Patent · US Expired

Rodent trap with entrapping teeth

US6415544B1 · kind B1 · utility

43Cited by
20References
24Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 28, 2000
Grant dateJul 9, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 28, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA01M23/26
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A plastic jaw or striker with downwardly facing teeth is pivotally mounted to a plastic base with mating upwardly facing teeth. A plastic trigger hangs from the base, and a coil spring extends between the jaw and the base rearward of the trigger. The spring holds the jaw in the set position, by engaging the rear of the jaw against the rear of the base. The trap is tuned to be not overly sensitive, avoiding springing of the trap by vibrations or insubstantial rodent entry. The spring or tension axis does not go through the trigger, simplifying construction and arrangement of parts. The open position is limited by the jaw engaging the base. The jaw is just over-center when set, such that a small movement towards closure does not trigger it. The trigger requires fairly large movement, facilitated by the raised pivot axis, to trigger the trap. When closed the teeth interdigitate, closing against each other without any shear, thus striking and crushing rodents caught between the teeth, but minimizing damage to children or pets inadvertently actuating the trap.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.