ANIMAL TRAP
The doorway itself closes on the mouse, with serrated edges.
The mouse enters through an opening in the front wall and disturbs a bait tongue on the trigger pan. The trigger releases a catch, freeing a jaw member that slides in guide ways along the body. A U-shaped spring snaps the jaw across the entrance opening, closing it against the fixed front wall. The lower edge of the jaw opening is serrated to grip the animal caught between the two.
“The parts being of plastic or metal can be readily cleaned or sterilized should occasion require. The parts are simple and economical to produce and assemble.”— Merle K. Benson, from the specification
And the world did not beat a path to his door.