US464889A - Animal-trap - Google Patents

Description

Patented Dec. 8, 1891.

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(No 'MOCI'GL') D. F. PAGE.

ANIMAL TRAP. No. 464,889.

after appear.

UNITED PATENT OFFI E.

DAVID FLETCHER PAGE, OF ALGERNON, GEORGIA.

ANIMAL-TRAP.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 464,889, dated December 8, 1891..

Application filed August 25, 1891. Serial Ila-403,681. (No model.)

To a. whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, DAVID FLETCHER PAGE, a citizen of the United States, residing at Algernon, in the county of Gwinnett and State of Georgia, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Animal-Traps; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, which will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to animal-traps; and it has particular relation to that class designed for trapping moles.

The object of the invention is to provide a simple and improved trap of this character of inexpensive and durable construction and one which will possess advantages in point of simplicity and general efficiency.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of a trap embodying myinvention. Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view thereof. Fig. 3 is a side elevation.

Corresponding parts in the figures are denoted by the same letters of reference.

Referringto the drawings, A designates the frame, which comprises four uprights or timbers B, which converge toward their upper ends and are connected by horizontal crosstimbers 0. Upon the upper pair of the latter, and slightly to one side of their center, is secured a board D, and to the intermediate cross-timbers is secured a second correspond" ing board E. The boards D and E are parallel to each other and in the same vertical plane, and at coincident vertical points therein said boards are each provided with a rectangular mortise d e, respectively.

I designates a vertical bar rectangular in cross-section and corresponding to and sliding in the mortises d e. To the lower end of this bar is secured a gravity-block G, disposed horizontally and longitudinally with relation to the boards D and E. Projecting downwardly from the under face of the gravityblock is provided a series of sharp spikes H, the latter being located at each end-of the block. The central portion g of the block is left vacant, the purpose of which will herein- A pin f is passed transversely through the upper end of the bar F to limit the downward movement thereof.

jecting directly across the track.

For operating the trap I provide an improved construction of what is commonly known as the figure 4 device. The latter in this instance comprises an upright I, having a wedge-shaped upper end i. Engaging the latter is a notch or shoulderj, provided at the under side of a piece J, the lower end of said piece being beveled upon its outer side. The upper notched end of this piece is also beveled, as shown at j, and upon this end rests the block G. For normally retaining the gravity-block in elevated position a piece K is employed, provided at one end upon its upper side with a series of notches 70, one of which being engaged by the lower end of the piece J. Ashoulder 7t" is formed on the piece K at the side adjacent to the upright I, with which it is engaged to retain the parts in place. The piece K is extended beyond the upright I, as shown at K.

The operation and advantages of my invention will be readily understood by those skilled in the art to which it appertains.

The trap is set withthegravity-blocklocated above the mole-track, the operating device being located under the block and in the space g, with the extension K of the piece lK pro- As the dirt is raised by the mole in passing, the extension K is elevated, thus releasing the piece J and permitting theg'ravity-block to descend, the spikes piercing the mole and securing the same until removed from the trap. l/Vhen the trap is sprung, the parts forming the tripping device fall within the spacey and interference with the operation of the trap thus obviated.

By setting the tripping mechanism above the spikes the latter normally occupy a position close to the ground and the chances for escape of the mole during the falling of the block consequently reduced.

It will be further obvious that by constructing the trap upon a larger scale it is readily adapted for trapping other classes of burrowing animals of greater size.

I claim as my invention In a trap of the class described, the combination, with the frame comprising the two horizontal members provided with coincident rectangular mortises, the vertically-moving carried at the end of said bar and provided with a seriesot' downwardly-projeetingspikes, of the tripping mechanism normally supporting the gravity-block between the series of spikes and comprising an upright having a wedge-shaped upper end, an obliquely-arranged piece having a notched or shouldered upper end engaging the Wedge-shaped end of the upright and supporting the gravity-block, and a horizontal piece provided at one end 1 bar working in the latter, and the gravityfblock with a series of notches adapted to be engaged by the lower end of said oblique piece and with an intermediate shoulder engaging the upright, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

DAVID FLETCHER PAGE. Witnesses:

THOMAS MAEN HOUSE, J OH. E. ELIAS ANDREW PUOKETT.

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