Trapdoor facts for kids

A trapdoor is a special kind of door that lies flat with the floor, ceiling, or roof. It can slide open or be hinged, like a regular door. Trapdoors are usually small. They were first used in mills to help lift sacks of grain. Over time, trapdoors have found many other uses, such as in ships, trains, and even in theatre shows and movies.

History of Trapdoors

A deck hatch on the Omega ship, which was a large sailing cargo ship.

Long ago, trapdoors were used in mills. They were called "sack traps." These traps let heavy sacks of grain move up through the mill. After the sacks passed, the trapdoor would close by itself.

Many buildings with flat roofs have special openings called hatches. These hatches let people get onto the roof. On ships, similar openings are also called hatches, not trapdoors. They provide access to the ship's deck. Large cargo ships, like those that carry bulk goods, have very big hatches. These hatches allow access to the ship's holds, which are the storage areas for cargo.

Trapdoors in Railways

An Amtrak conductor in a train doorway with the trapdoor closed (top) and open (bottom).

On some passenger trains, a trapdoor is a flat plate in the entry area. When it's flat, it lets passengers get on or off at high-level platforms. But if the platform is low, the trapdoor can be flipped open. This reveals steps that passengers can use to get on or off the train. Many trains in America, like the Comet cars, use these trapdoors. This helps passengers board trains easily from different platform heights.

Trapdoors in Nature

Trapdoor spiders are amazing creatures! They live in underground nests that they line with their own silk. To hide their homes, they build a special hinged lid made of silk. This lid acts like a trapdoor, keeping them safe and hidden from predators.

Star Traps in Theatre

A 19th-century Star trap from the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in London. It is now in the Victoria and Albert Museum.

In theatre, a "star trap" is a special type of trapdoor used on stage. It allows actors to appear very quickly, almost as if by magic! For example, a character might suddenly pop up in a puff of smoke, making the audience gasp.

Trapdoors in Stories and Movies

In books and films, trapdoors are often used as hidden doors. They can lead to secret passageways, dungeons, or hidden tunnels. Sometimes, they are used as actual traps. An unlucky person might step on one and fall into a hidden space below.

A trapdoor plays an important part in a scene from the 1963 movie Charade.

Images for kids

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  A trapdoor to a bomb shelter from World War II

See also

• Trap (disambiguation)
• Angstloch
• Trapdoor function
• Patio