ANIMAL TRAP SIGNAL APPARATUS
An underwater trap that sends a ball to the surface when sprung.
A cylindrical housing is mounted upright on an underwater animal trap, holding a hollow plastic ball tethered to its base by a chain. A flat tab closes the open top of the housing and is connected by a wire to the trap's movable jaw. When an animal springs the trap, the closing jaw pulls the tab from its slot, uncovering the housing. The ball rises on its chain to the surface of the water, indicating the trap has been sprung.
“In so moving, the movable member 14 will pull the cover member 48 from the slot 50 in the housing 40 thereby opening the top end 46 of the housing 40. This releases the buoyant float 52 from the housing 40 enabling it to rise to the surface of the water and provide an indication that the trap has been sprung.”— Nicky L. Charnoske, from the specification
And the world did not beat a path to their door.