ANIMAL TRAP

A sheet-metal snap trap, patented in 1951, declared foolproof.

PatentUS 2,560,442

PatentedJuly 10, 1951

InventorWilliam R. Horne

OfLos Angeles, California

Patent drawing of a sheet-metal rodent trap shown in side elevation, with a triangular base plate forming a stationary jaw, a hinged triangular upper plate forming the movable jaw, a coil spring at their central pivot, a bait-bearing trigger apron near the jaws, and a swinging detent arm at the rear that locks the upper jaw open, illustrated in both closed (solid lines) and open, set (dotted lines) positions, with additional cross-section and end-view figures showing the internal trigger and detent linkage. — click to zoom

Two triangular sheet-metal plates are pivoted together at their midlengths, the lower forming a stationary jaw and the upper a movable jaw urged closed by a coiled wire spring. Setting the trap raises the upper plate, and a wire link lifts a pivoted detent arm into a latched engagement with the trigger, holding the jaws open. The mouse places its feet on the baited trigger apron; the apron tips, freeing the detent, and the detent releases the upper plate. The spring swings the movable jaw shut against the stationary jaw.

“Also, in conjunction with the aforementioned improved features, it is an object to provide a "foolproof" trap that cannot be handled in such a manner as to get it out of order or to lower the efficiency with which it operates.”— William R. Horne, from the specification

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

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