ANIMAL-TRAP
The trap leaps upward at the animal as the jaws close.
The animal steps on the bait pan, which releases a detent holding two leaf springs in set position. One spring closes a pair of arcuate jaws around the animal. A second spring simultaneously elevates the entire trap upward toward the animal. The detent is thrown clear of the jaws by the upward movement of the springs.
“The primary object of the invention is to provide means of an improved character in combination with the coacting elements of the trap for elevating or projecting the same upwardly toward the animal to be caught simultaneously with the closing of the jaws, resulting in obtaining a higher and more secure grip upon the animal.”— Ferrand F. Ellis and Stephen R. Leonard, from the specification
And the world did not beat a path to his door.