The present invention relates to a trap for catching of small animals like rats and minks, but also mice and forms a substantial development of a trap according to the Swedish patent SE 9502253 from 1995- 06- 21. The shape of this trap is clear from the enclosed l :st patent claim, and its limitation is, that it can only be used for small animals like mice. There is, however, a need for traps for larger animals than these, like rats and minks.

A trap of the shape defined by the first part of the l :st patent claim is thus so formed, that the supporting surface of the arm portion against the first arm of the clamp means has such a length and the tap is such designed, that the same cannot releasing reach the first before the cap has been turned upwards such an angle a, that an animal can reach a bait.

Other characteristics of the trap according to the invention are obvious from the subclaims.

The invention is disclosed in the following, reference being made to the enclosed schematic figures, in which

figure 1 shows a side view of a trap partly in section,

figure 2 shows a view from above of a portion of the trap,

figure 3 shows a view from above of the trap at an underlying mat,

figure 4 shows a view of a mat with T-formed fastening means cut from it, figure 5 shows, in a square section, a T- formed fastening means, ready to get into a fastening position.

In the figure a stand is marked by 1, a first axis by 2, around which a clamp means 3 is journalled, swingable, against a screw spring 4, stretchable to a first, adapted position. The clamp means is provided with, extending from the first axis 2, a first arm 6 and a second arm 7. The end of the first arm 6, directed from the first axis 2 forms a fastening point 8 for a force means in the form of a screw spring, whereas the second fastening point 9 is located at the stand 1. In the first, adapted position of the clamp means 3 the force of the screw spring 4 runs through the first axis 2, such that there is no turning momentum at the clamp means 3. A stop means 10 is provided in order to prevent the clamp means 3 to be turned anti-clockwise. A releasing means 5 is journalled around a second axis 1 1 at the stand, and shows a first arm portion in the form of a cap 12 above a container 13 for a bait and a second arm portion 14, which in the form of a stop means locks the first arm 6 of the clamp means 3 when this is in its first position. The releasing means 5 is provided with a third portion in the form of a tap 15, which can releasing press against the first arm 6 of the clamp means 3. The supporting surface 22 of the arm portion 14 against the first arm 6 of the clamp means has such a length, and the tap 15 is such formed, that the same does not releasing reach the first arm 6, until the cap 12 has been turned upwards such an angle a, that an animal can reach a bait. The angle a is about 25 degrees.

In one advantageous form of the trap the releasing means in the form of a cap 12 is such journalled around the second axis 1 1 that its displacement horizontally is prevented.

From the bottom of the container 13 there extends a pillar directed upwards with a narrow end 16 for fastening of a bait.

The cap 12 is at its free end formed, seen in a square section, as a V- formed portion 17, open upwards, the outer portion of which is intended to determine the successive opening of the cap 12 by the animal.

The pillar with the narrow end 16 and the V-formed portion 17 have such dimensions, that the animal must press up the cap in order to reach the bait at the narrow end 16.

The cap 12 may, at the upper side be formed like a bowl, open upwards, for placing of a tempting bait. In a suitable design the V-formed portion of the cap is provided with side walls, such that a bowl is formed. One further bowl 24 may be provided at the inside of strangling threshold 20. These bowls have the advantage, that more or less fluent bait may be used to tempt animals to be catched. Any change of the bait in an open bowl indicates if an animal has been present at the trap.

The clamp means is at its fee end formed with a hit portion 18 and the stand 1 is formed with an anvil 19 against which said hit portion 18 strikes in the second, crushing, killing position of the clamp means 3. A strangling threshold 20 is provided outside of the anvil 19 with upwards enlarged side supports 21 at each side of the strangling threshold 20.

In one suitable embodiment the trap is releasably fastened to a mat 22 below. This combination has the advantage, that the animal cannot draw away the trap after having been trapped.

The releasable fastening of the trap at the mat may be arranged in many ways for example by bands or hooks. In one advantageous design, in the case the mat 22 is made from relatively stiff plastic, two T- formed fastening elements 27 are cut from the mat 22 turned around axes 26. Their planes are parallel to the length direction of the trap at such a distance from each other, that they from inside may be folded upwards to each its inner wall of the stand 1 formed as each its longitudinal profile 28 with openings 25 directed downwards, wherein resp edge of the T- portions of the fastening means may be locking fastened.