Animal Trap
Jason Alexander Williams didn't mess around when it came to killing rodents. His 'animal trap' (patented in 1882) shot them dead:
And his invention didn't just kill rodents. Williams noted:
My invention relates to an improvement in animal-traps; and it consists in the combination of a suitable frame upon which a revolver or pistol is secured, a treadle which is secured to the front end of this frame, and a suitable spring and levers, by which the firearm is discharged when the animal steps upon the treadle, as will be more fully described hereinafter.
The object of my invention is to provide a means by which animals which burrow in the ground can be destroyed, and which trap will give an alarm each time that it goes off, so that it can be reset.
The object of my invention is to provide a means by which animals which burrow in the ground can be destroyed, and which trap will give an alarm each time that it goes off, so that it can be reset.
And his invention didn't just kill rodents. Williams noted:
This invention may also be used in connection with a door or window, so as to kill any person or thing opening the door or window to which it is attached.
Comments
The second description of use was known as a "trap gun." The problem is that it cannot distinguish between intruder and anyone with the right to be inside the space under coverage. They were declared an illegal use many, many years ago.
Posted by KDP on 06/21/20 at 02:55 PM
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Category: Animals | Inventions | Patents | Nineteenth Century