AU2013101027A4 - Efficient mouse trap - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract An apparatus and method are disposed for improved functionality and operation of a spring-loaded mouse trap comprising a trap carapace (17) secured by a wire fastener (15) to a base (1) with a transverse spring (4) and front end loop (8), activated by means of a hyper-sensitive bait plate trigger (11), \ 8 // 17 \22 12 11Fig. 1 6a 3 2 7 13 - 3 6a 14 Fig.2

Description

1 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT EFFICIENT MOUSE TRAP The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 2 Technical Field [0001] This invention concerns mousetraps, and more particularly relates to an improved spring-loaded mousetraps designed to minimise the risk of mice stealing bait from a primed mousetrap without activating the mousetrap.

3 Background Art [0002] Spring-loaded mousetraps have been known in the art since at least 1894. These spring-loaded mousetraps are made of wood and metal wire and comprise a base of dimensions 100mm (L) x 45mm (W) x 5mm (H), a locking rod, a spring loop, a bait plate trigger 25mm in length, and a bait plate ("the standard mouse trap"). [0003] Many other types of mouse trap have been invented using a variety of innovative mechanisms and materials. However, the standard mouse trap invented at the end of the nineteenth century still dominates the small rodent trap market. [0004] The standard mouse trap works by means of a metal wire spring loop being held in a tensioned position by a locking rod which is placed within a release mechanism. This release mechanism has a bait plate at one end. Downward pressure on the bait plate by a mouse will release the locking rod so allowing the wire loop to spring forward over the locking rod mechanism, thereby trapping and euthanizing the mouse. [0005] While generally effective, a weakness of the prior art standard mouse trap is that mice are able to cautiously nibble the bait without releasing the bait plate trigger. A second weakness with the standard mouse trap is that mice will often have the option of approaching the trap from any angle. This often results in a mouse nibbling bait without releasing the bait plate trigger, or if approaching from the rear of the base releasing the bait plate trigger but avoiding capture by the spring loop.

4 Summary [0006] The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and especially in response to unsolved problems. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide a mouse trap that overcomes the above discussed weaknesses in the art. [0007] The invention will now be described with reference to the legend and figures 1 to 4. These drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope. [0008] Fig. 1 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of an improved mousetrap in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 2 is a top elevational perspective view of one embodiment of an improved mousetrap in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 3 is a top elevational perspective view of another embodiment of an improved mousetrap in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 4 is a rear side perspective view of another embodiment of an improved mousetrap in accordance with the present invention. [0009] The improved mouse trap is made of basic materials, namely a cardboard trap carapace 17, wood base 1, sheet metal for the bait plate trigger 11, wire spring loop 2, wire transverse spring 4, and four wire staples (6a, 6b, 14 and 16), wire fastener 15, and a locking rod 9. [0010] The details of the spring release mechanism are shown in Figure 2 where the spring-loaded mechanism functions in response to the reverse forces required to release the spring loop 2. The spring loop 2 is of sufficient strength to force its front end loop 8 against a small rodent feeding off the bait plate 12. The front end loop 8 is held backward when the mouse trap is set against the action of the transverse spring 4 by a locking rod 9, which passes over the front end loop 8 and which has its rear 5 end loosely connected to the base 1 around a wire staple 7. The front end of the locking rod 9 is adapted to engage a catch 10 of a hinged bait plate trigger 11, which is centrally fixed on the base 1 by staple nails 6a and 6b. [0011] The bait plate trigger 11 consists of a piece of sheet metal, which is bent rearward to form a shoulder which is drilled with a rod eye 13 to receive the locking rod 9. The bait plate trigger 11 is 30 per cent longer than the standard mouse trap bait plate trigger, therefore measuring 33mm in length. When the improved mouse trap is set, the longer bait plate trigger 11 means the force required to be applied on the bait plate 12 by a nibbling small rodent to release the transverse spring 4 is significantly decreased. [0012] As illustrated in Figure 3 and Figure 4 the trap carapace 17 is fastened to the base 1 by means of a wire fastener 15 that swivels 90 degrees upwards. A mouse is unable to set off the improved mouse trap by any different angle of approach other than the front of the bait plate 12. A mouse cannot approach the bait plate 12 from the side or from the rear of the base 1.

Claims (4)

1. An improved spring-loaded mousetrap comprising: A hinged metal bait plate trigger that extends to almost the edge of the mouse trap base, 30 per cent longer than the standard mouse trap bait plate trigger length.

2. An improved spring-loaded mousetrap comprising: A cardboard trap carapace to accommodate the operating mouse trap base.

3. An improved spring-loaded mousetrap comprising: An omega-shaped metal wire fastener attached to the rear side of the mouse trap base by means of a wire staple.

4. An improved spring-loaded mousetrap comprising: A small opening at the rear of the trap carapace allowing the omega-shaped metal wire fastener attached to the rear side of the mouse trap base to pass through and fasten the said base to the trap carapace.