TRAP

Two serrated jaws close around the animal's body instead of the leg.

PatentUS 1,447,525

PatentedMarch 6, 1923

InventorClay Theriot

OfHouma, Louisiana

Line drawing of an antique steel trap with two long serrated arcuate jaws mounted on a central post over a hexagonal base plate, connected to a bent bow-spring and a baited trigger latch mechanism, shown set in Fig. 1 and 2 and sprung shut in Fig. 3. — click to zoom

A bow-spring is depressed to open a pair of arcuate serrated jaws pivoted on a central post, and a latch holds the baited trigger in place. The animal stands on the base plate and disturbs the bait, which is positioned directly forward of the jaws' pivot point. The latch releases, the spring drives the jaws together, and the jaws clasp the animal's body. This prevents the animal from ruining its fur or severing its leg to escape.

“Now in case an animal approaches the trap and attempts to take the bait, he will of course be inclined to come upon the base plate and stand in a position so that when the trap is swung, the jaws J will close about the body of the animal. It is important that the bait 24 be positioned as shown in order to accomplish these results.”— Clay Theriot, from the specification

And the world did not beat a path to his door.

Next: ANIMAL TRAP →