IMPROVED ANIMAL-TRAP
Chokes the animal from either direction, then impales it on spikes.
A slotted plank table is set over a path the animal habitually travels, with a choker loop laid across each slot and connected by cords to a bent spring-pole. The animal nibbles the bait rod or strikes it in passing, which dislodges the setting rods and releases the pole. The pole springs upward and draws a choker tight around the animal in whichever slot it entered. Spikes on the underside of the table may pierce the animal as it is lifted.
“The under side of the table A may be provided with sharp spikes, v v v, which will pierce the animal when caught, and render his escape impossible.”— Major B. Marshall, from the specification
And the world did not beat a path to his door.