Patent of the Day: Vermin Trap or Insulator

On this day in 1880 Earl P. Denton was granted the patent for VERMIN TRAP OR INSULATOR. U.S. Patent No. 223,321.

This invention is designed to protect the legs of furniture from insects and vermin.

The invention consists of a cup or receptacle having a central compartment, whose vertical sides extend upwardly from the bottom of the cup and have a flange or brim extending outwardly from their summit. The sides of the cup extend to a less height than those of the central compartment, and the sides of said compartment form, with the bottom, a trough or meat for holding suitable liquid for destroying the insect falling therein.