Year: 1886

page_text: Date of Application, 3rd Dec., 1886
Complete Left, 5th Sept., 1887
Complete Accepted, 7th Oct., 1887
I, JAMES BURMAN of Victoria Road Castletown in the Isle of Man, Gentleman
do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
A pyramidal shaped trap which is self closing through each of the four sides being
connected to its opposite one by a spring. The four sides are hinged to the bottom
of the trap, and above this bottom there is a platform (smaller than the aforesaid
bottom) raised about two inches above it, the springs connecting the opposite sides
to each other working underneath this platform. The body of the trap is set in the
centre of four arms (which arms are at right angles to each other and extend beyond
the bottom of the trap). The trap is opened by four cords (one to each side) fastened
one to the top of each side and passing through a pulley at the extremity of each arm;
these four cords are joined to a main cord which on being pulled pulls open each of
the four sides and on being let go, the trap closes again through the four sides being
brought together again by the aforesaid springs.
1002

page_text: I, JAMES BURMAN of Victoria Road, Castletown, Isle of Man, Gentleman do
hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:
My invention has reference to pigeon shooting traps, and consists essentially of a
base, provided with hinged and spring closing shutters, which on coming together,
enclose a pyramidal, or other figure; and within the space thus enclosed a pigeon or
bird is placed until it is liberated and shot at.
The shutter sides, have the inner ends of cords connected to them, which on being
collectively pulled, opens the whole of the sides of the trap at the same time, and
allows the bird thus liberated, to take to the wing.
By my improvements, pigeon shooting traps, are greatly simplified in their
construction.
Figure represents in side elevation, and figure 2 in plan, a pigeon shooting trap,
constructed and arranged according to my invention. Figure 3 shows a perspective
view, (upon a reduced scale) the said trap in its open position, or the position which
it assumes, on a bird being liberated.
The same letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the several figures.
a are four shutter sides, tapering upwardly from their base or lower ends, and
when brought together, or with their adjacent or meeting edges in juxta position, they
make a pyramidal figure, wherein a bird is placed until liberated, by the simultaneous
opening out, and subsequent lowering of the said shutter sides, as represented in
figure 3.
The lower widened out part of the shutter sides, are hinged or jointed at a², to a
rectangular base or carrying slab b, having four radially disposed arms directed
outwardly from the middles of the edges of the four sides, of the said base or carrier
slab.
Thus, the shutter sides are hinged to a base, and which on being brought together,
make an enclosing box or case.
The tops of the two opposito side shutters, are provided with shelve like flanges a³,
with overhanging edges a', which on coming together, form the top to the trap,
leaving an air space or opening a between their presented edges.
The shutter sides are closed by springs d, secured to the base b, or arm c, and
with their free tongue or arm like ends d², taking their bearings upon their outsides;
so that the shutters are by them, automatically closed, on a main cord or cords, or
other appliances as hereinafter described, being let go.
3
e, e², e, e, are cords, respectively passing through loops or over pulleys ƒ, ƒ³, ƒ³, ƒ^ƒ³,
and respectively connected at their inner ends, to loops or other connections situated
near the top end of the shutter sides a; so that the continued pulling or drawing
I,

page_text: inwards of the cords, which are connected at their outer ends, to a main cord e³,
opens in unison the four shutter sides, and lets go the bird.
The upper side of the base of the trap, carries an elevated platform /, upon which
the bird rests, before the trap is opened."
On the trap requiring to be closed, the main cord is simply let go, when the
springs, or the spring hinges, automatically fold inwardly, the shutter sides, into the
position as represented in figures 1 and 2.
I wish it to be understood that the trap may be made three or other sided; and
further, that the trap may be made if necessary only of two shutters, with flanged
sides, which come together, and enclose a pyramidal or other space.
The means of automatically closing the shutters or sides, may consist of either flat
springs, rubber springs, or springs enclosed within the barrels of the hinges or
joints.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention,
and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is-
First. Making pigeon or bird shooting traps, of spring hinge shutter like sides, or
segmental parts, which when brought together, enclose a space, wherein a pigeon or
bird may be placed, subsequent to being liberated, by the pulling or collective action
of a number of cords, whose inner ends are connected with each respective shutter,
door or segment, substantially as described and set forth.
Secondly. The simultaneous opening and closing, of segmental or shutter sides, of
pigeon and bird shooting traps, by cords and springs, disposed, connected, and
working, substantially as described and set forth.
Lastly. The general construction and arrangement of the parts of pigeon, and
bird shooting traps, substantially as described and set forth.
T
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