IMPROVEMENT IN ANIMAL-TRAPS.
Available in various sizes; kills, disables, or merely holds.
The animal steps onto a platform vibrating in an opening in the base. The platform moves a coupling bar, which rocks an angular lever pivoted inside a wedge-shaped housing. The lever's hooked arm disengages a latch-bar, freeing a U-shaped striker bail held under spring tension. The bail snaps down onto the platform and the animal beneath it.
“This trap may be of various sizes, according to its use, and it operates to kill or disable by the force of the blow given by the striker, as well as to hold the animal when captured.”— John Leibold, from the specification
And the world did not beat a path to his door.