Abstract:
An animal trap including jaws rotatably coupled together at a distal end, each of the jaws having one or more portions that are transverse to a longitudinal axis of the animal trap, a spring axially mounted substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the animal trap, the spring being configured to provide a rotating force to one or more of the jaws, and a pan hinged on one of the one or more transverse portions and configured to restrain a trip wire when pressure is applied to the pan releasing the rotating force provided by the spring and causing one or more of the plurality of jaws to rotate together.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates generally to pest and rodent control. More specifically, an animal trap is described.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Rodents, pests, and other burrowing animals such as moles and gophers can cause significant property damage. If not controlled, burrowing animals can damage lawns, gardens, crops, homes, and property. These animals, including gophers and moles, are often difficult to catch, kill, or prevent from burrowing and causing damage.  
         [0003]     Some conventional techniques for controlling burrowing animals (e.g., gopher, mole, and other burrowing creatures) include poisons, deterrents (e.g., fences), and traps. Some conventional techniques use poisons to control burrowing animal populations, but these can also cause undesirable harm by poisoning soil, polluting water tables, affecting crops, or causing other adverse environmental or ecological effects. Deterrents such as fences can also be used, but burrowing animals are often able to dig underneath or chew through deterrents, regardless of whether a portion of the fence has been buried. Traps are still another conventional solution, but there is a large variation in the design and material of the traps, leading to mixed and, often, unsuccessful results.  
         [0004]     For example, some conventional traps are designed for placement inside the mouth or opening of a hole burrowed by an animal (e.g., gopher, mole, and the like). Animals are forced to move across or over parts of the trap for activation, but various parts of conventional traps have large, solid cross-sectional areas that can intimidate or discourage an animal from entering the trap. Other conventional problems include failure to kill an animal that springs a trap due to inadequate spring tension, or compromised function due to corroded or deteriorated components. Some conventional traps have mechanisms that produce inadequate force to hold and kill animals, resulting in animals escaping from traps and becoming “trap shy.” Another problem with conventional traps is the large numbers of parts and complex manufacturing requirements (e.g., soldering numerous components together). Further, conventional traps may be difficult to use, set, or trip, also resulting in decreased effectiveness. Still further, some conventional traps use materials that deteriorate or corrode over time, particularly when placed in-ground and exposed to moisture-laden setting such as lawns, golf courses, gardens, and the like. Weakened components or increased friction on moving parts due to corrosion or deterioration can result in the complete failure of conventional traps.  
         [0005]     Thus, what is needed is an animal trap without the limitations of conventional techniques.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0006]     Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings:  
         [0007]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary animal trap, in accordance with an embodiment;  
         [0008]      FIG. 2  illustrates an alternative view of an exemplary animal trap, in accordance with an embodiment; and  
         [0009]      FIG. 3  illustrates another alternative view of an exemplary animal trap, in accordance with an embodiment.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0010]     Various embodiments of the invention may be implemented in numerous ways as an apparatus. A detailed description of one or more embodiments is provided below along with accompanying figures. The detailed description is provided in connection with such embodiments, but is not limited to any particular example. The scope is limited only by the claims and numerous alternatives, modifications, and equivalents are encompassed. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding. These details are provided for the purpose of example and the described techniques may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the embodiments has not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description.  
         [0011]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary animal trap, in accordance with an embodiment. In some examples, trap  100  includes first jaw segment  102 , second jaw segment  104 , spring  106 , pan  108 , and trip wire  110 . Here, first jaw segment  102  may also include first transverse portion  112 , longitudinal axis  114 , and spring loop  116 . Second jaw segment  104  includes, in some examples, coupling loop  118 , second transverse portion  120 , third transverse portion  122 , and spring and finger grip  124 . Components of trap  100  may be formed from various materials, including stainless steel, tempered steel, spring-tempered stainless steel, music wire, and others. Materials used to form the described components of trap  100  may be formed using a variety of materials and are not limited to the examples provided. For example, first jaw segment  102  and second jaw segment  104  may be formed using 0.125 (⅛″ diameter) wire, rods, dowels, and the like. As another example, pan  108  and trip wire  110  may be formed using 0.110 diameter wire, rods, dowels, and the like. Further, spring  106  may be formed using 0.067 diameter wire, rods, dowels, and the like. The above-described examples are provided for illustration purposes and are not limiting to the various examples described below. Components, sizes, and materials may be varied for the various components of trap  100 .  
         [0012]     Here, spring  106  may also be configured to include proximal spring tip  126 , spring catch  128 , and distal spring tip  130 . Spring  106  is positioned substantially about the axis of first jaw segment  102 , but because of placement behind finger grip  124  and direct application of stored rotation force (i.e., due to winding of the spring), trap  100  may close with greater speed and force to trap and kill an animal. Further, spring  106  may be formed using materials of smaller gauge or diameter without losing rotational force or strength. The position of spring  106  behind (i.e., proximal) to finger grip  124  and pan  108  allows the area between first jaw segment  102  and second jaw segment  104  to be entered (by an animal) and not have substantial obstructions that might deter entry. The position of spring  106  provides flexibility in shape, size, and material that may be used to implement spring  106 . Further, the position of spring  106  also provides a reduced opportunity for corrosion or deterioration that could induce resistance in the operation of trap  100 .  
         [0013]     In some examples, pan  108  may be configured to have hinges  132  and  134 , which may be bent about third transverse portion  122  in the direction shown or in the opposite direction. Further, hinges  132 - 134  may also be coupled to third transverse portion  122  differently and are not limited to the coupling technique shown. In some examples, hinges  132 - 134  couple pan  108  to third transverse portion  122  allowing for free rotation about the transverse axis of third transverse portion  122 . Although formed from wire in the illustrated example, pan  108  may be formed from a solid component instead of wire. Pan  108  may also be formed from other materials and is not limited to those shown or described.  
         [0014]     In some examples, trip wire  110  is also rotatably coupled about second transverse portion  120 . In some examples, rotatably coupling trip wire  110  about second transverse portion  120  allows trip wire  110  to be set under spring or torsion force and restrained by pan  108 . When set in a restrained position, tip  136  of trip wire  110  restrains first jaw segment  102  in an open position and the proximal tip of trip wire  110  is restrained by a lower edge of pan  108 . When tripped (i.e., pressure is placed against pan  108  which releases tripwire  110  from its restrained position underneath a lower edge of pan  108  thus permitting spring  106  to cause first jaw segment  102  to rotate), first jaw segment  102  rotates inward toward second jaw segment  104 , causing the jaws to close and, subsequently, trapping, injuring, or otherwise incapacitating the animal. Although trap  100  has been described as having the above components and features, in other examples, some, none, or all of the components may be varied within the function and structure described. Trap  100  is not limited to the examples described and may be varied accordingly.  
         [0015]     For components  102 - 134 , stainless steel, iron, or other materials may be used to form trap  100  and its various components. Stainless steel may be used to prevent corrosion and extend the working life of trap  100 . For example, spring  106  may be formed using a malleable or semi-malleable material that provides for different levels of spring or torsion force. Trap  100  may be formed using materials to create first jaw segment  102 , second jaw segment  104 , spring  106 , pan  108 , and trip wire  110 . These five components may be implemented using substantially similar or different materials for each component. Also, components of trap  100  (e.g., first jaw segment  102 , second jaw segment  104 , spring  106 , pan  108 , and trip wire  110 ) may be formed using varying dimensions and sizes in order to implement the configuration shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0016]     In some examples, trap  100  may be placed in a “set” configuration by winding spring catch  128  and placing distal spring tip  130  under tension alongside finger grip  124 . In other words, spring catch  128  may be used to wind spring  106 , which is secured and prevented from free rotation by the placement of proximal spring tip  126  in spring loop  116 . Tension stored as rotational force in spring  106 , when wound, is secured in place by position distal spring tip  130  against the far side of finger grip  124 . Although not shown here, when spring  106  is under tension and pan  108  is substantially upright and holding trip wire  110  from free rotation around second transverse portion  120 , trap  100  is set. When an animal (e.g., gopher, mole, and the like) moves between first jaw segment  102  and second jaw segment  104  and applies pressure against pan  108 , trip wire  110  is released, allowing the stored rotational force/energy in spring  106  to rotate first transverse portion  102  towards second transverse portion  104 . Rotational force/energy from spring  106  closes first transverse portion  102  with second transverse portion  104  with force and speed and, thus, traps and kills the animal activating trap  100 .  
         [0017]     When first jaw segment  102  and second jaw segment  104  close together, an animal is trapped and killed. In some examples, an additional wire (i.e., a retrieval wire; not shown) may be attached to spring loop  116  and used to manually retrieve or position the trap in a burrow, tunnel, or hole. After being “tripped,” trap  100  releases spring tension from spring  106  to rotate first jaw segment  102  to close with second jaw segment  104 , but distal spring tip  104  remains in position against finger grip  124 . Although not shown, the released position allows spring  106  to rotate and apply rotational force to first jaw segment  102 , but distal spring tip  130  remains in position to prevent an animal from forcing first jaw segment  102  away from second jaw segment  104  and thus opening and escaping from trap  100 . Further, if spring  106  is placed under significant spring or torsion force, first jaw segment  102  and second jaw segment  104  may close forcefully causing musculoskeletal or other bodily damage to the animal, resulting in asphyxiation, internal bleeding or hemorrhaging, or immediate death.  
         [0018]     In some examples, first jaw segment  102  may be formed from a single wire or length of heavy to medium gauge stainless steel. In other examples, different gauges or materials may be used. A 90 degree bend provides for a jaw tip and first transverse portion  112 , around which second jaw segment  104  rotatably couples. Second jaw segment  104  may also be formed using materials similar to that used for first jaw segment  102 . By also using a  90  degree bend, another jaw tip that is substantially parallel to the jaw tip of first jaw segment  102 . Second jaw segment may be formed so as to wrap around longitudinal axis  114 , which provides a pivot point for first jaw segment  102  to rotate together with second jaw segment  104 , when pressure is applied to pan  108 , which acts as the restraint mechanism for trip wire  110  and closing force provided from spring  106 .  
         [0019]     Here, pan  108  may also be formed from a single wire, rod, dowel, sheet metal, or the like. Varying gauges, diameters, and hardness in materials may be used and are not confined to the example shown. In some examples, pan  108  may be formed to include various curves, twists, or other shapes that provide a barrier when the trap is set. Pan  108  may be implemented differently (e.g., using a solid, sheet metal surface or the like) and is not restricted to the implementation shown.  
         [0020]     The barrier provided by pan  108  acts as an obstruction to an animal that is attempting to move through a burrow. When the animal moves between first jaw segment  102  and second jaw segment  104 , it then encounters pan  108 . When the animal presses against or applies pressure to pan  108 , trip wire  110  is released and allows spring  106  to rotate first jaw segment  102  together against second jaw segment  104 , thus closing the jaws quickly and forcefully. Rapid and forceful closure restrains, injures, or kills the animal. Pan  108  may be configured differently and is not limited to the example illustrated. Further, trap  100  and components  102 - 134  may be configured differently and are not limited to the examples described.  
         [0021]      FIG. 2  illustrates an alternative view of an exemplary animal trap, in accordance with an embodiment. Here, another view of trap  100  is shown in a set position (i.e., spring or torsion force has been applied to spring  106  and first jaw segment  102  and second jaw segment  104  are held open in a restrained position). In some examples, trap  100  includes first jaw segment  102 , second jaw segment  104 , spring  106 , pan  108 , and trip wire  110 . Here, first jaw segment  102  may also include first transverse portion  112 , longitudinal axis  114 , and spring loop  116 . Second jaw segment includes, in some example, coupling loop  118 , second transverse portion  120 , third transverse portion  122 , and spring and finger grip  124 . Spring  106  may also be configured to include proximal spring tip  126 , spring catch  128 , and distal spring tip  130 . Pan  108  may be configured to have hinges  132  and  134 .  
         [0022]     Here, the “set” or ready position refers to the state in which the trap has been wound (i.e., using spring catch  128  and placing proximal spring tip  130  against spring and finger grip  124 ) and the trip wire has been placed in a position to prevent first jaw segment  102  from rotating together with second jaw segment  104 . When set, energy from spring  106  has been stored as a rotating or torsion (i.e., “closing force”) force that, when released by trip wire  110 , causes first jaw segment  102  to rotate together with second jaw segment  104  violently, trapping any animal that may be lying along the longitudinal axis of trap  100 . Pan  108  acts as a trigger or release mechanism that, when pressed slightly, releases trip wire  110  and allows first jaw segment  102  and second jaw segment  104  to close. Pan  108  has been formed to provide a barrier that is large enough to provide enough surface or contact areas for an animal to trip trap  100  without obstructing or providing a large, solid obstacle or blockage in a burrow.  
         [0023]      FIG. 3  illustrates another alternative view of an exemplary animal trap, in accordance with an embodiment. Here, another view of trap  100  is shown in a tripped position (i.e., spring or torsion force has been applied from spring  106  and first jaw segment  102  and second jaw segment  104  have closed together under the force released from spring  106 ). In some examples, trap  100  includes first jaw segment  102 , second jaw segment  104 , spring  106 , pan  108 , and trip wire  110 . Here, first jaw segment  102  may also include first transverse portion  112 , longitudinal axis  114 , and spring loop  116 . Second jaw segment includes, in some examples, coupling loop  118 , second transverse portion  120 , third transverse portion  122 , and spring and finger grip  124 . Spring  106  may also be configured to include proximal spring tip  126 , spring catch  128 , and distal spring tip  130 . Pan  108  rotates about third transverse portion  122  using hinges  132  and  134 , which may be formed using the endpoints of the wire, rod, or dowel of pan  108 . In other examples, pan  108  and hinges  132  and  134  may be formed differently.  
         [0024]     In some examples,  FIG. 3  illustrates trap  100  in an alternative view. When placed in a set position or after being “tripped,” spring catch  128  is substantially upright (although, here, spring catch  128  is shown “lying down”) and distal spring tip  130  is placed under pressure against a vertical surface or side of finger grip  124 . Here, closing force has been released from spring  106  when pan  108  is depressed or pushed back towards spring and finger grip  124 , releasing trip wire  110  and allowing first jaw segment  102  to rotate towards second jaw segment  104 . When closed, forcefully, first jaw segment  102  and second jaw segment  104  close together and trap an animal lying substantially parallel to longitudinal axis  114 . The force determined by the number of times spring  106  is wound about longitudinal axis  114  is directly related to the force applied to the animal&#39;s body when first jaw segment  102  closes with second jaw segment  104 . Further, the material used to form spring  106  may also provide additional strength to spring  106  and, subsequently, to the closing force transferred to first jaw segment  102  when the trap is sprung.  
         [0025]     Although the foregoing examples have been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, the invention is not limited to the details provided. There are many alternative ways of implementing the invention. The disclosed examples are illustrative and not restrictive.