Trigger mechanism for rotating frame animal traps

摘要

An improved trigger mechanism for a rotating frame animal trap includes a single plate which is bent along its transversely extending center line and includes end portions which are contoured to rotatably engage one of the side portions of a trap frame. Spaced holes defined through the plate along the center line receive respective prongs of a two-prong bent wire trigger arm which is supported by the folded plate. A tab is cut in the plate and bent out of plane to serve as a wedge for securing the bent wire trigger arm along the center line. Cut-out portions from opposite ends of the plate in the region of the contoured portions provide exposure of the surrounded frame portion side to permit a latching mechanism, which is pivotally secured to another frame, to releasably engage the exposed portion of the frame on which the trigger mechanism is supported. The trigger mechanism is constructed for release when the trigger arm is engaged by an animal from any direction.