An animal trap, according to one embodiment, includes: a first portion having an upper and a lower end; a second portion in sliding relationship with the first portion, wherein the first and second portions are relatively positionable between a cocked position and a deployed position; a biasing mechanism for biasing the first and second portions towards the deployed position; two unique members extending from the lower end of the first portion; a bottom portion coupled to a distal end of each unique member, wherein a first end of each of the unique members is coupled to the first portion, wherein each of the distal ends are at a second end of each of the unique members, the second end being opposite the first end along a longitudinal length of each unique member; and a trigger mechanism for selectively locking the first and second portions in the cocked position.

A cage type animal trap having an enclosure with an animal access opening into a vacant interior sized to receive an animal to be trapped. The access opening is closed by a door that is movable from a closed to an opened position by an actuating mechanism having a flexible actuating member with one end secured to the door and the other end releasably held by a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism is configured to move the door to the opened position by tensioning the actuating member and, in response to a trigger mechanism, to release the second end of the actuating member and allow the door to move from the opened position to the closed position thereby trapping the animal in the animal enclosure. A door lock in abutment with the outer surface of the door prevents the door from being opened by a trapped animal. A part of the actuating mechanism is in engagement with the door lock when the door is closed such that the door lock is automatically disengaged when the actuating member is tensioned.

A cage type animal trap having an enclosure with an animal access opening into a vacant interior sized to receive an animal to be trapped. The access opening is closed by a door that is movable from a closed to an opened position by an actuating mechanism having a flexible actuating member with one end secured to the door and the other end releasably held by a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism is configured to move the door to the opened position by tensioning the actuating member and, in response to a trigger mechanism, to release the second end of the actuating member and allow the door to move from the opened position to the closed position thereby trapping the animal in the animal enclosure. A door lock in abutment with the outer surface of the door prevents the door from being opened by a trapped animal. A part of the actuating mechanism is in engagement with the door lock when the door is closed such that the door lock is automatically disengaged when the actuating member is tensioned.

The present improved animal trap and unique catch release mechanism eliminates substantial eating or removal of the bait without the trap activating and provides a dual means to activate the trap. This is accomplished by the present catch release mechanism having a sliding member which slides within a hole through the platform of the trap under the influence of gravity and a prop which holds at least a portion of the trap platform above a support surface. When the prop is destabilized by an external force, the prop's support of the platform is disturbed, permitting the platform to fall toward the support surface. The platform falls relative to the sliding member; and the sliding member is forced toward the catch by contact with the support surface, thus pushing the catch so that the catch releases the holding arm bar to activate the trap.

The present improved animal trap and unique catch release mechanism eliminates substantial eating or removal of the bait without the trap activating and provides a dual means to activate the trap. This is accomplished by the present catch release mechanism having a sliding member which slides within a hole through the platform of the trap under the influence of gravity and a prop which holds at least a portion of the trap platform above a support surface. When the prop is destabilized by an external force, the prop's support of the platform is disturbed, permitting the platform to fall toward the support surface. The platform falls relative to the sliding member; and the sliding member is forced toward the catch by contact with the support surface, thus pushing the catch so that the catch releases the holding arm bar to activate the trap.

A microcontroller button for use with rat traps is provided that can connect to the internet and send messages to a predetermined IP address. The button is positioned underneath the trigger of nearly any rat trap and sends a Set message when not pushed and a Capture message when pushed. Upon activation, the button prompts a user to input WiFi credentials to establish an internet connection. The button's software can be accessed via a downloadable phone app, which displays trap status.

The application provides a rodent or possum trap (101) comprising: a tunnel (102) for receiving a rodent or possum, a mechanical kill mechanism (103), the kill mechanism comprising, a spring-loaded strike edge (105) and optionally additionally comprises a mechanical trigger, and at least one trap door (104) having a closed position and an open position; wherein when the kill mechanism (103) is arranged so that when it is activated by a rodent in the tunnel (102) it kills the rodent and opens the trap door (104) to release the deceased rodent from the rodent trap.

The application provides a rodent or possum trap (101) comprising: a tunnel (102) for receiving a rodent or possum, a mechanical kill mechanism (103), the kill mechanism comprising, a spring-loaded strike edge (105) and optionally additionally comprises a mechanical trigger, and at least one trap door (104) having a closed position and an open position; wherein when the kill mechanism (103) is arranged so that when it is activated by a rodent in the tunnel (102) it kills the rodent and opens the trap door (104) to release the deceased rodent from the rodent trap.

A strike trap is disclosed with improved reliability and ease of setting. In a preferred configuration the improved trap is in the form of a tunnel or tube trap. In a preferred embodiment the strike bar moves upward from a low position to strike against an interior wall or equivalent structure of the tube. The strike bar is set by pressing it downward to become automatically latched near a floor or bottom of the tube. With the downward set action a single hand or foot can provide the set motion wherein the ground or other support surface exclusively provides a reaction force. A two stage retention system provides reliable low force, low travel trip action. The strike bar therefore can pivot adjacent to a wall with the bar extending away there from. This compact arrangement ensures the tube entrances in the tube embodiment are adjacent to the wall.

A strike trap is disclosed with improved reliability and ease of setting. In a preferred configuration the improved trap is in the form of a tunnel or tube trap. In a preferred embodiment the strike bar moves upward from a low position to strike against an interior wall or equivalent structure of the tube. The strike bar is set by pressing it downward to become automatically latched near a floor or bottom of the tube. With the downward set action a single hand or foot can provide the set motion wherein the ground or other support surface exclusively provides a reaction force. A two stage retention system provides reliable low force, low travel trip action. The strike bar therefore can pivot adjacent to a wall with the bar extending away there from. This compact arrangement ensures the tube entrances in the tube embodiment are adjacent to the wall.