Animal trap

Abstract

An animal trap comprises a base frame having an upper surface and a jaw member pivotally mounted on the base for pivotal movement from a cocked position to a sprung position, the jaw member having at least one horizontal bar extending transversely of the base. Spring means yieldably urge the jaw member to the sprung position. A catch member is pivotally mounted on the frame also and includes a catch pawl for retentively engaging the bar of the jaw member to hold the bar in its cocked position. The catch member is pivotal away from retentive engagement with the bar to release the jaw member so that it can return to its original position. A trip member is also pivotally mounted on the base, and is engageable with the catch member to hold the catch member against the bar when the bar is in its locked position. The trip member is movable to release the catch member which in turn releases the bar and permits the jaw member to pivot to its sprung position. A reset member is provided on the upper surface of the base and is adapted to reset all of the various components automatically to the proper position when the jaw member is manually moved from its sprung position to its cocked position. A bait holder is fixed to the support base of the trap and is positioned below the trip member so that an animal cannot reach the bait without moving the trip member.