MOUSETRAP
A snap trap set by turning a handle instead of using fingers.
A spring-driven wire jaw pivots on a shaft attached to a wooden base. When the mouse disturbs the bait pedal, a return bend releases a locking bar, and the jaw swings over to pin the mouse against the base. After the victim is removed, the user rotates the jaw's handle through approximately 180 degrees; a cam surface on the trigger presses the locking bar down through a slotted reset holder, whose restricted throat holds the trigger in position until the bar re-engages its aperture. The trap is thereby returned to set condition without the user's hands entering the path of the jaw.
“One object of the invention is to provide a mouse trap which eliminates all necessity on the part of the user to put his hands in a position of danger while setting the trap.”— George H. Van Brunt, from the specification
And the world did not beat a path to his door.