Improvements in Vermin, Fish, Beast of Prey, and Burglar Cage Traps.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 26th Jan., 1891-Accepted, 21st Nov., 1891
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Vermin, Fish, Beast of Prey, and Burglar
Cage Traps.
WILLIAM HOUSTON SINCLAIR Gentleman Morton Manor Brading Isle of
Wight do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner thé
same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement :-
Improvements in cages for trapping creatures without mutilation or injury. For
1
The improvements relate to methods of securing the denizens of the air, the
land, and the water without injury to their bodies, by traps, having closing sides,
urged by springs; the sides being in cage form instead of flat, so as to enclose
the creatures caught, without jamming them between the two sides. The improve-
ments relate particularly to the construction of the traps, which when set, may be
concealed, and show little to scare the wary from approaching the bait, and they
relate also to other details set forth and hereinafter described in the drawings in.
which
Fig. 1 is a view of the cage trap set, with bait plate.
Fig. 2 trap kept open by a divided wire, balanced on n.
Fig. 3 steel springs with arms, acting on the extremities.
Fig. 4 left section of cage trap shut.
Fig. 5 action of leverage on and below the bait plate.
Fig. 6 right section with increased leverage power.
Fig. 7 set, by divided wire, and with two rubber springs.
Fig. 8 bottom plate with stops.
Fig. 9 set with one rubber spring, and divided wire.
Fig. 10 cage trap shut, with signal floats for water.
Fig. 11 for beasts of prey, shut, and signalled so, by a flag.
Fig. 12 for burglars, open, with alarum bells set.
Fig. 13 for vermin, set, with baggy netted sides.
Fig. 14 back view of Fig. 13 showing steel springs and stop.
Fig. 15 with two flat wire springs at the extremities.
Fig. 16 with one flat wire spring across the centre.
Fig. 17 two spiral wire springs fixed, and acting on opposite sides.
Fig. 18 one spiral wire spring fixed on one side, and acting on the other.
The objects of this invention are
1st. Efficiency in luring one or more creatures within the scope of the trap
(24 inches by 20 inches) more or less.
2nd. One creature may throw the catch off, and enclose others not on, or very
near the bait plate.
3rd. Not to hurt the bodies of the creatures caught.

page_text: 4th. Simplicity, and cheapness of their manufacture in fitting them for the
different creatures for which they are intended.
The frames are made of strong galvanized wire, or of iron or steel bar, in suitable
sizes and shapes, and the sides enclosed with finer galvanized wire in lines, with
perforated zinc, by iron, or steel bars, or by wire, or string netting of any mesh. In
Fig. 1. The bottom consists of a sheet-iron plate SI on each end of which is
rivetted a steel spring G having two arms each perforated with a hole H large
enough to act freely on two strong wires W fixed on each side: both sides hinging
on six split wire rings O passing through holes pierced at the edges of the bottom
plate S which is cut out, so as to leave a strip 2 inches by an inch K to be
bent upwards near its end, and made to receive and hold the catch C till released
by the weight of any creature on the bait plate B assisted by any tugging at the
bait fixed on one or more hooks (without barbs) and lines that pass through a
hole or holes drilled near B and also through a small ring or wheel, hinged or fixed
on the bottom plate underneath the bait-plate, between the central B and T, so
that when the said lines are tied at the three points punched at T leverage or
pulley power is produced by any tearing at the bait, which helps to throw the
catch Coff. Bait can likewise be scattered over the whole extent of the sides
which lie flat on the ground when the two springs G are pressed down and the
catch C set in position as represented in Fig. 1.
The ends E and tops e of each division must be half the width of the bottom
plate SI and may be secured together by a snap spring P with the force of
shutting. The bait plate B is made to pivot about one inch above the bottom
plate SI in two eyes R rivetted thereon and the said bait-plate B remains level, as
long as the catch C is retained in K, but as soon as the aforesaid catch C is released
the four arms H of the two springs G raise the two sides at right angles with the
bottom plate forming a complete cage. The catch C is hinged at A, nearer the
central B, than appears in the drawing. A sliding door D to admit the hand is
made on the side opposite the catch C.
Fig. 2 is set with a divided strong wire J resting and balanced on an omega
rivetted on the sheet-iron bottom Ï. Before setting, meat, carrots or any other
bait is skewered on either or both sides of the divided wire J, the springs S with
the four arms H being pressed down, and the trap kept open with a stick the same
length as the divided wire J, till the said wires are brought together and balanced
at C; the stick is then removed, and the trap ready for action without a bait
plate. The springs S acting on strong wires W through H raise the sides at
right angles with the sheet iron bottom I, as soon as the bait is disturbed in any
direction and the occupant is secured without a snap spring, till removed through
the sliding door D. In the case of rats, they may be drowned by submerging the
whole cage in water. The sides hinge on six wire rings at O.
Fig. 3 is for use either with a bait plate B or a divided wire J, or with both by
skewering the bait attached to a line passing through the bait plate at the central B
on the divided wire J, so that any tugging at the aforesaid bait draws down by
pulley power the points T and throws Ce the catches off.
The four arms of the two springs S slide up four strong wires W through
holes H at the extremities, instead of at the interior to give more room for such
occupants as rabbits.
The omega on which J rests is fixed upright at the edge of I the bottom
plate. P is a snap spring R two eyes in which bait plate pivots. O ring hinges.
Fig. 4 shows the left section shut, under water, and is especially for crabs,
lobsters and soles; for cels the sides are covered with perforated zinc, and the
springs S with their four arms made to act on four strong wires W through holes H,
at the ends, instead of in the interior as in Fig. 3. To lower or raise Fig. 4 lines L
and C pass round the bottom plate and through the trap as shown. On the said
lines floats are made fast, to mark its position, and to indicate whether open or
shut. A purse or snap spring on the centre of the top of each half side at P
fastens the halves together with the force of the springs in shutting.

page_text: Fig. 5 represents the bottom plate I of the trap which may be made of
galvanized sheet iron, with two protruding stops X about one inch in length on
the right hand side, and two and a half inches on the left, bent one inch at K,
and half an inch at C, to receive the catch c. Eight small holes are punched,
two at the centre of each of the sides, and one between the aforesaid sides and
each end F, for the split or other rings on which the sides hinge. Two eyes R
are fixed and rise about one inch above the bottom plate, in which two eyes,
two pins from the bait plate pivot. On drawing Fig. 5 Q is a ring hinging
on the bottom plate I for which a small wheel may be substituted through
or over which, string or catgut passes, after being tied at the holes provided on
the bait plate near T and through a hole or holes O likewise provided on the bait
plate to the unbarbed hook or hooks, which must be larger than the hole or
holes in the bait plate underneath, and must be pointed sufficiently to pierce
the bait.
Fig. 6 is the right half section unhinged, and without wire backing, to show
clearly how the pulley power may be increased by another ring or small wheel
fixed at q on or through which the string or catgut may pass directly from the
hook or hooks above the bait plate to the ring or pulley Q rivetted on the bottom-
plate; or the said string or catgut may pass first through the ring or pulley Qon
the bottom plate then through 7 on the right hand as in Fig. 6 to be finally tied
at the holes T on the bait plate. In the drawing the strings or catgut appear
separately passing through 7, but the three strings or catgut may be plaited
together and thus joined from near the bait plate till diverging to be tied at the
holes T.
Fig. 7 is for fish that do not feed on the bottom, and would have little or no
weight on a bait plate. The bait is therefore tied or skewered on one or both
parts of a divided wire J, one half of the said wire resting on the other half
balanced at C. The bait may also be floated higher on a barbless hook, with
string or catgut through a cork R of sufficient buoyancy tied to J, near C.
The bottom plate is made with stops to prevent the sides from hinging back-
wards by F. Two india rubber springs S$ fastened on wires W midway on each
side, stretch and lie flat on S I when the cage is open and remain so, as long as the
divided wire J keeps balanced at C. P on cach top half is a snap spring.
Fig. 8 shows the six stops X required to prevent reflex action of the sides
hinging on SI in Figs. 7 and 9.
Fig. 9 shuts or opens with one india rubber spring near the centre Ss, and lies
flat on S I while the divided wire J remains balanced at C. To strengthen the
wires W to which the india rubber spring or springs are fastened the wires in lines
that enclose each side, may cross W alternately, and be tied there with wire thread.
The force of shutting closes snap spring P. The sides may hinge on wire
rings F.
Fig. 10 represents the cage trap shut and fastened in water, which may be
accomplished either by throwing a divided wire J resting on off its balance, as
in Fig. 2 Fig. 7 and Fig. 9 or by throwing a bait plate off its catch C, assisted by
pulley power underneath as in Fig. 1 or by both divided balanced wire J and
assisted bait plate as in Fig. 3 freeing springs acting on strong wires W at each
end as in Fig. 3 or by freeing, spiral, flat wire, or india rubber spring or springs
fixed on strong wires W midway on the sides as in Fig. 7 and Fig. 9.
For river, pond, or sea, two small rings A at the top and at the bottom, have a
cord C through them for the purpose of keeping the trap steady when being
lowered set.
The aforesaid cord C has a cork M that should be fixed a few inches under the
surface of the water, when set, so that the said cork M would rise and float upon
the surface to give notice when shut.
Another cord or line L passing through the cage and
bottom has a larger float F to appear always on the surface to
is submerged, and to assist in steadying while being lowered.
small rings G on the
mark where the trap
The door D is made

page_text: 'to slide upwards by six wire rings R and may be made any size, or in any position.
A purse or snap spring at P secures the cage with the force of shutting.
Fig. 11 is made of iron or steel bar; the springs S are outside of the cage, and
are so powerful that no other means of fastening is required. For foxes, wild
cats, and other beasts of prey, this cage trap is meant to be sunk a few inches, and
hidden with leaves, earth, or grass. A strong bar with a forked end, mores on
the 2nd top bar, to keep the cage open while being baited. Either the divided
bar balanced near as in Fig. 3 clearing the bait plate, or the bait plate assisted
by pulley power as in Fig. 1 may be applied. To avoid frequent examination of
the cage,
I attach a red or white Hag rolled round a staff F of any height required,
which will lie flat on the ground, and may be hidden, when the trap is set, but
will rise, unfurl itself, and signal when the cage is shut. I may apply the same
method of flag signals, on a smaller scale, to any or all of the figures herein drawn,
and described, when in use on land, so that, with an ordinary field-glass an extensive
tract, and a number of traps, can be under observation from one point of view.
The sides hinge on six strong rings R and are set open, or shut close, by the four
arms A bent instead of being perforated, acting on a smooth bar, greased, at each
angle to facilitate easy movement of the two springs S. Fig. 12 is for mansions,
banks, bullion lockers on board ships, country houses, and such like, to protect from
burglary.
The sides, roof, and bottom of the cage, are made of bar iron or steel, eight feet
or more in length, and six feet more or less in breadth concealed by being built
and plastered into the walls, floor and ceiling of a hall or passage the ends only
appearing to open and shut like ordinary doors; seeming when open to lead from
the passage.
Eight steel springs S acting on each other in pairs; or any of the metal springs
used in Fig. 1 to Fig. 18 shut the said doors, before and behind the passenger who
steps on the floor plate eighteen inches from either end, whose weight lowers the
floor plate with its ring R with attached wires W which set free the catches C and
the force of shutting secures the bar iron or steel doors, by three powerful spring
locks L on each, that can be unlocked from the outside of the cage only. The
carpet or floor covering, and the flooring is cut through across the hall or passage
at T and made into one plate or table. The rafters under the aforesaid flooring
are cut or lowered four inches to allow the said plate or table to sink that distance.
The floor plate rests upon, and is secured by screws N to a smaller table under-
neath in the shape of pillar and claw, the claws being four springs O made to keep
the plate flooring in position, level with the uncut flooring, when there is no
weight thereon and assisted in maintaining that level position by two stiff india
rubber bands B stretching across the passage, and fixed under the uncut floor near
the ends at B with the object of preventing any movement of the floor plate to be
observed till the centre thereof is reached by the passenger.
The ring or rings, with attached wires W, and alarum bells A, are outside
the cage trap concealed by laths and plaster, the said bells being hidden with
perforated zinc, to appear like ventilators; the said wires and alarum bells may
communicate with any or all of the rooms on the premises and, would continue
acting with the least commotion on the floor plate. For very wide halls or passages,
the ring with attached wires, alarum bells, and doors, may be in duplicate, on
each side.
Two flat or round steel bolts Fat one end of the floor-plate, move simultaneously
on each side, by a steel bar connecting the two aforesaid steel bolts F by crossing
the passage under the flooring not cut, and two flat or round steel bolts Gat
the other end of the floor plate, moving simultaneously by means of a steel
bar connecting the two steel bolts G under the other side of the uncut flooring.
The four steel bolts are pushed under or into the floor plate, by the lever V
acting on two cog wheels Kone on each side connected by means of a steel bar,
crossing underneath the uncut flooring near T.
The said bolts G are cogged to receive the cogged wheels K, and slide in a

page_text: grooved or fluted steel plate fastened under the uncut flooring. The aforesaid bolts,
cogged bars, and cogged wheels, are firmly braced that they may act in unison, the
lowest segment of K on both sides, acting on Z and F both sides, and the upper
segment of K on both sides acting on bolts G on both sides, cogged on the parts
of the ends near and over K only. The doors, whether single or in halves, hinge
on steel loops and hooks at H, and cannot be unhinged as the said hooks are rivetted
or nutted at the tops after the doors are hung. To facilitate the movement of the
steel rods Z, both sides rest and slide in grooved or fluted wheels J. The floor-
plate may be made to sustain any weight when bolted.
One, any, or all of the aforesaid doors may be left open or shut at option.
Pegs or brass hooks for cloaks and hats on one or both sides, help to disguise
the cage.
Fig. 13 is for small vermin, made of cheaper material, is more simply constructed
of two sides, covered with very loose string or wire netting. loose enough not to
hurt what is meant to be enclosed.
Two steel springs at the back, act on two bent wires W when the divided wire J
is unbalanced.
The two sides hinge on two wire rings R.
A piece of bread is skewered on the divided wire J balanced at C, and bread
crumbs scattered over the netting, for sparrows, fruit for starlings, in like manner,
and worms tied together with worsted, then to the divided wire J balanced at C
completes the preparation for some other creatures. Slip knots tied on any part
of the sides of the netting admit the hand.
Fig. 14 is a view of the back of Fig. 13 with two light steel springs S rivetted
on a strip of sheet iron I through which also the hinge rings R pass, to keep the
sides from reflex action. The said steel springs S are curved at the free ends to
receive the bent wires W they are meant to act on.
Fig. 15 is for larger game, is in cage form, each side hinging on four wire rings R
passing through a sheet iron bottom plate I shutting or closing by two flat wire
springs Fone at each side fastened to strong wires T crossing midway on the sides.
The said springs F ascend wires W on opposite sides, when the divided wire .J
resting on loses its balance at C. A strong wire circle fixed on the back of the
bottom plate I prevents reflex action. One snap-spring P secures this cage in
shutting
Fig. 16 has only one flat wire spring F fixed in the interior of the cage on two
strong wires T crossing midway, the two cage formed sides.
The said spring Flies flat on the bottom plate, when the cage is open, but draws
the caged sides sharply together, and secures them by two snap springs P one at
each end, when the divided wire J resting on is thrown off its balance at C.
The divided wire J in Fig. 16 is slightly bent, near its hinges to clear the spring F.
Reflex action is prevented by a strong wire circle fixed on the back of the bottom
plate I, binging on wire rings R.
Fig. 17 shows the action of two spiral wire springs S fixed on one side, and each
acting on the opposite side, by means of hooked arms A on bent wires W kept
open by a divided wire bent near J to be sufficiently high to rest on and
balanced at C. The sides may be enclosed with baggy netting of any kind and
hinge on 4 wire rings R fixed on a wooden board b-d to keep it upright when
shut, and prevent reflex action. For use under water, galvanized sheet iron is
substituted for a wooden board b-d P is a snap spring.
Fig. 18 is the view of a simpler and cheaper form of cage trap, with one spiral
wire spring S fixed on one side, from the centre of which two strong wire arms A
are extended joined, and rounded to embrace one wire W opposite, on which it is
designed to slide, when the divided wire J, resting on is thrown off its balance
at C and is secured by two snap springs one at each angle P. The sides may be
enclosed and hinge on 4 wire rings R as in Fig. 17, fixed on a small round or
square wooden board b-d, between and under the 2 wire rings R nearest the
centre.

page_text: It will be evident that the nature and the object of my invention is to secure
effectually various creatures without bodily hurt, and that cach form of cage
trap referred to in the drawings has a means of making known its behaviour
near at hand, and at a distance; whether used on land, or in water.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manier the same is to be performed declare that what I
claim is
1st. A cage trap, formed of three parts, hinging on each other, the sides folding
backwards towards the ground form two parts, hinging on the bottom which
forms the third part, affording an entrance round or above the bait; held open or
secured shut, substantially as described.
2nd. A cage trap formed of four or six pieces, the two ends opening and shutting
as doors by the movement of floor plate, substantially as described.
3rd. A cage trap formed of two pieces, hinging on each other, and held open,
or secured shut, substantially as described.
4th. A cage trap, with pulley power under the bait plate, substantially as and
for the purpose described.
5th. A cage trap with various adaptations of springs substantially as described.
6th. A cage trap with combinations in catches, substantially as described.
7th. A cage trap with self acting flag signal, for use on land, substantially as
described.
8th. A cage trap with self acting float signal, for use on water, substantially as
described.
Dated this 26th day of January 1891.
WILLIAM HOUSTON SINCLAIR.