function similarly, identical reference numerals and terms will be used when possible Furthermore, since the optional inserts are also similar, identical reference numerals and terms will also be used where possible The preferred body 30 compπses an elongated hollow frame 50 that houses any selected optional inserts 45 as well as the target animal Frame 50 comprises two spaced apart ends, an entrance end 52 and a terminal end 54 (Fig 3) Preferably, both ends 52. 54 are threaded to receive a selected entrance component 35 and a selected terminus component 40 Frame 50 further compnses an elongated, cyhndncal tube 55 extending from entrance end 52 to an integral tapered conic 56 Conic 56 extends from tube 55 to terminal end 54 A trigger orifice 53 be dπlled into tube 55 Tapered section 56 provides a stop for insert 45 Tube 55 comprises an exteπor, outer sleeve coveπng an inner sleeve 58 that defines an intenor 60 Intenor 60 receives and retains the target animal dunng trapping Preferably, the inteπor surface 62 is smooth and tractionless Inteπor 60 may also selectively receive optional inserts 45 Of course, as previously mentioned, the mtenor diameter 63 should be appropnately dimensioned depending upon the target animal In other words, the larger the target animal, the larger the inteπor diameter needs to be Conversely, the smaller the target animal, the smaller the inteπor diameter can be Thus, it is anticipated that several varying body diameters or sizes will be available to suit the particular requirements for a chosen target animal After a particular body size is selected, the rest of trap 27, may be assembled. At this point, any optional insert 45 is simply placed inside interior 60 pnor to the attachment ofthe selected entrance component 35 and terminus component 40 Optional inserts 45 can be selectively employed to enhance trap 25 (Fig 3B) Preferred embodiments for optional insert 45 all generally comprise a sleeve 65 that has a outer diameter 67 that is necessaπly smaller than interior diameter 63 Therefore all of the inserts 45 may be easily placed in tube 55 Several inserts 45 utilize a tab 69 on the edge of sleeve 65 to approp¬ nately trigger the entrance component 35 as necessary Tab 69 has a stπng receiving onfice 69A for receiving a stnng-type tngger from the entrance component 30 Since such conventional stπng-type tnggenng arrangements are mechanically simple and well-known to those in the art, one is not specifically shown in the drawings Sleeve 65 also supports a specialized attachment 70 for each insert 45 The contemplated attachments 70 compnse a bait partition 75 A, separating bait partition 75B, a snare mechanism 75C and a crushing snap jaw 75D Other optional inserts include a water storage trough 90 and a climbing ladder 95 The bait partitions 75A. 75B enable the trapper to use bait, either live bait or other types of bait, with trap 27 Both bait partitions 75 A, 75B comprise a protective cap face 76 penetrated by several air passageways 77 The air passageways 77 permit the bait s scent or sounds to be smelled or heard throughout the trap intenor 60 Ideally, the target animal either hears or smells the bait and enters the trap through entrance component 35 However, even after the target animal enters the inteπor 60, it cannot reach the bait behind either partition 75A or 75B Separating bait partition 75B also uses a shelf 78 to separate different types of bait An optional threaded rear face 79 may also be used with either bait partition 75 A or 75B if desired The snare mechanism 75C and crushing snap jaw 75D exterminate the trapped animal Snare mechanism 75C comprises a loop 80 extending from a tie-down 81 In use, the loop snares the target animals head as it enters the trap to tngger the entrance component 35 while strangling the animal A pair of spaced apart retainers 82 can be used to properly size loop 80 Crushing snap jaw 75D compπses an upper and lower mandible 85 A and 85B Mandibles 85A, 85B are biased toward each other by a conventional spπng or any other conventional biasing mechanism known to the art (not shown) Dunng use, mandibles 85A, 85B are independently set and held (the set position is shown in dashed lines) by an appropnate, monofilament trigger line 87 As with conventional jaw traps, when the target animal tnps the tngger, mandibles 85A, 85B (85B is shown in the closed position) spnng together forcefully to crush the head or another vital organ ofthe trapped animal Mandible 85B may also be left in the closed position as shown in Figure 3B to facilitate the use of ladder insert 95 as is more fully discussed hereinafter The water storage trough 90 also exterminates the trapped animal by drowning it Trough 90 is designed to be used when trap 27 is placed in a rotating configuration similar to that shown in Figures 9-11 In other words, when the trap 27 is installed so that it rotates from a substantially hoπzontal configuration to a substantially vertical position, trough 90 may e used for extermination purposes Trap 27 may be installed to rotate by using extemal rotary accessones that are discussed in more detail hereinafter Alternatively, trap 27 may be installed adjacent a hole in the ground to accomplish a similar rotary movement (not shown) Trough 90 comprises an outer sleeve 91 and a spaced apart inner sleeve 92 Outer sleeve 91 and inner sleeve 92 cooperatively define an annulus 93 therebetween Annulus 93 may be used to store fluids, such as water, in trough 90 A pair of openings or slots 94 establish fluid flow communications from the annulus 93 Duπng use, annulus 93 is filled with a fluid, such as water Then trough 90 is placed inside trap interior 60 (Fig 6) As long as trap 27 maintains a substantially honzontal onentation, the fluids remain inside annulus 93 However, as soon as the onentation of trap 27 begins to rotate downwardly toward end 54, the stored fluids in annulus 93 flow into trap intenor 60 Climbing ladder 95 permits the trap 27 to be oπented vertically while still permitting target animal ingress (Fig 14) Generally, ladder 95 is used cooperatively with another insert to maximize the effectiveness of trap 27 Ladder 95 comprises a pair of spaced apart, elongated poles 96 (Fig 3B) Poles 96 are interconnected by regularly spaced rungs 97 Rungs 97 permit a target animal to climb ladder 95 and subsequently enter vertically oπented trap 27 Since ladder 95 is pπmanly used when trap 27 is oπented vertically, sleeve 98 permits the ladder to hold up another insert 45 to rest upon entrance component 35 to maintain a proper positioning and alignment in trap 27 Of course, additional optional inserts could be adapted for use with trapping system 25 to further enhance the capabilities ofthe trap 27 The user simply selects an appropnate insert 45 and pushes it into intenor 60 as desired Once the trapper has configured the body 30 and any chosen insert 45 therein, the trap may be further assembled by choosing an entrance component 35 The selected entrance com¬ ponent 35 is simply threadably coupled to the entrance end 52 ofthe body component 30 The prefeπed entrance components 35 each generally comprises an elongated doorway assembly 100A, 100B or 100C (Fig 3A) Assembly 100A comprises a tubular core 101 that extends from an exteπor end 102 to an inteπor end 104 adjacent bodv component 30 The intenor end 104 is preferably threaded to mount entrance end 52 The extenor end 102 generally mounts a door 106 Generally the door mounts to the lip 108 on end 102 Door 106 is biased by spnng 110 in a closed position Thus, door 106 must be pushed open by the target animal to gain ingress into trap 27 Then the door simply swings shut behind the target animal, and latches and locks Assembly 100B also compnses a tubular core 101 with ends 102 and 104 Assembly 100B adds an internal catch 1 12 that locks door 106 after the target animal enters trap 27 Assembly 100C adds a release mechanism 1 14 that is associated with the door to maintain it in a properly displaced configuration until triggered by a target animal (as previously discussed) A catch 112 secures the door 106 in a closed position after actuation Spnng 110 may be located either on the inside ofthe doorway assembly 100 or on the outside (as shown in Figs 4 and 5) Moreover, other conventional biasing devices may be easily adapted to replace spring 1 10 A stabilizer 102 A may also be added to assembly 100A if necessary, to prevent the trap 27 from rolling All three prefeπed embodiments of door assemblies are shown in an assembled trap in Figures 1 - 6 It is important to note that, although the door assembly embodiments are not identical, they function similarly After an appropriate entrance component 35 is selected, the user need only select a terminus component 40 to finish assembling the trap 27 The selected terminus component 40 is threadably coupled to the tapered terminal end 54 ofthe body component 30 Prefeπed terminus embodiments are shown in Figures 1 - 6 Generally the prefeπed teπninus component 40 compnses a short cap 125A or 125B Caps 125A, 125B each compnse a tubular body 126 Body 126 extends between two spaced apart ends, 127, 128 Preferably, intenor end 127 is threadably coupled to body component 30 similarly to door¬ way assembly 100A-C Cap 125A uses a solid rear wall 130 that fits end 128, Preferably, wall 130 is made from a clear Plexigias material to give the appearance of an opening to the extenor Cap 125B includes several air portals 132 that penetrate wall 130 Once the trap 27 is assembled, it should be placed appropnately in the target animal's environment Contemplated deployments for trap 27 include simply laying the trap 27 on the ground, digging a small trench for the trap 27, or other well-known trap installation methods An alternative stand for supporting trap 27 in the water (Figs 9 - 1 1 ) or on an adjacent ditch bank (Fig 12) or similarly elevated is shown m Figures 7 - 8A An optional stand is shown in Figures 7 - 8A The stand 140 can be used to selective!} elevate trap 27 Stand 140 comprises a elongated post 141 Preferably post 141 has a sharpened end 141 A that facilitates insertion into the ground Post 141 terminates in a support top 14 IB In one embodiment, a honzontal support arm 142 extends outwardly from a juncture 143 at post top 141B Preferably, a cradle 144 extends upwardly from the arm ' s distal end 142 A A U-shaped yoke 146 also mounts post top 141B at junction 143, adjacent arm end 142B Yoke 146 facilitates pivotal movement by trap 27 upon animal entry. A pair of sliding guides 147A, 147B pivotally mount each terminal yoke end 146A, 146B. Each guide 147A, 147B slidably receives a railing 148A, 148B. Each railing 148A, 148B normally stays between entrance com¬ ponent 35 and terminus component 40 when trap 27 is properly installed. Thus, when an animal enters the trap 27 and passes juncture 143, trap 27 rotates at guides 147A, 147B about the axis established therebetween. Guides 147A, 147B then begin sliding along railings 148A, 148B, moving vertically relative to post 141. If the stand 140 is employed, the body component 30 rests upon cradle 144 and yoke 146 while railings 148A, 148B are suitably secured to the body frame 50. In a second embodiment, a collar 152 mounts post 141 on top 141B. Collar 152 comprises a base 154 that directly mounts top 141B. A slot 155 receives tab 156 on πng 158. In use, trap 27 simply slides through ring 158 until reaching a desired equilibrium point. Trap 27 is then suitably temporanly secured in ring 158. Tab 156 prevents ring 158 from rotating until the target animal passes the established equilibnum point. Of course, the elevated stand could be appropriately configured to hold a trapped animal instead of simply terminating it. All the trapper would need to do is lock the trap in the elevated position by wedging a simple stop into the pivoting mechanism ofthe previous two embodiments. As discussed above, the user may choose from among any ofthe entrance components 35 and terminus components 40 to couple with the body component 30 to assemble trap 27. Furthermore, any ofthe inserts 45 may be used within the body interior 60. While trap 27 is deployed in a holding mode, the target animal simply enters the trap and is retained in interior 60. However, when trap 27 is deployed in the extermination mode, the target animal is exter¬ minated after entering the trap. One particularly prefeπed embodiment for exterminating the target animal is shown in Figures 9 - 12. The trap 27 may be used in a variety of configurations to effectively exterminate a target animal 160. For example, the trap 27 is assembled without an entrance component 35 or a terminus component 40. Trap 27 is then mounted in a pool of water 170 on optional stand 140 stuck in bed 172 (Figs. 9 - 11). The trap may also be deployed on a ditch bank 175 adjacent to a pool of water 170 (Fig. 12). As can be seen in Figures 9 - 1 1, after the target animal 160 enters trap 27 and moves past the equilibrium juncture 143. trap 27 rotates about the pivot point established by guides 147 A, 147B. As the trap 27 rotates, it begins sliding along railings 148A, 148B. As can be seen most clearly in Figure 11, the target animal ' s head 162 is trapped beneath the surface of pool 170, eventually drowning it. In yet another example, a flotation device 180 may also be used in conjunction with trap 27 (Fig. 13). Flotation device 180 permits the trap to be substantially free-floated in a water 170 When a target animal 160 enters trap 27,the entire trap/float combination either sinks or, if an appropnate designed float is attached, it pivots to plunge at least a portion ofthe trap 27 beneath the surface of water 170 to drown the target animal 160 The entire body 30 of trap 27 does not necessaπly have to plunge beneath the surface of water 170 to effectively drown the animal It is often enough to submerge only the terminal end 54 and a small portion ofthe body component30 to submerge the animal's head 162 Trap 27 can also be mounted adjacent to a tree 190 on stand 140 (not shown) or actually on tree 190 using ladder insert 95 (Fig 14) Of course, to mount upon a tree 190, the trap may be appropπately secured by mounting straps 192 at a desired height or otherwise suitably mounted to the tree An optuonal insert 70 (1 e., snare 75B or Jaw 75D & 77) would necessaπly need to be included in trap 27 to exterminate the target animal 160 From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set forth, together with other advantages which are inherent to the structure It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations This is contemplated by and is within the scope ofthe claims As many possible embodiments may be made ofthe invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be inteφreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense

Claims: WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. An animal trap for use upon land or within or adjacent a body of water, said trap comprising: an elongated, tubular body having an interior defined between an entrance end and a spaced apart terminal end, said interior adapted to receive bait and retain trapped animals, wherein said terminal end comprises an unhindered opening having a first diameter and said entrance end compnses a selectively hindered opening having a second diameter larger than said first diameter so that said interior traps larger animals while permitting smaller animals to exit said trap; and, a door assembly providing animal ingress to said interior, said door assembly selectively threadably coupled to said entrance end and adapted to selectively hinder animal egress from said interior. 2. The trap as defined in claim I further comprising bait retention means disposed between said ends within said inteπor for displaying but isolating the bait, wherein said retention means comprises a sleeve having an open end and a spaced apart closed end, said sleeve adapted to be coaxially telescoped into said body interior. 3. The trap as defined in claim 1 further comprising a terminal end secured to said terminal body end for occluding said interior. 4. The trap as defined in claim 3 further comprising termination means for killing a trapped animal. 5. The trap as defined in claim 4 wherein said termination means comprises a spring-biased, rigid striker adapted to forcibly contact and smash the trapped animal's head or other vital organ. 6. The trap as defined in claim 4 wherein said termination means compπses a snare adapted to strangle the trapped animal. 7. The trap as defined in claim 1 further comprising suspension means to suspend said trap off the ground in a generally vertical position, and further comprising climbing means within said trap to enable an animal to climb into said trap. 8. The trap as defined in claim 7 wherein said climbing means comprises a ladder adapted to be inserted and secured inside said body and further comprising a terminus threadably secured to said terminal end 9. The trap as defined in claim 8 further comprising a sleeve with a biased, rigid striker adapted to forcibly contact and smash the trapped animal's head or other vital organ. 10. The trap as defined in claim 8 further comprising a sleeve with a snare adapted to strangle the trapped animal. 1 1. The trap as defined in claim 1 further comprising flotation means for suspending said trap in the water. 12. The trap as defined in claim 1 1 further comprising bait retention means. 13. The trap as defined in claim 1 1 further comprising a sleeve with a biased, rigid striker adapted to forcibly contact and smash the trapped animal's head or other vital organ. 14. The trap as defined in claim 11 further comprising a sleeve with a snare adapted to strangle the trapped animal. 15. An animal trap for use upon land or within or adjacent a body of water,said trap comprising: an elongated, tubular body having an interior defined between an entrance end and a spaced apart terminal end, said interior adapted to receive bait and retain trapped animals, wherein said terminal end comprises an unhindered opening having a first diameter and said entrance end comprises a selectively hindered opening having a second diameter larger than said first diameter so that said interior traps larger animals while permitting smaller animals to exit said trap; and, mounting means for normally orienting said trap in a generally horizontal position when the trap is set and for pivoting the trap to a generally vertical position when the trap is sprung, with the terminal end moved downwardly. 16. The trap as defined in claim 15 further comprising a door threadably secured to said entrance end and a terminus threadably secured to the terminal end. 17. The trap as defined in claim 15 further comprising bait retention means 18. The trap as defined in claim 16 further comprising termination means comprising a water storage tank and water dispensing means for drowning a trapped animal. 19. The trap as defined in claim 18 further comprising bait retention means. 20. An animal trap for use upon land or within or adjacent a body of water said trap comprising: an elongated tubular body having an interior defined between an entrance end and a spaced apart terminal end, said interior adapted to receive bait and retain trapped animals and wherein said terminal end comprises an unhindered opening having a first diameter and said entrance end comprises a selectively hindered opening having a second diameter larger than said first diameter so that said interior traps larger animals while permitting smaller animals to exit said trap; and flotation means for suspending said trap in the water; and, termination means for killing a trapped animal wherein said termination means comprises a snare adapted to strangle the trapped animal. AMENDED CLAIMS [recei ved bv the I nternationa l Bureau on 1 9 September 1997 ( 19.09.97 ) , or ig ina l c laims 1 -20 repl aced by amended c l aims 1 -20 (4 pages ) ] 1 An animal trap for use upon land or within or adjacent a body of water, said trap compnsmg an elongated, tubular body which is tapered and cone shaped at the terminal end, said body further compnsmg a door tngger hole, said door trigger hole is also a anchor hole, said body havmg a smooth, unobstructed intenor designed to receive enhancing sleeve elements, wherein said sleeve elements are adapted to be coaxially telescoped into said intenor, said inteπor is further defined between an entrance end and a spaced apart said terminal end, said inteπor adapted to receive bait and retain trapped ammals, wherein said terminal end compnses a opening having a first diameter and said entrance end compnses a opening having a second diameter larger than said first diameter, said terminal end adapted to receive a threadably coupled end closure, said entrance end adapted to receive door assemblies that are threadably coupled by rotational means, said trap adapted to capture animals upon activation by rotating downwardly into selected existing or dug holes, said activation occumng whenever an animal reaches a predetermined location inside said trap, said ammal is drowned whenever said holes contain water, whereby a person is spared the necessity of terminating said trapped animals 2 The trap as defined in claim 1 further compnsmg a door assembly threadably coupled by rotational means to said entrance end, thereby providing ammal ingress into said inteπor 3 The trap as defined in claim 1 further compnsmg termination means wherein said termination means compπses a sleeve with a snare adapted to strangle the trapped animal , said sleeve further including guide tabs, and a door release tngger and bait holder tab 4 The trap as defined in claim 1 further compnsmg termination means wherein said termination means compπses a sleeve with a spπng-biased, πgid stπker with round stπke bars, said round strike bars adapted to function with both of said stnke bars moving when activated and also with only the top strike bar moving when activated with the bottom stnke bar set in the closed position, said sleeve further compnsmg a monofilament line trigger, and a door release trigger and bait holder tab, said πgid stπker adapted to forcibly contact and smash the trapped animal's head or other vital organ 5 The trap as defined in claim 1 further compnsmg suspension means, pivoting means and sliding means, said suspension means suspending said trap in water and oπentmg said trap in a generally horizontal position when said trap is set, said pivoting means pivoting said trap to a generally vertical position when said trap is sprung, with said sliding means then sliding said terminal end downwardly, whereby a trapped animal is terminated, wherein a tilting device is adapted to provide the said suspension means, said pivoting means, and said sliding means 6 The trap as defined in claim 1 further compnsmg flotation means 7 The trap as defined in claim 6 wherein said flotation means compnses a trough, said trough compnses an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve cooperatively defining an annulus between said sleeves, said trough adapted to hold water, air, or the like, said trough adapted to float said trap, said trough further adapted to fill with water thereby sinking said trap whenever a captured animal becomes agitated while trving to escape 8 The trap as defined m claim 1 further compnsmg a teπninal end closure and termination means, wherein said termination means compnses a liquid storage tank and liquid dispensing means for drowning said trapped animal upon said trap being activated by said trapped ammal into a dug or existing hole, said liquid storage tank comprises a trough, said trough compπses an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve cooperatively defining an annulus between said sleeves 9 The trap as defined in claim 1 further compnsmg suspension means, climbing means, and anchonng means 10 The trap as defined m claim 9 wherein said climbing means, and anchonng means compnse a ladder adapted to be inserted into said entrance end and secured, said ladder further adapted to anchor said trap in a somewhat vertical position at any angle within a 180 degree halfcircle, said ladder also adapted to enable said animal to climb into said trap from land or water, said ladder anchonng said trap whenever said trap is leaned against a tree, or a building, or a ditch bank, or the like, said ladder is also adapted to function with a lower portion of said ladder extending outward from said entrance end, and also with said ladder completely inserted into said trap thru said entrance end, said ladder is further adapted to suspend enhancing elements near the top ofthe trap, whereby said trap will function efficiently m any weather 1 1 The trap as defined in claim 2 further compnsmg bait retention means disposed between said ends within said inteπor for displaying but isolating and protecting live baits and other baits, wherein said retention means compnses a sleeve adapted to be coaxially telescoped into said body either end first, said sleeve having one closed end compnsed of plexiglas, or the like, with air and scent holes, and one open end selectively threadably coupled for coupling to a end closure, said sleeve also compnses a door release tngger and auxiliary bait holder tab 12 The trap as defined in claim 1 further compnsmg a door assembly threadably coupled by rotational means to said entrance end. said door assembly is further adapted to function both with and without an attaching tngger assembly, said door assembly further adapted to function efficiently with an open door configuration activated by said tngger assembly, said door assembly further adapted to also function efficiently with a closed door configuration wherein said door closes after said animal pushes past said door and enters said trap, said door also adapted to selectively latch and lock with said animal inside said trap 13. The trap as defined in claim 12 further comprising a sleeve with a snare adapted to strangle a target animal, said sleeve further including guide tabs and a door release trigger and bait holder tab. 14. The trap as defined in claim 12 further comprising a sleeve with a spring biased rigid striker with round strike bars, said round strike bars adapted to function with both of said strike bars moving when activated, and also with only the top strike bar moving with the bottom strike bar set in the closed position, said sleeve further comprising a monofilament line trigger and a door release trigger and bait holder tab, said rigid striker adapted to forcibly contact and smash said trapped animal's head or other vital organ. 15. The trap as defined in claim 12 further comprising suspension means, pivoting means and sliding means, said suspension means suspending said trap in water and orienting said trap in a generally horizontal position when said trap is set, said pivoting means pivoting said trap to a generally vertical position when said trap is sprung, said sliding means then sliding said terminal end downwardly whereby a trapped animal is terminated, said suspension means and said pivoting means and said sliding means all comprise a tilting device adapted to suspend said trap in the water until activated by said trapped animal, whereby said tilting device then moves said trap downwardly and sliding said trap to a predetermined position. 16. The trap as defined in claim 12 further comprising flotation means. 17. The trap as defined in claim 16 wherein said flotation means comprises a trough adapted to be inserted into said trap, said trough comprises a outer sleeve and an inner sleeve cooperatively defining an annulus between said sleeves, said trough adapted to store liquids or air, said trough also adapted to float said trap and also to fill with water whenever a captured animal becomes agitated while trying to escape, thereby sinking said trap. 18. The trap as defined in claim 12 further comprising a terminal end closure and termination means, wherein said termination means comprises a liquid storage tank and liquid dispensing means for drowning said trapped animal upon said trap being activated by said trapped animal, said liquid storage tank comprises a trough, said trough comprises an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve cooperatively defining an annulus between said sleeves. 19. The trap as defined in claim 12 further comprising suspension means, climbing means and anchoring means, wherein said climbing means and anchoring means comprise a ladder adapted to be inserted into said entrance end of said trap and secured, said ladder is also adapted to anchor said trap in a somewhat vertical position at any angle within a 180 degree halfcircle, said ladder is further adapted to enable said animal to climb into said trap from land or water, said ladder anchoring said trap whenever said trap is leaned against a tree, or a building, or a ditch bank, or the like, said ladder is also adapted to be completely inserted into said trap and also to function with a lower portion of said ladder extending outward from said entrance end, said ladder is further adapted to suspend enhancing elements near the top of the trap, whereby said trap will function efficiently in any weather. 20. The trap as defined in claim 12 further comprising a terminal end closure and bait retention means disposed between said ends within said interior for displaying but isolating and protecting live baits and other baits, wherein said bait retention means comprises a sleeve adapted to be coaxially telescoped into said body either end first, said sleeve having one closed end comprised of plexiglas with air and scent holes and one open end selectively threadably coupled to receive a threaded end closure, said sleeve also comprises a door release trigger and auxiliary bait holder tab. AMENDED SH£ET(ARTICLE 19) STATEMENT UNDER ARTICLE 19 The amended claims submitted herewith, were amended to more particularly define the invention in a patentable manner over the cited prior art. The amended claims have no significant impact on the description or the drawings.

Inventors: MARKS MAX H, MARKS, MAX, H.
Applicants: MARKS MAX H, MARKS, MAX, H.
Application year: 1997
Main classification: A01M23
IPC codes: A01M23